The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric crossover than Ford unveiled in November 2019. Described as a model that expands the Mustang lineup, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E doesn't have much in common with the muscle car. Although some of its design features are loosely based on the Mustang, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E is a full-fledged crossover and, more importantly, it's an all-electric model. The 2021 Mustang Mach-E revives the Mach badge after 15 years, but with a big change that reflects the electric drivetrain. The battery-powered SUV will hit dealerships in 2020 and will compete against the Tesla Model Y. and Jaguar I-Pace. Let's find out if it's good enough in the review below.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Specifications
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  • Model: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
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Pros
Cons

Ford Mustang Mach-E Debut Video

Exterior Design

- Somewhat inspired by the Mustang - Unique headlamps - Sportier than the usual SUV - Sleek roofline - Muscular rear haunches - Mustang-inspired taillights - Sporty rear end - Aerodynamic design - Special features for GT model - Unique door opening system

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This is partly true. The Mach-E is indeed sleek when seen from the sides and features muscular fenders front and rear, but similarities to the Mustang coupe are quite rare.

For instance, the headlamps and the grille that set the Mustang apart from other Fords haven't been transferred to the SUV. The Mach-E's headlamps are longer and have sharper edges. Not only are the outer edges radically different, but the LED pattern is new as well, featuring three vertical bars and a horizontal stripe at the top. You might argue that the grille also hints toward the Mustang, but it's actually far from it. The Mustang pony car features a unique grille with sharp corners and perfectly straight line at the bottom. The Mach-E features the more modern version with rounder corners and an arched bottom. It's actually in line with the rest of the Ford lineup. What's more, the closed-off design results in a smooth transition from the grille to the bumper, something you don't see on the Mustang coupe.

The bumper looks sportier compared to other Fords, but again, there's not much relation to the Mustang. But that's mostly because the Mach-E doesn't need so many vents for cooling. So the big inlets seen on the Mustang's bumper are gone here, replaced by a swooping trim made from black plastic. A small splitter at the bottom adds sportiness. Not only do the central character lines sit closer to each other, but the line that splits the Mustang's hood between the windshield and the nose is missing on the Mach-E.

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A quick look reveals Ford's ambition to tackle the Tesla Model Y, which is quite similar, but the Mach-E looks way better in my opinion. It has more character, the roof looks sleeker, while the rear haunches set it apart from the competition. However, the Mach-E's profile doesn't borrow much from the Mustang. The door panels are almost featureless below the windows, with no visible character lines to talk about. The side skirts are much cleaner as well.

Ford took a different approach when it comes to door handles. Push these buttons and the doors pop out about an inch. If you enter the front seats, you can open the door by pulling the small black handles. However, the rear seats don't have this feature, so you need to grab the edge of the door to fully open it.

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I'm talking about the taillights, which feature the tri-bar layout that goes all the way back to the 1960s. However, the Mach-E's rear lights are a more modern interpretation. The bars are separated from each other in the lower section, while the fourth bar extends horizontally into the tailgate. The trapezoidal license plate recess below the bumper also seems inspired by the Mustang, but it's much wider, so the association is rather superficial. Everything else looks unique compared to the muscle car.

But needless to say, the Mach-E features an appealing rear end. I'd definitely pick this rear end over the Tesla Model Y's.

How Big Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E?

Its wheelbase measures 117 inches. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E is only two inches shorter and 1.2 inches wider. They're equally tall, while the Mach-E has a 3.8-inch longer wheelbase. The Mustang Mach-E is also similar to the Jaguar I-Pace in terms of size. Specifically, the Mach-E is only 1.7 inches longer, 0.6 inches narrower, and 1.4 inches taller. The Jaguar's wheelbase is longer, but only 0.7 inches.



Interior Design

- Modern design - Massive 15.5-inch screen - Digital display as instrument cluster - Mustang badge on the steering wheel - No buttons or knobs - Simple door panels - Optional premium audio system - More than 60 cubic feet of luggage room

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While the exterior bears some minor resemblance to the Mustang, the interior of the Mach-E is a completely different story. But that's not surprising. The current Mustang is already six years old as of 2019, while the Mach-E needs to look modern and high-tech given the market it competes in. And Ford did a tremendous job.

