Lyons on Wheels 
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Sponsored By Greenwich Ford
MSRP range : $42,895-$59,900
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first, all-electric crossover. It’s also the only product to ever wear the Mustang brand, that isn’t a two door coupe or convertible. The lineup includes Select (MSRP:$42,895), Premium, ($47,600), California Route 1 ($50,400), and (coming soon), GT ($59,900). Off-setting these sticker prices is Mach-E’s eligibility for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, for those buying an all-electric vehicle.
Mach-E can be equipped with rear or all-wheel drive, and one of two batteries: standard (68kWh) or extended range (88kWh). Power output ranges from 266 h.p./317 lb.-ft. torque in base, Select trim, to as much as 480 h.p. and 600 lb.-ft. in the upcoming, GT. Depending on model and battery chosen, your estimated driving range is between 230-305 miles on a full charge. You can recharge your batteries on regular, house current (120v) at the rate of about 3 miles per hour (19 miles per hour, on a 240v line). Many buyers are expected to opt for Ford’s optional, dedicated home charging unit. Once installed by an electrician, this provides a charging rate of 30 miles per hour. On the road, options include using one of Ford’s network of 13,000+ charging stations, or other, third-party, fast-charge networks. The FordPass phone app helps guide drivers to the closest options.
If you haven’t driven one before, a test drive in an EV can be an eye-opener. This is lag-free, RightNow power, when you tip in the throttle. 0-60 times for the various, Mach-E versions range from 3.8 – 6.1 seconds. It’s also an ear-opener. The sound track is probably the biggest surprise, because there really isn’t one. (88kWh), Even if you select one of Ford’s synthesized, propulsion sounds, this EV – like other EV’s – is largely silent. Weighing in at approximately 4,300-.4800 lb., Mach-E’s curb weight is much closer to the Ford Explorer than the Mustang Coupe. But, the battery pack rides low in the chassis, which benefits the center of gravity. Compared to its crossover peers, Mach-E is light on its feet for its size, and handles confidently. Drivers can choose a one-pedal mode that increases the intensity of the regenerative braking process.
Mach-E is a midsize, slotting in between Ford’s Escape and Edge. Inside, there’s room for 4-5, and a cargo capacity ranging from 29.7-59.7 cubic feet, depending on how you configure the seats. Rear seatbacks fold to a mostly flat load floor. With no engine under the hood, there’s a little extra stowage space in the front trunk. A built-in drainage plug and integrated cup holders allow the “frunk” to double as a 4.7 cu.-ft. cooler.
Mach-E’s front cabin is dominated by a 15½”, vertically oriented, center touchscreen. It looks like an extra-large tablet attached to the dashboard, and it’s home base for the majority of Mach-E’s infotainment (SYNC 4) and vehicle systems. The sole, non-touch control is a large knob for sound system volume and on/off. Otherwise, you access most systems by means of tiles and virtual buttons, drilling down through menus to get where you’re going. System response time is generally prompt, though slower when the input is from a winter-gloved hand.
The expanding driving range and growing network of charging stations have made EV’s increasingly relevant to new car buyers. Particulalrly with the extended range (88kWh) battery, and in one-pedal mode, I found the new, Mustang Mach-E to be a crossover that’s fun to drive – three words that aren’t often associated with that segment!
A 40 year resident of the Capital District, Dan Lyons has been reviewing new cars for publications for nearly 30 years. He is the author of six automotive books, and photographer of more than 200 calendars.
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