Ford’s Mustang Mach-e has made its way to Ireland. The powertrain comes in the form of two electric motors driving all four wheels, with a combined output of 480bhp and 860Nm of torque. The Mustang Mach-E represents the first real foray by Ford into the electric vehicle market and comes not in the shape of a sports coupe but as a market dominating SUV. Here we take a first look at the Mach-e launch in Ireland.
The 88kWh battery pack offers a maximum range of 500 kms and support for 150kW charging means that the battery pack can recharge from 10–80 per cent capacity in around 45 minutes when connected to a DC rapid charger.
It can sprint from 0–100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and in order to be able to handle all this Ford has fitted Pirelli’s which can handle the increased torque. The powertrain has been calibrated for a rear-biased power delivery to liven up the driver focused feedback. To cope with the higher power output, Ford has also fitted the Mach-e GT with MagneRide adaptive suspension with dedicated settings. Brembo brakes are also fitted for the same reason.
There’s a new Untamed Plus drive mode to select on the large touchscreen display, which sets the car up for better lap times on a track, which is probably a place we have yet to see owners take their SUV’s. It’s said to make the car feel more like a rear-drive car, where lesser drive modes are more friendly, like a front-wheel drive SUV. It sharpens the steering, throttle response, suspension and recalibrates the powertrain to achieve this.
The entry-level standard range model has an output of 254bhp and 415Nm of torque, which provides a 0–100 km/h time of eight seconds flat. However, thanks to the extra battery capacity on the extended range model, its power figure rises to 281bhp – although its torque figure and 0–100 km/h time is identical to the base model.
Starting at €53,100 and €64,400 (including SEAI grant) respectively for the extended range, the Mustang Mach-E RWD Standard Range & Extended Range Spec includes 18” 5-spoke silver alloy wheels; LED reflector headlamps; LED Mustang signature tail lights; body colour bumpers; body colour headed mirrors with puddle light Mustang logo projection; side cladding and wheel arches in black; brace front grille design; heated driver and passenger seats; next generation SYNC 4A; FordPass Connect (embedded modem); e-latch keyless entry system including b-pillar keypad access; front trunk; selectable drive modes (Active, Whisper, Untamed); 10.2″ Full Digital Cluster & 15.5″ Central Touch Screen; One Pedal Drive; Pre-Collision Assist: includes Collision Mitigation, FCW (Forward Collision Warning), DBS (Dynamic Brake Support), AEB (Automated Emergency Braking), DA/DI (Distance Alert/Distance Indication), ESA (Evasive Steer); Ford VariPower charging cable; high power charging cable; 115kw high-powered charging (Standard Range model); 150kw high-powered charging (Extended Range model).
Ford’s most expensive all-wheel-drive long-range variant Mustang Mach-E GT features the same 99kWh battery pack as the rear-wheel-drive long-range variant, but has an extra electric motor on the front axle which boosts output to 332bhp and 565Nm of torque – enough for a 0–100 km/h time of seven seconds. A long-range, rear-wheel drive model is also available. It features a 98kWh battery, which enables a range of 600 km between charges – the most of the new Mustang Mach-e family, and significantly more than rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace. The standard-range model uses a smaller 75kWh battery for a range of 450 km.
The Mustang Mach-E GT at €82,100 comes with 20” cast aluminium wheels; unique GT front grille design; Brembo brakes with red calipers; unique Pirelli tyres; unique GT bumpers; wheel lip mouldings – body colour and door cladding painted black; GT performance seats; 860Nm of torque; 487PS/358 kW maximum power; MagneRide suspension; GT scuff plates.
Safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, park assist, pre-collision assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Whether equipped with 288-cell, 70 kWh (useable) standard-range or 376-cell, 91 kWh (useable) extended-range variant, the lithium-ion battery is located centrally between the axles and beneath the floor for a low centre of gravity that supports sporty Mustang dynamics.
The high-performance batteries – tested at temperatures as extreme as minus 40 degrees Celsius – are secured inside a waterproof case surrounded by crash absorption protection. An advanced active liquid heating and cooling system regulates battery temperatures for optimised performance in extreme weather, improved charging times and sustained high-speed driving.
Battery power is transferred to an all-new, oil-cooled, rear-mounted AC motor to drive the rear wheels, and an additional front-mounted motor for models equipped with the all-wheel drive system. The permanent magnet, synchronous rear motor enables peak torque in 0.5 seconds for ultimate responsiveness:
Mustang Mach-E Rear-Wheel Drive delivers 269 PS/198 kW with standard-range battery, 294 PS/216 kW with extended-range battery and 430 Nm of torque for 0-100 km/h acceleration from 6.1 to 6.2 seconds.
Mustang Mach-E All-Wheel Drive delivers 269 PS/ 198 kW with standard-range battery, 351 PS/258 kW with extended-range battery and 580 Nm of torque for 0-100 km/h acceleration from 5.1 to 5.6 seconds.
Mustang Mach-E First Edition features all-wheel drive and extended-range battery as standard for 351 PS/258 kW, 580 Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds.
Mustang Mach-E GT features all-wheel drive and extended-range battery as standard for 487 PS, 860 Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds.
The available all-wheel drive system applies torque independently to the front and rear wheels for improved acceleration and handling – delivering the quintessential Mustang feel. Unique settings for shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering and powertrain have been tailored for Europe’s typically narrower, more twisty roads and higher speed limits.
Buyers can also get 1 year’s complimentary access to the IONITY network which delivers a subsidised charging cost on the IONITY network of €0.32/kWh during this period. The annual cost for the subscription is €159. If the customer uses the IONITY network without a subscription, the cost per kWh is €0.73 in Ireland.