More power. More range. More Capability. More Fun
Clean Fleet Report has had plenty of seat time in the Ford Mustang Mach-E since it was launched in 2021. We were curious, when invited to Seattle to drive the 2024 Mustang Mach-E, what exactly what we would learn. Ford did not disappoint, handing over the keys to the updated GT and the all-new Rally; we learned plenty. This Flash Drive story only touches on all the systems, efficiency, range and driving attributes of the Mustang Mach-E. Clean Fleet Report will write a more in-depth review after having a longer time behind the wheel.
GT Vs. Rally
GT, Italian for Gran Turismo or Grand Tourer, historically is a car that has been engineered for comfort on long drives. Think Los Angeles to Las Vegas, where cruising Interstate 15 in comfort is all that plays on your mind as the cards are being dealt awaiting your arrival in Sin City.
Our time driving the Mach-E GT was on the freeway and winding through tree-lined forested roads. Three driver-selectable drive modes of Whisper (Eco), Engage (Medium) and Unbridled (Sport) each offered a different driving experience. The GT and Rally have electronic all-wheel drive (eAWD) standard, which means they have dual electric motors, one each for the front and rear wheels. We spent most of our time on the freeway in Engage, but then when finding curves, we cut loose a bit opting for Unbridled because, well, why not!
The performance numbers for the Mach-E GT are impressive, with 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque, unless equipped with the Performance Upgrade where the torque jumps to 700 lb.-ft. Zero-to-60 times with the Performance Upgrade are 3.3 seconds; without is 3.8 seconds. Both were plenty fast for merging onto the freeway. The instant, linear throttle response with all that wonderful torque available at any speed is what makes driving an EV so great.
Rally, on the other hand, indicates some off-pavement fun is possible as long as rock crawling isn’t on your mind. Beyond the Rally and GT there are two other Mach-E models, Select and Performance
The journalists were treated to a day at DirtFish Rally School, about 30 miles east of Seattle, in Snoqualmie, Wash., known for being the setting for the 1990 television series Twin Peaks.
After strapping into a racing helmet and HANS device, we first drove the Mach-E Rally on a flat autocross course. That consisted of a bit of dirt, sand and loose rocks, all in a persistent rain. The muddy puddles were a blast.
Next-up we moved to a more challenging course where we were taken on a lead-follow reconnaissance lap, followed by a few laps solo. I learned what Ford engineers had in mind when they designed the MagneRide damper suspension. The Mach-E Rally handled flat in the corners and gripped without jarring or losing traction on a miserable gutted, loose gravel surface (miserable that is, if it was the street in front of your house!) with ease.
I was then introduced to Adrien Fourmaux, a professional driver on the Ford M-Sport World Rally Team, who competes on the World Rally Championship that visits a half dozen continents with 13 races.
We were about to head-out on a third and even more challenging course, but this time with Adrien doing the driving and me hanging on. Strapped in, Adrien asked if I was ready. Like most of his passengers, I may have been a bit overconfident of what was coming, even though I have driven many laps on race courses and done a fair amount of off-road driving. I gave my approval, then one-two-three-launch!
What an absolute blast to ride with a professional that knows how to control a car on a wet, sloppy, muddy, rutted, demanding course where mere mortal drivers should not venture. We went sideways more than straight, and to go straight many times meant the rear of the Mach-E Rally almost coming around. Adrien’s ability to pivot the car and place the front wheels exactly where they needed to be, to get through very high speed corners, was amazing and a thing of beauty. When I asked about the balance of the 4,979-pound Mach-E Rally, his response was “perfect.”
What’s New
New on the 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT and Rally, the MagneRide damping system and Brembo front brakes are standard equipment. The MagneRide, demonstrated here, allows the Mach-E GT and Rally to adapt to changing road conditions for a smoother ride, while also maximizing track or cornering attributes. The four-wheel MacPherson strut with the multi-link independent suspension, combined with electric assist power steering, made for confident and accurate driving. The Mach-E Rally goes a step further as the MagneRide damping system is Rallycross tuned.
The Mach-E GT has 245/45 Pirelli all-season tires were mounted on sharp high-gloss 20-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels. If you opt for the great looking Bronze Appearance Package, the wheels are finished in Sinister Bronze. The Mach-E Rally gets 235/55 Michelin CrossClimate 2 all-season tires on 19-inch wheels.
While we didn’t seek-out any mountain twisties, we did encounter plenty of higher-speed sweeping and tight curves. The weight balance, with the batteries placed low under the seats, feels neutral making for consistent and predictable cornering and the suspension smoothed-out road imperfections.
All-Electric Driving Range
The Mach-E comes in four model choices of Select, Premium, GT, and Rally. All-wheel drive (AWD) is on all but Select, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) is available in Select and Premium. The all-electric driving range for each is:
- Select, Rear Wheel Drive RWD 250 miles
- Select Premium RWD 250 miles
- Premium eAWD 230 miles
- Premium RWD Extended Range 320 miles
- GT eAWD 280 miles
- Rally eAWD 265 miles
BlueCruise
We had highway time, which allowed us to engage the intelligent and adaptive hands-free driving system. BlueCruise is available to be used on more than 130,000 miles of divided highway across North America, with the system utilizing a combination of road sensors, with an infrared camera to track the driver’s head movements and eyes, even when wearing sunglasses.
