Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Ford is currently focusing on electric surges that will ultimately shape the identity of the American automaker as it establishes a larger footprint towards carbon neutrality. The planet needs it, the human race needs it, and the sentient beings we share this land and waters with will definitely need it. However, who said you had to hold back from epic drive experiences when deciding to purchase an electric vehicle (EV)? Well, that’s exactly why Ford infused the Mustang Mach-E with GT performance!
Ford’s EV Platform
Key vehicles in Ford’s electric revolution include the E-Transit low roof cargo van, the F-150 Lightning pickup truck featuring a rear generator with enough juice to power your home, and of course the Mustang Mach-E, which Ford just enhanced with dynamic characteristics. These EVs ignite from advanced batteries utilizing the latest lithium-ion pouch battery cells with nickel manganese cobalt cathodes. They are wrapped in crash-absorption protection and waterproof casings. The company has taken the requisite steps to lead the charge of zero emissions by 2050 by investing more than $30 billion in electrification through 2025. In fact, the Ford Icon Park global battery center was just established in Southeast Michigan to research and develop battery technology.
To experience the latest set of EV sprinters from Ford, Automotive Rhythms headed to San Francisco to sling the all-electric Mustang Mach-E GT and Mach-E GT Performance Edition around vigorous mountain roads while taking in stunning ocean views at top speed. I’m a huge fan of electric torque because there are no stutter steps as the vehicle blasts off immediately up to speed. But are these models truly Mustangs? Well, you do have a contingent of enthusiasts who feel that Ford should have launched Mach-E as a separate brand instead of the correlation with Mustang’s heritage. And then you have an entirely newfangled crop of buyers who love the connection. Styling-wise, Mach-E looks nothing like the gasoline Mustang, let alone a Shelby GT500, yet it represents a fresh and exciting product in the EV segment for Ford’s Earth-conscious intentions.
Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition
Starting off from the Cavallo Point Lodge at the Golden Gate Bridge, I first chose a Rapid Red Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition featuring a 10 mm lowered MagneRide suspension, red Brembo brake calipers, 20” aluminum performance wheels with Ebony Black-painted pockets, specially developed 245/45 R20 Pirelli summer tires, Ford Performance seats (Performance Gray ActiveX seating material), exclusive body styling, 480-horsepower, and a whopping 634 lb.-ft. of torque. Pushing 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, I felt like the vehicle was being catapulted out of a cannon when I took off. Yes, it felt that fast. Moreover, I was even more impressed with the vehicle’s handling and braking characteristics on the autocross. Expect an all-electric range of 260 miles from the Mach-E GT Performance Edition.
“We’re pushing the boundaries of what an electric vehicle can do,” said Dave Pericak, vehicle program director. “These Mustang Mach-E GT models not only give customers the added capability expected from the Mustang GT name, but the responsiveness of their electric powertrains combined with MagneRide suspension will ensure they have unbelievable torque and a thrilling experience behind the wheel.”
Mustang Mach-E GT
Reaching 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, the Mustang Mach-E GT feels good on the road and far more superior than the base Mach-E, but it’s not as exciting as the Performance Edition, which accounts for 50% of the order mix. New owners will enjoy features like electric AWD, permanent magnetic dual motors, including an upgraded secondary electric motor for a total output of 480-horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, 20” machined-face aluminum rims with aero covers, and 245/45 R20 Continental all-season tires. Inside, Ford entices you with multi-color ambient lighting, sport-style Black Onyx ActiveX front seats, and a 9-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen. Expect an all-electric range of 270 miles for the Mustang Mach-E GT.
Both Models Feature
No matter which of the two Mach-E GT units you choose, both show off the Carbonized Gray grille with illuminated pony and GT badging, and both offer Unbridled Extend drive mode that actively manages battery energy to give drivers the best performance for a few consistent laps. This mode is intently designed for short track and closed-course-only driving, as I witnessed on the autocross. Ford says Unbridled Extend, “offers more linear pedal mapping for both accelerator and brake, proactive battery cooling, modified AWD system with unique front-to-rear bias, less intrusive stability and traction control, and an amplified powertrain sound that can be heard even when the vehicle is “idling.”
The cabin centralizes on the 15.5″ vertical touchscreen tablet display that houses the latest Ford SYNC communications and entertainment system dubbed SYNC 4A. It also learns your preferences behind the wheel and receives Ford Power Up over-the-air updates. However, the screen seems like an afterthought stuck on the dash without any specific design integration. Hands-free highway cruising comes in the form of BlueCruise as part of the optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 Package.
Ford EV Charging and Ecosystem
It’s no secret that 80% of your vehicle charging will take place at home. For this reason, all Ford EVs come with a complimentary Ford Mobil Charger to plug into a standard 120v outlet or the faster 240v outlet. Or, you can have a high-powered Ford Connected Charging station installed in your house. This unit provides 28 miles of charge per hour compared to 20 miles for the 240v and only 3 miles for the 120v. When you are out and about, tap into the Blue Oval Charge Network, which features 19,500 charging stations from charging providers such as Electrify America and Greenlots. According to Ford, Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition customers will receive complimentary access to the Blue Oval Charge Network for two years.
Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition Pricing
With an MSRP of $59,900 for the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT and $64,900 for the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition, each model is eligible for federal tax incentives. Color choices include Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat, Grabber Blue Metallic, Dark Matter Gray Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Shadow Black, and Iconic Silver Metallic. Step up to the plate if interested because deliveries have already begun.
