As an automotive technology enthusiast, I‘ve been closely following the rapid rise of electric vehicles over the past few years. While Tesla pioneered the modern electric car and continues to lead the pack, legacy automakers are now getting serious about EVs as well. One of the most intriguing new offerings is the Ford Mustang Mach-E – a sleek electric SUV that aims to combine the Mustang‘s sporty DNA with cutting-edge EV tech. But is the Mach-E really worth considering over a Tesla Model Y or one of the many other new electric crossovers hitting the market? After taking an in-depth look at everything the Mustang Mach-E has to offer, I believe the answer is a resounding "yes" for many buyers. Here are 10 compelling reasons why the Ford Mustang Mach-E deserves a spot on your EV shopping list.
1. Exhilarating Mustang-Inspired Performance
While the Mach-E may be a 4-door electric crossover rather than a traditional 2-door pony car, Ford‘s engineers made sure it lives up to the Mustang name when it comes to driving excitement. Even the base Select RWD model produces a healthy 266 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, good for 0-60 mph in around 5.8 seconds. Dual-motor AWD models bump that up to 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, dropping the 0-60 time to just 4.8 seconds. But if you really want to experience the full potential of electric performance, the Mach-E GT is an absolute thrill ride. Packing 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of tire-shredding torque, the GT launches from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. And for the ultimate Mach-E, the GT Performance Edition increases the torque to 634 lb-ft while adding adaptive suspension, massive Brembo brakes, and grippy Pirelli summer tires – resulting in sports car-like handling to match the drag strip-worthy acceleration.
No matter which version you choose, the Mach-E delivers that distinctive EV driving experience, where all the torque is available instantly. The power delivery is smooth and linear, without any jerky shifts. While it may not have the rumble of a V8, the Mach-E GT includes some fun digital motor sounds in "Unbridled" mode that add to the excitement. The low center of gravity from the skateboard-style battery pack results in minimal body roll when cornering. The steering is well-weighted and precise, if not quite as tactile as the best European sport sedans. And with one-pedal driving, you hardly ever need to touch the brake pedal. Overall, the Mustang Mach-E is an absolute blast to pilot, proving that the future of performance is undoubtedly electric.
2. High-Tech Infotainment and Digital Cockpit
These days, a frustrating infotainment system can be a dealbreaker, especially in an EV. Fortunately, the Mach-E features one of the best interfaces on the market, centered around a massive 15.5" vertically-oriented touchscreen display. The SYNC 4A software is attractive, snappy, and intuitive, with logically organized menus and helpful graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, as well as over-the-air updates to keep things running smoothly. A wireless charging pad and plenty of USB ports are thoughtful touches.
The digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is also crystal clear and customizable, displaying key info like range and regenerative braking data. Overall, the Mach-E nails the futuristic EV experience when it comes to displays and controls. Between the digital gauge cluster, portrait touchscreen, clean dashboard, and convenient rotary shifter, everything feels cutting-edge yet user-friendly. Physical controls are still present for essential functions like audio volume and climate control. And the ability to use your phone as a key is super convenient, allowing you to hop in and drive without digging around for a fob.
3. Spacious, Luxurious, and Comfortable Interior
Unlike some EVs that feel plasticky and drab inside to offset the expensive battery, the Mach-E has an interior that looks and feels a class above mainstream crossovers, even in the base trims. The front seats are highly adjustable and well-bolstered, with a nice mix of cushioning and support for long road trips. Synthetic ActiveX upholstery comes standard, or you can opt for perforated leather on higher trims. The Mach-E really shines when it comes to passenger and cargo space though. The lack of a transmission tunnel means there‘s a completely flat floor in the front and rear, making the cabin feel airy and open. Rear legroom is expansive at 38.1 inches, and the rear seats can be folded flat to open up a whopping 59.7 cubic feet of cargo room in back.