When BlueCruise senses a lack of attention to the road, warnings tell the driver to refocus and take control of the steering wheel. BlueCruise centers the Mach-E between lane lines, and can bring the SUV to a complete stop and accelerate again, and even change lanes when the driver pushes on the turn signal stalk. Have your Ford dealer sales representative take you out on the highway to demonstrate this cool feature.
Charging
There are two ways to charge, with the most common plugging into either a home or public charger, the other is through regenerative motor braking. The Mach-E GT and Rally have a 91 kilowatt hour (kWh) extended range battery, and a 11.0 kilowatt (kW) on-board charger that can charge up-to 115 kW when using either a 150 kW or 350 kW DC Fast Charger.
DC Fast Charging times are 10-80% in 36.2 minutes for the extended range battery, and 10-80% in 32.3 minutes for the standard range battery. Both of these are faster than on the 2023 Mach-E. More charging details can be found here.
Recharging
One-pedal driving with regenerative motor braking converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery, where lifting off the accelerator pedal slows and eventually brings it to a stop. Ford’s system has no steering wheel-mounted paddles, but uses a simple on/off choice in the center-mounted touchscreen. We were pleased with the braking force as it was as strong as an EV where the level can be set manually.
This system, unlike other EVs we have driven, lets the computer completely do the work. With the same amount of applied braking, regardless of which drive mode you are in, the one-pedal driving learning curve was quick.
Mach-E: In and Out
Ford designed the Mach-E interior to be a familiar place for car buyers, not a futuristic cockpit. It’s modern and uncluttered. The power and heated seats are supportive and comfortable. The heated steering wheel has a good, solid thickness. The center armrest is deep for storing purses and bags, and the panoramic sunroof is large, opening the cabin for front and rear seat occupants.
The horizontal 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster provides vehicle operational information, including the all-important notifications when safely in BlueCruise. The 15.5-inch, vertical touchscreen handles the Sync 4 connectivity system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and Waze navigation. The Mach-E Premium comes with the upgraded 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system that sounded great. There is no head-up display on the Mach-E.
The Mach-E has room for five with a cargo space measuring 29.7 cubic feet. With the split rear seat folded, cargo space jumps to 59.7 cubic feet, but that isn’t the only place to store stuff. Under the hood is a front trunk (“frunk”), which can hold a carry-on sized bag and has been cleverly designed with a drain to hold wet or dirty items, or even be packed with ice for beverages, and then cleaned out.
The distinctive Mustang exterior design heritage continues onto the Mach-E, including a long hood and the three LED tail lights, that are sequential for turn signals (so classic Mustang). LED projector headlights and daytime running lamps frame the nose with the iconic Mustang pony badge. To complete the exterior, there is a power lift gate, heated power-folding outside mirrors with memory that project Mustang pony puddle lamps, and the fixed glass panoramic roof. The sleek, smooth Mach-E is nearly devoid of badging, save for the nose, tailgate and the lower front doors.
One note on the glass roof. Even though it is tinted, it is possible to get a sunburn. So, pack a hat!
Technology
The 2024 Mustang Mach-E is available with advanced driver assist technology (ADAS) of Co-Pilot360 2.0. Co-Pilot360 2.0 has features that help make driving safer and more confident. These include automatic emergency braking, blind spot and active lane control monitoring, post impact braking, evasive steering assist, plus adaptive cruise control.
FordPass Connect is standard, offering a 4G LTE Wi-Fi that can handle mobile devises and allows for over the air software updates. This is also where electric charging can be managed, including charging and payment, through the Blue Oval Charge Network, the largest such network in North America with more than 19,500 charging stations. The big news began in January 2024, when all Ford EVs were able to use select Tesla Superchargers. With more than 2,200 chargers in the United States and more than 50,000 worldwide, Ford owners will have more options to stay charged.
Pricing and Warranty
The all-electric 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E comes in four trims, with these base prices, including the mandatory $1,895 destination and delivery fee, but not including federal and state tax incentives. Please see a CPA before visiting your Ford dealer.
- Select $41,890
- Premium $45,890
- GT $55,890
- Rally $61,890
- Bumper-To-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Battery – Eight years/ 100,000 miles
- Roadside Assist – Five years/60,000 miles
Observations: 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and Rally
Ford gives 2024 Mustang Mach-E owners every opportunity to express themselves, whether it’s the choice of rear or all-wheel drive or adding performance and range with the GT and Rally. Donna Dickson, chief engineer, says the “Mach-E is fast, it’s fun, and it’s freedom.”
The instant acceleration and performance are only the beginning as its every day practicality comes through very quickly. With ample passenger and cargo space, interior comfort features, and a smooth and quiet ride, the Mach-E is sure to replace many a gasoline powered crossover SUV in garages everywhere. Plus, as Ms. Dickson says, “It can take you off-road when you want to get a little dirty.”
The Mach-E compares well to any EV, so visit your local Ford dealer to check it out.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Ford.
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