Ford Mustang Mach-e review: Can Ford’s electric SUV gallop ahead of its rivals?

Mustang. The mere mention of the name conjures up images of sleek two-door coupes with thunderous V8s cruising down American boulevards.

So, obviously, when Ford set about naming its new all-electric SUV the famous pony car moniker was the go-to choice.

I’m sure Ford’s marketing people will disagree but using the Mustang name seems unnecessary and potentially damaging to the fabled badge. Ford says it gives a connection between old and new, representing a continuation of the muscle car’s “freedom and performance” but the Mach-e is a very different beast.

What’s more it’s good enough to succeed on its own merits without piggybacking on the success of its predecessors.

For a start, it’s a triple world record holder. The actual car I drove - an extended range, rear-wheel-drive model - was used to complete the famous John o’ Groats to Lands End run with the shortest charging time, the fewest stops and the lowest energy consumption. It managed to complete the 840-mile run with just a single charge of 43 minutes and 13 seconds. On a separate run on the same route it eked out 6.5 miles/kWh.

Mustang Mach-e performance, range and charging

Those records were set by hyper-miling experts who use every trick in the book to squeeze the maximum range from an EV. In the real world, Ford says this 91kWh version of the Mach-e will cover 379 miles on a full charge, offering official consumption of 3.7miles/kWh. Ultra-fast 150kW charging should allow a 70% charge in 45 minutes.

As ever, such figures can be dramatically affected by things ranging from driving style and roads to the weather but over several hundred miles of driving in cold weather and without trying to conserve energy I saw an average of 3.5 miles/kWh. That’s not bad for such a large vehicle and on par or better than rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq, Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y.

Different versions of the Mach-e offer a decrease in range for an increase in power. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version offers 346bhp and up to 335 miles while the the 480bhp Mach-e GT cuts range to 310 miles. Both are quicker from a standstill but the single motor’s 290bhp still feels perfectly punchy thanks to the way it delivers its power and 0-62mph in seven seconds isn’t too shabby for a five-seat SUV.

Three driving modes - Active, Whisper and Untamed - modulate performance but the driving experience in any setting is refined and sprightly. The single-pedal driving feature works so well you’ll almost never touch the brake pedal and there’s a sci-fi-like “engine” note that varies in intensity depending on the throttle position and driving mode.

On the road the Mach-e is quiet and stable and compared with some rivals offers a more lively interaction with the driver. But it’s still a 2.2-tonne SUV with over-assisted steering, so don’t expect Jaguar I-Pace-type miracles.

You’ll also need to limit your expectations of the ride quality. At higher speeds the Mach-e’s composure is acceptable but at lower speeds it’s jittery and sharp-edged, especially compared with something like the Jaguar or Q4 e-tron.

Styling

Ford says the Mach-e’s looks pay homage to the “regular” Mustang through its tri-bar tail-lights, long bonnet and shaped grille area. There are definite visual similarities but that’s where the connection ends. There’s no getting away from the fact that the Mach-e is a tall, chunky and slightly awkward looking SUV, even if the clever use of roof colours and window shaping gives the impression of a coupe-like profile.

There’s also no escaping some unnecessary “futuristic” touches. For instance, Ford has reimagined the door handle as a weird vestigial plastic hook that protrudes from the A-pillar like a broken piece of trim. To open the car you have to press a touch-sensitive button above the handle. At least those in the front get handles. Rear passengers have to press the flush-fit button then wedge their hand in the small gap that appears, praying that a gust of wind doesn’t slam it back on their fingers.

Interior

The futuristic touches continue inside but to much better effect. First off, a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen dominates the middle of the dash - in complete contrast to the slimline instrument panel atop the steering column.