THIS IS THE FORD MUSTANG MACH-E... AN ALL-ELECTRIC SUV
In the wise words of Bob Dylan, "The times they are a-changin'", and it's not like we're opposed to change, but a Ford Mustang electric SUV?
Purists, wipe your eyes and read on. The muscle car so steeped in history is not going anywhere, it's just received a fatter, more practical sibling that crinkles up its nose at fossil fuels.
Welcome, then, to the Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV. A range of all-electric models that will include a high-performance GT version at launch and more potent Mach-E Shelby in 2021.
The bodywork takes vague cues from the current muscle car, especially those tri-bar tail-lights and chunky hips. Upfront, The GT model carries Ford's aggressive grille that, if you squint, resembles its beloved sibling. The AWD spec hosts a body-coloured panel incorporated into the bumper that covers all but the distinctive top and side edges of the grill.
Hop inside, and you're greeted with something entirely different. It has a huge boot, for one thing, plus five useable seats, and a shallow but wide digital display instead of an analogue instrument cluster. There's also a 15.5-inch touchscreen ala Tesla that allows for the removal of most buttons.
The optional technology package will include an uprated ten-speaker B&O sound system, plus Advanced Active Park Assist and Active Drive Assist with Lane Centring.
Let's talk about how this SUV will move. Open the bonnet, and you'll notice the lack of a fossil-fuel powerplant. Instead, there is another storage space as we've come to expect from electric vehicles.
Instead, there will be two battery pack sizes with three power output options that can be purchased in either RWD or AWD, with the GT performance version setting its sights on the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi E-tron. Murat Gueler, Chief Designer for Ford of Europe, said that the range-topper, with a power output of 458bhp and 612lb ft of torque, is aiming to nail the 0-62mph sprint in under five seconds.
The middle child will sport a motor on each axle, with a substantial 429lb ft of torque turning all four wheels. Power will come from either a 75kWh battery pack that'll get you a claimed 260 miles with 254bhp or a 99kWh pack that will let you travel up to 335 miles with 332 horses pushing you along.
Ford hasn't released performance figures yet, but it'll be a safe bet to expect 0-62mph in less than seven seconds. Not bad for the porky 2218kg for the 99kWh variant, while both models limited to a 111mph top speed.
The entry point to Ford's new SUV is a single-motor sitting at the rear. Both battery packs are on offer but deliver less power than the higher models. The 75 and 99kWh battery packs have 255 and 281bhp respectively, with both delivering 315lb ft of torque that'll get the Pony from 0-62mph in under eight seconds.
Interestingly, the base model will go further than the rest of the lineup, depending on the battery pack of choice. Expect to do 280 miles with the 75kWh pack or 370 miles with the 99kWh option. Looking at the competition, and the Mercedes-Benz EQC will run out of electricity around 100 miles earlier and the Tesla Model X coming to a halt 50-odd miles sooner.
At launch, the base-model Ford Mustang Mach-E will set you back £40,270, while the AWD model loads a £6000 premium to that cost. There will also be a limited-run First Edition with a sticker-price of £58,000 – a substantial saving over the base-model Mercedes-Benz EQC that starts at £65,640...
If this electric Mustang is the SUV of your dreams, then head on over to Ford's online marketplace and place your order, which will be delivered near the end of 2020.
Personally, I off to scour the web for a classic, maybe one from 69 instead, but check out what the guys at TopGear have to say in the video below.
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