This much-loved badge has developed a cult following in its decades on the market. But the latest version is a radical departure from tradition.
It’s like watching an action movie with the sound muted.
The Mustang fires sideways on the wet skidpan, front wheels cranked to the limit with opposite lock as power overcomes Pirellis.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is surprisingly agile when pushed in controlled conditions.
We can hear tyres chattering across the tarmac, water sloshing into the wheel arches, and the occasional click of the throttle pedal against its stop. It looks and feels spectacular.
But there’s no snarl from a five-litre V8 and no crackle from quad exhausts for this Mustang.
Because the Mach-E GT is electric.
The Mach-E GT has more power than most V8 Mustangs.
Pitched at those folks who want an interesting EV without joining the cult of Tesla, the Mach-E GT promises to deliver a muscle-car driving experience for the electric age.
There are three different Mach-E models on the way to Ford showrooms.
There is no doubt the Mach-E is the most practical Mustang yet.
The rear-wheel-drive Mach E Select with a small battery and a modest 198kW of power delivers 470km of claimed range for about $87,000 drive-away.
Mid-grade Mach-E Premium models with 216kW of power serve up 600km of range for about $100,500 drive-away, while range-topping Mach-E GT combines 358kW of all-wheel-drive wallop and 490km of range for about $117,000 drive-away.
The Mach-E Premium combines a big battery with rear-drive traction.
In the same way that most Mustang coupe customers skip the four-cylinder EcoBoost version to take home a V8, the Australian order bank is dominated by the fully-loaded Mach-E.
This car represents an interesting design exercise that applies classic muscle car cues to a body shape more likely to be spotted on the school run than Summernats.
Mach-E Select models have less power and a smaller battery.
All three models have a huge 15.5-inch central touchscreen with sat nav and smartphone mirroring (but not the games and video players found in a Tesla), along with a slim 10.2-inch digital driver’s display.
An impressive 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo is part of the deal, as is a panoramic glass roof, LED headlights and a broad swath of driver aids including a 360-degree parking camera.
The Mach-E has a spacious interior with a huge touchscreen.
American customers enjoy genuine hands-off highway driving with Ford’s “Bluecruise”, a rival to Tesla’s autopilot. But Ford has disabled the system for Australia, citing shortfalls in local infrastructure and road laws.
The range-topping GT builds on its more powerful motors with adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, sports seats and 20-inch alloys augmented by a purposeful body kit.
Ford says most Mustang Mach-E customers are keen on the GT.
Getting into a Mach-E GT isn’t a straightforward process.
There are no conventional doorhandles. You look for a discreet black button the size of a $1 coin, press it to open the door, then take hold of a tiny winglet to tug it open.
Adventurous types will appreciate a PIN-pad integrated within the side pillar that lets you lock keys in the car, then use a memorised code for re-entry after a run, ride or swim.
The Mach-E has a high-tech cabin, though it’s not particularly sporty.
The cabin is made from recycled materials including man-made leather substitutes. It’s well-built but could be sportier.
A plain steering wheel lets the side down when V8 Mustangs get a gorgeous flat-bottomed rim, and the high-set seats are cushy rather than grippy.
The Mach-E has room for five but isn’t the most spacious EV on the road. Rear leg and headroom are a little tight.
It wins back points with impressive cargo storage, including a waterproof “frunk” perfect for a surfer’s wetsuit, or even a case of drinks and a couple of bags of ice.
The Mach-E GT has a spacious boot.
The family-friendly Mustang feels brisk rather than shocking when you pin the throttle, even in an “untamed” driving mode.
We’d like to see customisable modes, as the most responsive steering and throttle settings are locked to firmer suspension calibration that isn’t always ideal.
It feels like a more carefully honed machine than the occasionally wayward Kia EV6 GT, or punchy but imprecise Teslas.
Outstanding dry traction, predictable body movement and measured brake regeneration work in the Mach-E’s favour.
It’s a confidence-inspiring machine that feels planted, unless you want to dial everything up to eleven and disable traction control for closed road antics.
It’s then that the pony reveals its wild side.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is on sale now.
VERDICT
Fast, comfortable and well-equipped, the Mustang Mach-E is an impressive yet expensive counterpoint to the EV establishment.
3.5 stars
FORD MUSTANG MACH-E GT
PRICE About $117,000 drive-away
MOTOR Front and rear electric, 358kW and 860Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-year/u’ltd km, $765 for 5 years
SAFETY 9 airbags, front and rear auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert
RANGE 490km
SPARE Repair kit
CARGO 402 litres
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
Keyword: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT reviewed: a new twist on a legendold