The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic cars ever build and there are many reasons for that. The innovative approach in the 1960s, the performance, the sales success, and its legacy on the race track have all contributed to the legend. But the nameplate also went through drastic changes. The second-gen model is now hated for turning the muscle car into a mundane compact, while the fourth-gen Mustang was this close to becoming a front-wheel drive car. The modern Mustang is again a symbol that brings together performance and affordability, but the nameplate is in for major changes in the near future. We already know that the pony will get a hybrid drivetrain in 2019, but it seems that Ford is considering offering the Mustang with all-wheel drive and as an EV.

The EV version is reportedly scheduled to arrive with the next-generation model. With the current-gen pony set to get a hybrid for the 2020 model year, it's safe to assume that the seventh-gen Mustang won't be here sooner than 2022. The same goes for the all-wheel-drive system, which won't make it into the Mustang until Ford redesigns the car from the ground up.

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A Much-Needed Change?

Granted, the Mustang is a gasoline-only car by tradition, and it's difficult to picture it with a different drivetrain, but times have changed, and the nameplate needs to adapt in order to survive. Just like a four-cylinder engine seemed like a silly idea decades ago, electrification in a Mustang might seem strange for most enthusiasts. But, it's part of the nameplate's evolution now, and it will become a reality soon. I get that hardcore fans hate the idea of an all-electric Mustang, but a battery-powered car will most definitely have solid performance and unprecedented torque.

The sprint to 60 mph will be quicker than ever with this model, so performance won't be sacrificed for the sake of going green. Sure, the roar of the V-8 engine will be replaced by the humming of an electric motor, so there is one thing to get used to, but think of the savings you'll be making by not stopping at the gas station.

It's obviously too early to talk about versions here, but given the fact that the Mustang usually spawns various performance versions, there's a big chance Ford will develop a Shelby equivalent of the Mustang EV. Unless the company is also planning an electric supercar based on the GT, the Mustang could compete with Tesla models in its range-topping spec. Hitting the 60-mph benchmark in less than three seconds is easier to achieve in an electric Mustang than a gasoline model. Just saying.

All-Wheel Drive

AWD is yet another feature that some Mustang enthusiasts despise. That's because the Mustang has been a rear-wheel-drive car since it was launched back in the 1960s. It's all about what you're used to, and I can get that, but an AWD system comes with many advantages. It provides better stability, the car becomes more precise while cornering, and it makes it easier to drive in winter conditions. The good news is that AWD will be optional, so Ford won't force you to give up on the rear-wheel-drive setup you love so much.

Mustang-based SUV

Yes, things may get even weirder in the future. According to Motor1, Ford may also be planning an SUV based on the Mustang. The idea belongs to Ford Global Markets president Jim Farley, who also hinted that this vehicle will have all-electric power. What's more, the crossover could be launched with a "Mach 1" badge. It sure seems like an awkward decision to kill the performance-oriented Mustang Mach 1 in favor of an electric SUV, but Ford must have some sort of plan. And, with SUVs now overwhelmingly popular in the U.S., the company could get away with such a move. Naturally, this SUV and the next-gen Mustang EV will share drivetrains.

References

Ford Teases Mach 1 Electric… SUV?

Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Mustang.

Read more Ford news.