There‘s also an additional 4.7 cubic foot frunk under the hood for extra storage. Plenty of wood, fabric, and soft-touch surfaces add to the premium vibe inside. Other upscale touches include a huge fixed glass roof, customizable ambient lighting, and an optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. All trims also get dual-zone automatic climate control and a heated steering wheel standard, with ventilated front seats available. No matter where you‘re sitting, the Mach-E feels like a true luxury vehicle from the inside.
4. Cutting-Edge Driver Assistance and Safety Tech
As you‘d expect from a brand-new EV, the Mach-E comes loaded with all the latest active safety features to put your mind at ease on the road. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 system includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, reverse brake assist, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering and Intelligent Speed Assist is also available, which can automatically adjust your speed based on posted speed limit signs.
This hands-on system works well to reduce the stress of stop-and-go traffic and long highway cruises. Available active park assist and a 360-degree camera system take the guesswork out of navigating tight urban parking spots as well. Beyond the active driver aids, the Mach-E‘s solid, heavy chassis offers a reassuring feel on the road. And if an accident does occur, the lack of an engine up front provides a massive crumple zone to absorb impacts. While official crash test ratings are still pending, the Mach-E has all the necessary sensors and structural engineering to achieve top safety scores.
5. Accessible Pricing for a Premium EV
With a starting MSRP of $43,895 for the Select RWD model, the Mach-E is priced very competitively against similarly-sized electric crossovers. A Tesla Model Y starts at nearly $8,000 more, while an Audi e-tron or Jaguar I-PACE will run you at least $20,000 more. The fact that the Mach-E still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit for most buyers means the effective cost is actually in line with many gas-powered luxury compact crossovers as well. Even a loaded AWD Premium model with the extended range battery comes in under $60,000 before incentives.
Considering all the technology and performance you get with the Mach-E, it represents a strong value in today‘s EV market. For around the cost of a nicely-equipped Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 after the tax credit, you can enjoy a cutting-edge electric crossover with Mustang DNA. And that‘s before factoring in the potential savings on "fuel" costs and maintenance over the life of the vehicle. The 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty provides added peace of mind as well. While the top GT trims certainly aren‘t cheap at over $60,000, that‘s still very reasonable compared to the performance variants of rivals like the Model Y, e-tron, or Polestar 2.
6. Respectable Range for Daily Driving and Road Trips
One of the biggest concerns for prospective EV buyers is still range anxiety – the fear of running out of juice and getting stranded. With the Mach-E, that‘s really not something you need to worry about for typical commuting and errands around town. The standard range battery pack provides 230 miles of range for RWD models and 211 miles for AWDs. If you need a little more cushion, the extended range battery boosts those figures to 300 miles for RWD and 270 miles for AWD Mach-Es. Even the high-performance GT can travel 270 miles with the big battery.
Those numbers are more than enough for most drivers‘ daily needs. Keep in mind that with an EV, you‘ll be "refilling" at home most of the time. Imagine never needing to stop at a gas station again and always leaving the house with a full "tank." For the occasional road trip, the Mach-E can DC fast charge at up to 150 kW, allowing you to add around 61 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a public fast charger. The FordPass Charging Network includes over 16,000 stations nationwide and growing. A Plug & Charge feature also allows for seamless payment at Electrify America chargers. So while you will need to plan ahead a bit more for longer journeys, the Mach-E is certainly capable of some interstate cruising.
7. Eye-Catching Exterior Styling
Let‘s face it – appearances matter, and many people still think of EVs as dorky golf carts. The Mach-E totally shatters that stereotype with its sleek, muscular design clearly inspired by the iconic Mustang. The long, low hood, aggressive headlights, and tri-bar LED taillights all pay homage to the pony car, as do the prominent front pony badges. At the same time, the Mach-E has its own unique identity, with the distinctive fastback profile, chunky fender flares, and clean, grille-less front fascia.
