2021 Mustang Mach-E Review

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E is the accessible and stylish electric vehicle the Blue Oval has desired for several years. Because it’s an EV, Mach E may not sound like Ford’s iconic stampeding pony car. Still, the automaker has ensured that all the Mustang’s essential goodness is indeed there. In short, Mach E is where Ford’s storied Mustang past and its exciting electricity-based future lies.

Attention-Grabbing Looks

The Mach E’s styling cues are familiar to any current Mustang owner or fan, though this EV is a crossover and not a sports car. There’s no doubt that the Ford Mustang is Mach E’s parent, though. That this crossover EV shares direct lineage with the Mustang, especially when looking at the rear hatch area and the instantly-recognizable ‘Stang taillight setup, is very clear.

At the front of the Mach E, the muscular, bulging fenders and front fascia let everyone know it’s paying homage to the high-performance ancestors that gave it its DNA. Such ancestry includes Mach 1 and its high-performance nature. This crossover has its four wheels firmly planted in the 21st century, of course. However, there are plenty of styling touches that honor its Mustang heritage. Ford fans are also sure to love Mach E’s mix of luxe and performance-oriented exterior colors.

Quiet, Strong Performance

The Mustang Mach E is impressively quick. That quickness is due in no small part to the instantaneous acceleration on tap for this EV. Mach Es come in either rear- or all-wheel drive for starters, and there are two available battery sizes and a range of up to 305 miles in the rear-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive version is no slouch on mileage, though, with up to 270 miles on a full battery charge. Rear-drive Mach Es have a single electric motor mounted on their rear axle. In contrast, AWD Mach Es have a motor mounted on both. Even the low-end Mach E mileage range comes in at 211 miles, which is more than enough for most drivers.

For an idea of how powerful the Mach E can be, consider this: GT and GT Performance trims in AWD clothing make 480 horsepower and fantastic torque, at 634 lb.-ft. That level of power and torque delivers head-snapping performance, and the Mach E’s zero to 60 mph time proves it. It only takes a GT or GT Performance model 3.5 seconds to hit that speed metric.

Don’t want a GT or GT Performance Mach E? No problem, because other versions deliver from 266 to 346 horsepower as well as 317 to 428 lb.-ft. of torque, which makes for more than enough power to quickly and smoothly merge onto any highway. Mach E’s use wheels that range from 18 inches up to 20 inches to stretch their performance envelope. An available damper system delivers an array of adjustable ride firmness. Like a great EV should, Mach E provides quiet operation and a smooth ride at all times.

Unique Crossover Interior

Ford did a great job in tucking the Mach E’s battery away under its floor, which allows for maximum passenger and cargo space, as befitting a premium crossover. Also, it’s inside this Ford EV’s interior where the Mach E differs from the gas-burning Mustang in many of its styling and design touches. For example, the Ford Mustang Mach E has a streamlined dashboard that features a sizeable vertically-mounted touchscreen and a digital gauge cluster in front of the steering wheel.

Customizable ambient interior lighting is just the start when it comes to making the Mach E crossover as unique as its drivers want it to be. An available panoramic sunroof lets in all the sunshine any Mach E owner could wish to have. Also, comfort and convenience features include heated front seats and steering wheel and wireless charging. Behind the rear seats, 29 cubic feet of storage space can easily swallow up plenty of luggage and groceries. A total of 60 cubic feet of storage is available once drivers fold down Mach E’s rear seats.

A New Take on Tailgating

Another unique aspect of Mach E is that it also has a front trunk because the electric motor sits on the axle. That trunk contains a tough, durable plastic shell. Mach E owners can rinse the trunk out and quickly drain it, giving new life to, as well as a new spin on, the time-honored American tailgating tradition. So pack the front trunk with ice or with other messy things and have fun.

The EV to Beat

The Ford Mustang Mach E is now the EV to beat on the American automotive scene. For one, a ton of safety and driver-assistance features swaddle occupants in a veritable safety halo, and its smooth, robust operation is instantly attractive. For another, even if it’s an exceedingly quiet crossover, the Mach E is also a Mustang, and no one should go through life without owning a Mustang on occasion. See the 2021 Mustang Mach E today and plan on putting one in your garage shortly after that.