The dashboard is very flat, especially when compared to other Ford models, yet FoMoCo found enough space to create a cool two-tier design. The upper and lower sections are separated by a continuous air-vent strip that stretches the entire width of the dash. Of course, the big highlight here is the massive, tablet-style infotainment screen. The display measures a whopping 15.5 inches, so it's bigger than the industry standard, now at around 12.3 inches, even in luxury cars.

The screen is only a half-inch bigger than the one in the Model Y, but the Tesla's is horizontally oriented. The tablet-style layout is actually inspired by the Model S. The Jaguar I-Pace also features a horizontal screen, but it's much smaller at 10 inches. On the other hand, the I-Pace features a secondary five-inch screen lower in the center stack.

To be specific, there's no traditional hood for the cluster and the screen itself is much narrower but longer. It also displays information in a more digital manner, without the classic gauges for speed and rev counts. Granted, the Tesla Model Y is cleaner than that since it doesn't even have an instrument cluster, but Ford's choice seems more inspired.

The steering wheel is pretty common, with controls on both sides and a modern lower spoke. The Mustang logo on the center section is basically the only feature shared with the Mustang muscle car. The designs of the door panels and the seats are pretty common, but it's completely understandable since the Mach-E must comfortable and usable, not just fancy.

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The electric SUV is well equipped when it comes to technology.Ford says it ditches complicated menus, so it's easier to use with touch, swipe, and pinch controls, just like a smartphone.

Audiophiles can order a premium Bang & Olufsen system. With this option, the speakers are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, floating above the AC vents like a soundbar. Pretty cool! Ford also offers a panoramic fixed glass roof with a special coating with infrared protection. This treatment should help the interior stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, an inner layer between the glass helps protect against UV rays.

Another new technology that debuts in the Mustang Mach-E is Phone As A Key. This feature uses Bluetooth to detect your smartphone as you approach the car and unlocks it without the key fob. It also enables you to start the car without using the phone or the key fob. What if your phone or fob battery dies? Well, Ford is prepared for that and provides a backup code that you can enter on the touchscreen to start the vehicle. Granted, this feature is not an industry first, but it's good to see Ford adapt to modern technologies.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Interior Space and Cargo Room

There's no specific info about passenger space, but the photos suggest decent legroom for rear-seat passengers. Rear headroom isn't all that great, but it's not surprising given the coupe-style roof. Ford did, however, release info about luggage space. Tesla didn't release figures for this section, but we do know that the Jaguar I-Pace has a 23.2-cubic-foot capacity. So the Mach-E wins by a solid 5.8 cubic feet.

That's 8.3 cubic feet more than the Jaguar I-Pace, rated at 51.3 cubic feet. Tesla claims a 66-cubic-foot capacity for the Model Y, but this figure includes the front trunk as well. There's no specific number for this, but it shouldn't be bigger than four cubic feet. This means that the Model Y's rear trunk is large enough for around 62 cubic feet, some three cubic feet bigger than the Mach-E.

Because it's drainable, you can also use it for ice and to keep your beverages cold. Overall, the Mach-E's total storage capacity is 64.4 cubic feet, only 1.6 cubic feet below the Tesla Model Y.

Performance and Range

- Two battery sizes available - Available two-motor AWD model - Up to 459 horsepower - Up to 612 pound-feet of torque - Range up to 300 miles - GT model with impressive sprints - AWD system with torque split - Optional Brembo brakes - Fast charging option - Slower 120-volt or 240-volt socket charging

So far, Ford has released thin information about the drivetrain. We know that the AWD models will feature two permanent magnet motors that will generate an estimated 332 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. If this proves to be true, the Mach-E will climb above the Tesla Model Y in the range department. The most efficient Model Y, the RWD Long Range, returns up to 300 miles per charge. Of course, the Mach-E could return something like 310 miles, so only 10 miles more than the Model Y, but it's enough to claim segment-leading efficiency.

The entry-level U.S.-spec Macan hits 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, so I guess the Mach E will do it in six seconds or less.

The big news is that Ford will offer two performance versions of the Mach-E. The first one is called the GT and it's rated at 459 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. This SUV will sprint to 60 mph in "under four seconds." Ford brags that it will be quicker than the Porsche Macan Turbo. This isn't a fair comparison since the Macan is a gasoline model, but the GT will be almost a second quicker than the Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range. This crossover will also be as quick as the Mustang GT.