It‘s a fresh yet instantly recognizable look that turns heads everywhere it goes. The available 18" and 19" aluminum wheels also fill out the wheel wells nicely and contribute to the sporty, purposeful stance. While looks are certainly subjective, I think Ford‘s designers nailed the Mach-E‘s styling. It‘s the perfect blend of retro and futuristic, and clearly communicates that this is no ordinary crossover. Unlike some of the more generic, blob-shaped electric crossovers out there, the Mach-E has a cool factor that can‘t be denied.
8. Lower Operating Costs
Beyond just the sticker price, one of the biggest financial advantages of going electric is the potential savings on operating costs over the life of the vehicle. According to the EPA, the Mach-E will cost around $550 per year to charge (based on 15,000 miles of driving), compared to $1,600 per year for the average new gas-powered vehicle. Of course, your exact savings will depend on local electricity vs gas prices and your specific driving habits. But in general, "fueling" an EV is significantly cheaper than filling up at the pump – especially if you‘re able to charge at off-peak hours or have solar panels.
EVs also have far fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, which means lower maintenance costs over time. There are no oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, timing belt replacements, or emissions checks to worry about. Even the brakes last longer thanks to regenerative braking doing most of the work. Besides rotating the tires and checking the wiper fluid, the Mach-E really doesn‘t require much maintenance at all for the first several years of ownership. Factor in the 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty, and you can enjoy a pretty low-stress ownership experience from a cost perspective.
9. Strong Early Indicators of Quality and Satisfaction
As an all-new model from a company relatively new to EVs, some early adopters may understandably have concerns about the Mach-E‘s long-term reliability and durability. Fortunately, initial quality data and owner experiences so far are very promising. In the J.D. Power 2022 Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study, the Mustang Mach-E earned the highest overall score in the premium EV segment, beating out rivals like the Model Y, e-tron, and XC40 Recharge.
The Mach-E particularly excelled in the driving enjoyment, interior comfort, and features factors. Ford also earned praise for the infotainment system and phone app user experience compared to other EV brands. In terms of initial problems per 100 vehicles, the Mach-E scored better than the Tesla Model 3 and Y in the 2022 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Consumer Reports rates the 2022 Mach-E an impressive 92/100, with perfect scores for the ride, noise, front seat comfort, rear seat comfort, and convenience. Beyond the professional reviews, a scan of the Mach-E Forum and other owner communities reveals largely positive impressions as well. So while long-term data is still limited, the Mach-E is off to a very strong start.
10. EV Incentives and Infrastructure
Finally, the Mach-E stands to benefit from the growing ecosystem of incentives and charging infrastructure being built to accelerate EV adoption in the US. As mentioned earlier, the Mach-E is eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit as long as Ford stays under the 200,000 unit cap. Depending on where you live, it may also qualify for state and local incentives like rebates, tax exemptions, HOV lane access, and reduced registration fees. These perks can add up to thousands of dollars in additional savings.
On the charging front, the FordPass Charging Network already includes over 16,000 stations nationwide, with more being added all the time. Many of these stations are conveniently located along major highways and in urban centers. Ford also makes it easy to find them with the FordPass app and in-car navigation system. If you install a 240V Level 2 charger at home (which Ford offers for around $800), you can add about 28 miles of range per hour. So even if you can‘t park near a public charger, it‘s more convenient than ever to own an EV like the Mach-E.
Conclusion: The Mach-E is the Real Deal
After taking a comprehensive look at the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, it‘s clear that this is one of the most compelling new electric vehicles on the market. With its thrilling performance, upscale interior, advanced tech features, and accessible pricing, the Mach-E offers something for almost every EV shopper. While the range may not be class-leading, it‘s more than adequate for most drivers‘ needs – especially with the available extended range battery. The styling is also a huge selling point, turning the idea of a "compliance car" on its head.
Perhaps most importantly though, the Mach-E is just an excellent vehicle to drive and own, period. It‘s not just a great EV crossover – it‘s a great crossover, full stop. If you‘re considering making the switch to electric, the Mustang Mach-E deserves a very close look. With so much to like and relatively few compromises, it has the potential to be a true game-changer for Ford and the EV market as a whole. The Mach-E proves that the electric future will be anything but boring.
