The Blue Oval has confirmed that it is bringing its latest muscle to Australia. It ditches V8 grunt for electric propulsion and the results are extraordinary.
Ford will take on Tesla with an electric vehicle inspired by its Mustang muscle car.
The Blue Oval has confirmed that the Ford Mustang Mach-E will go on sale as its first electric passenger car in Australia later this year.
The four-door SUV, which has similar front-end styling to its V8-powered sports car sibling, will take over the mantle as the fastest and most technically advanced model in Ford showrooms.
Range-topping Mach-E GT models send an enormous 358kW and 860Nm to all four wheels, launching the model to 100km/h in about 3.7 seconds.
Prices should start between $70,000 and $80,000 for the Mustang Mach-E.
The top-grade model, which is likely to carry a six-figure price tag, also has high-performance brakes, adaptive suspension and special driving modes to allow owners to make the most of its performance on track.
Blue-blooded Ford fans might be upset by the notion of a four-door electric crossover wearing badges normally reserved for two-door muscle cars but they are unlikely to be disappointed by its performance.
The GT’s impressively large 91kWh battery is expected to deliver about 490 kilometres of range.
Customers who want the Mach-E look without the GT’s performance and price tag will likely gravitate to the entry-level Mustang Mach-E Select, which should cost between $70,000 and $80,000.
Dual motor versions are fast, easily eclipsing V8-powered Mustang sports cars.
Powered by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, the Mach-E Select has 198kW and 430Nm of power, along with a claimed range of about 470 kilometres thanks to a 71kWh battery.
A mid-range Mach-E Premium has the bigger battery from the GT paired with a single 216kW/430Nm motor intended to maximise driving range.
While Ford has not confirmed full technical details for the model, it says the Mach-E Premium should deliver “close to 600km of range anxiety-free driving”.
All three models have an enormous 15.5-inch central infotainment screen linked to smartphone mirroring, wireless charging and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Some variants have a range close to 600km.
A panoramic sunroof is also standard, suggesting the Mach-E won’t be a discount proposition.
Ford’s Australian arm says it is too early to discuss prices or exact specifications for the model.
But American pricing suggests it will be on par with similar-sized rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6.
Built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, the Mustang Mach-E shares few parts with the traditional Mustang coupe and convertible, which is due to arrive locally in seventh-generation form at the end of the year.
The Mach-E has a tech filled cabin.
Drivers will be able to choose from a selection of driving modes ranging from mild to wild, labelled as “whisper”, “engage” and “unbridled”.
The “unbridled” setting unleashes the full force of available power, helping make the Mach-E GT one of the quickest cars in its class.
Ford’s first electric model in Australia will be the E-Transit commercial van pitched toward businesses that want to go green.
It is one of five electrified vehicles planned for Ford showrooms by the end of 2024.
Keyword: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E confirmed for Australia