The second performance model is a variation of the GT, called the Performance Edition. That's just as quick as the range-topping Performance version of the Tesla Model Y and as quick as the Shelby GT350.

The Mach-E GT is also notably more powerful than other electric competitors. The Jaguar I-Pace, for instance, comes with 395 horsepower and 516 pound-feet on tap. That a significant 64 horsepower and 96 pound-feet less than the Mach-E. The Audi e-tron Sportback is also less powerful at 350 horsepower. The latter is larger and competes in a different segment though.

For those on a budget, Ford will offer an entry-level model with 282 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. The Range-topping GT trim will be among the least efficient models -- which makes sense -- with a range of up to 235 miles per single charge. This rating will put it some 45 miles below the Tesla Model Y Performance, which travels for up to 280 miles.



The system was tuned to provide excellent traction on the road, in both wet and snowy conditions. The Mach-E is actually the first production Ford tuned by the Ford Performance team using its racing simulator in North Carolina.

High performance options will include Brembo Flexira aluminum brake calipers and a MagneRide damping system. The latter comes standard on the GT Performance Edition.

The batteries powering all versions of the Mach-E generate 75.7 in standard range form and 98.8 kWh in extended range form. The standard battery features 288 lithium-ion cells, while the extend-range version features 376 cells. The battery is liquid-cooled to optimize performance in extreme weather and to improve charging times.

Ford offers a Connected Charging station for your home, so you can charge the Mach-E overnight or whenever you need extra range. This charger adds 32 miles of range per hour on a 240-volt outlet. There's also a mobile charger included, but this one is slower, adding 3 miles per hour. That's not much, but it comes in handy if you don't have a fast-charging station nearby. Installing a home charger is easier now thanks to a deal that Ford made with Amazon Home, which will send a licensed electrician to do the dirty work.



Should you charge the Mach-E in one of the 12,500 stations included in the FordPass Network, the SUV will get around 47 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Pricing

Although deliveries won't commence until late 2020, you can already place a reservation for the Mach-E. All it takes is a $500 deposit.

That's the Select trim and it will become available in early 2021. Yes, the base model won't be offered at first. The next most expensive model is the Premium trim. Priced from $50,600, it adds a range of extra features like a hands-free tailgate, panoramic roof, heated first row seats and steering wheel, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Mach-E Premium becomes available in late 2020.

For an extra $1,800, you can order the California Route 1 Edition, which starts from $52,400. On sale for early 2021, it's equipped for maximum range and includes features similar to the Premium trim, plus special badges. If you want the range-topping GT model, you'll have to pay at least $60,500 and wait until the spring of 2021. Pricing for the Performance Edition model is not yet available, but expect to pay around $65,000 before options.

Finally, Ford offers a First Edition model that debuts in late 2020 alongside the Premium trim. This model costs $59,900 and it's essentially a Premium model with extra features and limited availability. Highlights include extended-range all-wheel drive, red painted brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching, and a scuff plate marked First Edition.

How does it compare to the competition? Well, the Tesla Model Y has a similar starting price. The base RWD Long Range model comes in at $48,000, a sticker that slots it between the base Mach-E Select and the Mach-E Premium. The AWD Long Range starts from $52,000, similar to the Mach-E California Route 1, while the Performance model retails from $61,000, on par with the Mach-E GT ($60,500).

The Jaguar I-Pace, on the other hand, comes with a much higher starting price. The regular model fetches a whopping $69,500, while the First Edition version starts from $85,900.

Competition

Tesla Model Y

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The Model Y is the Mach-E's main competitor. Essentially a downsized Model X, the Model Y is built on the same platform as the Model 3 sedan. Although it doesn't have the Model X's "falcon" rear doors, it's packed with technology and solid drivetrain options that turn it into a market leader. It has a simple and modern interior, it benefits from Tesla's latest tech, and it doesn't look all that bad on the outside either. Sure, it's not as sexy as the Mach-E, but it's sleek enough for a compact crossover. Drivetrain options start with a based rear-wheel drive Long Range model that returns up to 300 miles per charge. It hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, to go with a top speed of 130 mph. The AWD version of this model is rated at 280 miles, but it reaches 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and keeps on charging up to 135 mph. Finally, Tesla offers a Performance model that needs only 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph and tops out at 150 mph. This model runs for up to 280 miles per charge. Pricing starts from $48,000 to $61,000, depending on trim.

