This week we were in another fully electric vehicle. Taking on America’s favourite muscle car, and turning it into something more modern. Not a sports car, but an SUV that is stylish with some pretty fun, futuristic features. Although it still feels like a heavy Ford build. A stiff ride that is loaded on turns, leaving you feeling every body roll and bump. Clunky and stiff steering that takes away from the would be power and acceleration that Mustangs are known for. However, highly Ideal on highways.
In truth, the Mustang Mach-E would be better suited with a new name to best describe the anomaly that it was. Although carrying on with the “Mustang” brand came with all its longevity and prestige. An easy transition to an EV with plenty of trims to customize to your liking. And we were lucky to get them all with the content-rich Premium model. Equipped the latest bells and whistles to make it feel like you are behind something space-age.
Starting with the doors, on the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium you won’t see a regular door handle. But instead, a single back-lit button to push down on and release. At either front side doors there is also a hook handle that you can pull at to open fully. For the back seat passengers, just the latter.
Once inside, you have the same double stitched leather sensibilities of any Ford, but with carbon fibre detailing for an elevated feel, worthy of the title “premium”. Comfortable enough seats, but the lumbar was lacking, with its deeply concave back. The seatbelt was heavy, leaving you feeling its weight over your chest buckled in. The seats themselves heat up quic, much like the steering wheel, and never too hot.
The approach of the navigation was one of the most minimalistic I have seen. A single push button start, simple turn style gear shift, a couple of hazard and parking break buttons, and nothing else obscuring the plush centre console and spacious arm rest. Equipped with two screens, one behind the wheel and a full giant iPad-like infotainment system that makes it easy to scroll and hit your control as you drive, which may not necessarily be a safety thing.
As for fuel economy, the Mustang Mach-E Premium can travel more than 480km plus before needing a charge, with fast-charging capability. The trim also includes gloss black accents within and on the bumpers, door hook, and on each gloss-black 19-inch wheels. Solid sound quality from Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof that does not open, and a power lift gate.
In short, a great step for Ford to take in the EV direction, and a solid option that can only continue to get better with age.
