Safety and Technology
The Mustang Mach-E is equipped with advanced technology and safety features that set it apart. It features a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 15.5-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and device charging. Additional tech includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, while keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and four USB ports add to the convenience.
Safety is prioritized with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 package, providing forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It also includes traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and LED headlights with automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering enhances highway driving safety, rounding out the comprehensive set of driver-assistance features.
On the Road
The EV segment continues to expand, with nearly every manufacturer involved. In this segment the Tesla Model Y still commands the market, but challengers are finding certain footing.
We most recently drove the Honda Prologue, while also spending time with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and the Volkswagen ID.4. The Toyota bZ4X is yet another model in this nascent segment.
But not one of the rivals compares to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
And how is that? While the Hyundai and Kia offer some performance chops, the Volkswagen, Honda, and Toyota do not. But that’s on purpose. As for the Mach-E, Ford designed this model to complement the Mustang coupe and, in many cases, it succeeds. Even spectacularly.
Steering and Handling
To wit, the Mach-E offers excellent steering and handling characteristics, roughly matching the coupe. Drivers experience a connection to the road with only minimal body roll, a testament to this vehicle’s road-hugging characteristics. The Mach-E may be an SUV, but it sits marginally closer to the road, enabling it to claim good control in and out of curves.
Where the Mach-E excels is in all matters of performance. Sure, EV range is important, but so is enjoying quick bursts of power on the go. This is where the Mach-E shines in any form.
Power to the People
Our test GT model delivered copious amounts of power and in spades. This model is nothing but fast and “invites” the driver to explore. And that we did. Around town, the Mach-E is almost sedate, but on the open road this SUV moves.
When entering the highway, it is easy to overtake traffic. When passing, the amount of torque available responds with an amazing display of gusto.
The real test comes in the 0-60 sprint. In the GT model, we clocked just under 4 seconds, compared to the Rally edition which records an impressive 3.5 seconds. What’s especially exciting is how the Mach-E delivers those intense, neck-snapping thrills, one of the few vehicles where you can truly feel the G forces. As my ride partner and I pushed the car from a dead stop to 70 mph, the force pulled our cheeks back—a thrilling experience, though it does come at the cost of reduced range and likely more tire wear.
The Mach-E With BlueCruise
An interesting feature of the Mach-E is its available BlueCruise technology. This hands-free driving system lets drivers navigate pre-mapped highways without keeping their hands on the wheel. Using cameras, sensors, and GPS, it maintains lane position, adjusts speed, and monitors traffic. An interior camera ensures the driver stays attentive to the road, even while using the hands-free function.
The system is activated only on specific roadways, typically interstates. While using it is optional, once engaged, it takes full control of the car (you can always take it back by grabbing the steering wheel). We tested it multiple times, including in heavy traffic. Despite some initial nervousness, the system handled road conditions impressively. It never behaved unpredictably, though we stayed alert, especially to how other drivers reacted. This driver kept his hands relaxed, either in his lap or with his left arm resting on the door’s support.
In one example, we logged over a dozen miles on a congested outer ring road. Ford reports that BlueCruise operates on 97 percent of divided highways in the U.S., covering more than 130,000 miles. While the interstate system comprises most of these roads, some state and local highways are also included.
Mustang Mach-E Parting Thoughts
The Ford Motor Company is now the second most popular builder of electric vehicles in the U.S., although it trails Tesla by a significant margin. The company reports that Mach-E sales rose 46 percent last year and are up 58 percent this year. That’s impressive, especially as consumer demand for EVs continues to slide.
But there is a caveat to Ford’s success, as the company is losing $100,000 on every EV it builds. As a result, the automaker is scaling back on its EV plans, even as it develops a $25,000 model.
The Mustang Mach-E has carved out its place in the segment, and Ford is poised to refine its strategy, likely reducing costs while maintaining one of the most engaging models in the EV space. Meanwhile, the traditional Mustang remains, giving Ford a rare one-two punch in the market. For customers, this means choosing how they want to experience that thrill—whether electric or conventional—under the iconic galloping horse logo.
