The Mustang Mach-E was Ford’s marker in the sand heralding its EV future and has proved to be a strong seller in the European market. With SUVs remaining the favored choice for many consumers, the Mach-E certainly ticks all of the boxes regarding practicality and style, with its sharp looks drawing comment when parked.
On the road, the Mach-E offers three driving modes – Whisper, Active and Untamed – each offering a different combination of steering feel and throttle response. In day-to-day use, Whisper provides the ideal balance for most UK driving, though when pressing on along an engaging section of road, Active sharpens up these inputs without being overly aggressive. Untamed doesn’t deliver a spectacular leap in performance or engagement, beyond making the throttle response snappier, which, when coupled with the somewhat grabby brakes, makes achieving smooth progress a challenge.
The extended-range, AWD version tested here, with its twin permanent magnet motors putting out a combined 258kW, coupled with a 91kWh battery, delivers sprightly performance when needed. Though not in the realm of some of the current crop of EVs, acceleration is plenty potent enough to dispatch overtakes with ease. When adopting a steadier pace the Mach-E also proves impressively frugal, with real-world range tallying well with the car’s predictions, provided the driver is measured with throttle inputs.
The chassis dynamics are above average for a car in this class. It would be wrong to describe it as having a performance bias, but the damping is satisfyingly controlled without resolving into an overly harsh ride
on rough roads.
Compared with the very neutral feel of competition such as the VW ID.4, the Mach-E provides a decent degree of driver engagement when hustled, albeit at the expense of some refinement. Despite the chassis’ poise, you’re always aware that it is a two-ton-plus vehicle with the dampers fighting physics to keep the mass in check; noticeable body roll is ever-present and if you hit bumps mid-corner things can begin to unsettle.
Overall, the Mach-E feels very much like a Ford, and that is meant as a compliment. The German competition may be more refined but does not deliver anything comparable in the way of driver engagement. Combining fast charging capabilities, accomplished powertrain and useful range along with plenty of tech as standard, the Mach-E earns its place on any buyer’s shortlist if they are seeking a sharp-looking yet practical family SUV.