Read our full review of the 2020 Tesla Model Y

Jaguar I-Pace

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As of right now, the Jaguar I-Pace is one of the few all-electric crossovers on the market. It has a striking resemblance to the concept car that came before it. It has a sporty exterior with muscular haunches and wavy sides. The interior is equally as sporty with all of the digital goodness expected from a modern luxury and performance vehicle to go with all of that good stuff layered through the interior. Motivation comes from a 90-kWh battery that sends power to a pair of twin electric motors. Total system output is rated at 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque, enough to send this baby straight to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. While performance is quite solid, U.S. range is lower than the competition at around 240 miles. The battery can take an 80-percent charge in around 85 minutes when connected to the right charger. U.S. pricing starts from $69,500.

Read our full review on the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to admit it, but the idea of Ford using the Mach-E name on an SUV is really starting to sit well, even with some purists. Personally, it’s hard to see brands banking off classic names, using their clout to push SUVs but, from a business perspective, it makes sense. Mitsubishi is doing it with the Eclipse and the Lancer names and Ford is probably smart to do it with the Mach-E name. As long as the brand keeps the Mustang feel to it, and it offers up true performance, it might not be so bad. Until recently, Tesla was the only company that really held a true chunk of the EV SUV market, but now that the Jaguar I-Pace is in the fold and every other brand has eyes set on 2020 as the date of their major EV offensive, things could get pretty dicey pretty quick. In just a couple of short years, Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes will all have major EVs and all of them will either have or be on the brink of having a true, long-range EV SUV or crossover. What is now a rather open market is going to get crowded very quickly. The Mustang Mach-E looks and sounds rather promising. It features a sporty design, a modern interior with the largest infotainment display out there, loads of state-of-the-art technology, and at least a couple of drivetrain options. The GT model, and especially the Performance Edition, promises to trump the Tesla Model Y in terms of power and speed. It also seems to be slightly more affordable, so Ford could win big here. But it's too early to say since the Mach-E is not yet in showrooms, so let's see what happens in 2020.

Brief Mach 1 history

An iconic name in the Mustang lineup, the Mach 1 was introduced in 1969, five years after Ford launched the first-generation Mustang. The original Mach 1 was a performance-oriented package for the Mustang, offered alongside equally iconic upgrades like the Boss 302 or Boss 429. The Mach was offered with a wide range of V-8 engines, from a 5.8-liter Windsor to the 7.0-liter Ram Air Cobra Jet, which delivered 335 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The original Mach 1 survived until 1973, when the first-generation Mustang was discontinued.

The name returned for 1974 with the second-gen Mustang, but more like a visual package rather than a performance upgrade. Initially, the second-gen Mach 1 was sold with a 2.8-liter V-6 engine, simply because the Mustang II didn't have a V-8 until 1975. From then on until 1978, the Mach 1 featured a 5.8-liter V-8 rated at 140 horsepower, 35 horses more than the V-6 model. The Mach 1 badge remained dormant once the second-gen Mustang was discontinued in 1978.

A second revival took place in 2003, right before Ford ended the production of the fourth-generation Mustang. Power came from the same 4.6-liter V-8 in the regular Mustang GT, but rated at 305 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of twist.

Despite rumors that the Mach 1 might return with the sixth-generation Mustang, Ford preferred the GT350, GT500, and Bullitt nameplates instead. Probably sensing that Mustang enthusiasts might be upset by an SUV with the Mach 1 name, Ford cleverly replaced "1" with "E" to highlights the vehicle's electric drivetrain.

Ford Mach-E Teaser Video

When Ford announced the Mach-E’s online debut of November 17, 2019, it also released a short video that more or less looks at history, but does give us a look at the Mach-E’s new logo and confirms the Mach-E name.

Ford Mach-E Teaser and Debut Date

The two teasers shown above didn’t reveal much, but we originally believed that the Ford Mach-E would debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. A new video, however, as poised the Mach-E for an online debut on Sunday, November 17, 2019.

Everything We Know About the Ford Mach-E: Video

Update History

Update 11/15/2019: We’ve updated this review with the previously released teaser, range estimates, leaked specifications, debut date, a new teaser video, and a quick look at the Mach-E prototype caught in the wild. Check it all out at the top of our review below.