The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Promises 459 Horsepower and 300-Mile Range, But Not at the Same Time

Not All Mach-E Trims Will Deliver 300 Miles of Range

Ford is offering the Mach-E with one of two different battery packs.

A play from Tesla’s book really, you’ll be able to opt for the standard-range battery or the long-range battery.

The latter is what you’ll need if you want 300 miles of range, but even then, it only happens on select trims. In fact, if you want 300 miles of range, you’re limited to the California Route 1 with AWD (extended range only) or the Premium trim with Rear-Wheel Drive. Otherwise, the extended range batter is only good for 270 miles with all-wheel0drive (Premium and First Edition trims) or just 250 miles in the range-topping GT Performance model. On that note, it appears that the difference between AWD and RWD boils down to 20 miles of range, with AWD obviously coming at the cost of mileage.

For what it’s worth, the Mach-E’s range is highly competitive.

The Kia Niro EV, for example, boasts 239 miles while the Jaguar I-Pace delivers 234 miles. Even Audi’s E-Tron can’t keep up with its rated range of 204 miles. When Tesla finally shifts the Model Y into production it should net close to 300 miles in top trim as well, so Ford is actually right on the mark in terms of range

For Mustang Mach-E Availability

At launch, and throughout 2020, you’ll be limited to buying the Mustang Mach-E Premium and Mustang Mach-E First Edition.

The First Edition is limited to the Extended range battery, has 270 miles of range, and AWD. It also features unique red brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, and special badging. The Premium model can be had in standard range (210 miles with AWD or 230 miles with RWD) or the extended with 300 miles and rear-wheel drive. AWD Premium models with the Extended range battery will net you 270 miles of range.

If you’re looking to get any other trim, you’ll have to wait.

The California Route 1 trim level with AWD and an extended range battery, won’t be available until early 2021.

The same goes for the most affordable Select trim available exclusive with a standard-range battery. The range-topping GT Performance model won’t hit the market until mid-to-late 2021, but it might be worth it as it will be the most powerful, will have unique touches, and will get you to 60 mph in the mid-3-second range.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Is About Performance… Kind Of

With an EV crossover bearing the Mustang name, it’s only natural that it will have to be performance-oriented, and that is the case to some extent.

Models with the Standard Range battery pack (Select and Premium) Will offer up 255 horsepower. Both trims with RWD will deliver 306 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD models will put down 417 pound-feet of torque. If you move up to the extended range model, things get a little trickier. The least powerful of them is the Premium, extended range, RWD as it delivers just 288 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque.

Premium and First Edition models with the extended battery pack and AWD will get you 332 horsepower but the same 417 pound-feet of torque that’s available in lesser, standard range models.

The GT Performance – the model that you probably want – delivers 459 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. That one is AWD only, and that extended range is only good for 250 miles, obviously a result of the extra power. Ford hasn’t come right out and said what kind of sprint times or top speed to expect, but previous reports indicated that we’re looking at between 5.5 and 6.5 seconds to 60 mph for all trim levels, with the exception of the last-to-arrive GT Performance model that will get you there in around 3.5 seconds. Expect top speed to be, at best, limited to 155 mph.

Ford Mach-E Charging – Can You Get Juice?

Ford is promising access to 75-percent of the EV charging infrastructure in the United States – that’s roughly 12,500 charging stations and some 35,000 individual plugs. Ford is contracted with companies like Chargepoint and EVGo, and with the purchase of a Mach-E, you’ll get access to those charging networks via your “FordPass Charging Network” account.

Ford says you can get up to 47 miles in just 10 minutes with a maximum charging rate of 150 kilowatts.

It doesn’t sound bad, but Tesla and Porsche have it beat, with the Taycan and Model 3 being able to suck in 250 kilowatts.

Home charging solutions, on the other hand, are a little more complex.

If you use the included mobile charger plugged into a typical 120-volt outlet, you’ll get a laughable three miles of range per hour – just three.

If you happen to have access to a 240-Volt outlet, you’ll manage to suck in 22 miles of range per hour – this will apparently allow for charging up to 80-percent overnight, which is enough to meet the needs of most customers. Your best bet is to go with the optional (and probably costly) Ford Connected Charge Station. That runs on 240 volts but is rated up to 48 amps and can deliver about 32 miles of range for every hour of charging. Amazon services will be responsible for the installation of that bad boy.

The point is that if you want to fast charge, you need to do it out and about as there will be nothing fast about charging at home.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Interior Design

The Mustang Mach-E’s design feels like a blend of Tesla and Ford.

There appear to be some cheap-feeling surfaces, maybe some premium bits here and there, and a 15.5-inch, vertically oriented infotainment display in the center. On the plus side, you do have a digital instrument cluster as well. The infotainment display looks like a tablet with a bunch of buttons on the bottom and a big knob. The front seats look very supportive, while the rear seats look like little more than a padded bench.

In terms of cargo room, you’ll be able to carry 29 cubic-feet behind the rear seats or up to 59.6 if you fold down the rear seats.

The front ahead of the windshield is good for another 4.8 cubic feet and is lined with washable material. It has a drain too, so you can actually hose that thing out. In other words, if you kill someone small, you can carry the body in the frunk and wash the blood away. It’s a pretty dark thought, but true, nonetheless. Ford claims that there is 40.5 inches of headroom with the optional fixed glass roof, something that makes it best in class, as is the 41.7-inches of legroom.