Primed for performance

Using the Mustang name for an electric SUV was always going to be controversial. And while there are still some sceptics, anyone that’s got behind the wheel of the Mustang Mach-E has soon come around to the idea.

And Ford is taking things up a notch with the launch of a new flagship GT option, appealing to those wanting electric, but with lots of driving oomph to go with it. And while there’s greater power on offer from the dual-motor powertrain, there’s a lot more to it than just outright pace, with the Mach-E GT receiving an advanced MagneRide suspension setup, along with upgraded Brembo brakes to offer a complete performance package.

It also offers several sporty styling upgrades – including body-coloured arches, a 3D-effect grille, and bold paint options, as well as the addition of new, grippier tyres, and a cool Untamed Plus driving mode that’s designed for performance driving on the track.

Torque of the town

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT gets its power from a dual-electric motor setup that offers a thumping 480bhp, and ferocious 865Nm of torque, with that latter figure being particularly impressive as it makes it the best torque model Ford has ever produced – and that includes the GT supercar. So the Ford Mustand Mach-E GT can very much torque the torque, as it were.

As such, it means the Mach-E can reach 0-60mph in a mind-boggling 3.5 seconds, with a top speed capped at 124mph.

It uses an 88kWh usable battery, with a WLTP range figure of up to 310 miles. However, Ford say that upgrades in the future could mean the battery’s output could be upped to 91kWh, which would help to increase the range to around 340 miles.

In terms of charging, the Mach-E can charge at up to 150kW, meaning that if plugged in at the fastest chargers, the battery can be charged from 10-80% in about 45 minutes.

Great to drive

The performance figures are just as impressive in reality as they are on paper, as the Mach-E is seriously quick off the mark, surging forward with exciting urgency, and it’s something that you’ll never get bored off.

Ford have also made the Mach-E GT feel like a true electric muscle car. While it’s an EV, it still has that old Mustang driving feel. It’s not especially good in tight corners, but the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is able to kick the back out whenever called upon, which gives a real feeling of driving pleasure and a commanding kick. While the new suspension system is also superb, and really helps to iron out the ride, which is unsettled in some other Mach-E models. While the Mustang Mach-E GT can offer blistering pace, along with smooth satisfaction in the ride and handling.

The only slight annoyance with the Mach-E GT, are the intrusive driver aids on the steering wheel, especially the lane-assist, which is a bit too easy to accidentally touch, even when turned down to the lowest sensitivity.

A cut above

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT interior is dominated by a huge 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen (that looks very similar to a Tesla‘s). And while it can seem a bit intimidating at first, it’s hugely impressive, as well as being ultra-responsive and easy to navigate.

The overall quality and tech standard is a big level above what we’ve seen from Ford in recent years. It’s not quite up to the levels as Audi and BMW, but that’s not to be expected either, and it’s not far off.

The interior of this GT isn’t very different to the rest of the Mach-E line-up, which is no bad thing as it looks and feels great. The main difference in the GT is the addition of some very cool sports seats.

In terms of equipment, the Mach-E GT has 20-inch machined alloy wheels, an excellent 10-speaker B&O sound system, and adaptive LED headlights. A digital instrument cluster, excellent touchscreen, heated and electric front seats, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. As such, you’ll really have everything you could need.

The most expensive Mach-E

Thanks to the level of kit on offer, and the performance that the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT can deliver, you get an amazing car, but it comes at a cost. Prices start from £65,080, which is a significant amount.

However, the extended range all-wheel-drive version costs from £57,030 price, and as such, if you’re in a position to upgrade to the full package, we definitely think it’s worth going for the GT if you can, and if you like to drive with extra capability.

Certainly worth a try

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT comes at a premium, but with superb performance, and muscle-car characteristics mixed with electric efficiency, smooth suspension and a 310-mile range, a striking design along with well-made interior, it’s certainly a very attractive option.

This is certainly a strong alternative to the Tesla Model Y.

The Mach-E GT is an attractive new flagship for Ford, that blends practically with performance (most notably through its thrilling torque), and if it’s the sort of car that piques your interest or that could be on your shortlist, then it’s definitely worth a test drive. As while on one hand, it’s a family-sized crossover, on the other, it has more torque than a Mercedes-AMG GT R or a Porsche 911 Turbo S. And that alone is a good enough reason to give it a try!