Electric ‘Stang priced from $80k

FORD has issued pricing and further details on its ‘other’ Mustang, the three model Mach-E fully electric SUV, with the single-motor, rear-wheel drive Mach-E Select entry level model listed from $79,990, the (more powerful) single-motor, rear-wheel drive Mach-E Premium listed from $92,990 and the dual-motor, all-wheel drive Mach-E GT range-topper is from $108,990, all plus on-road costs.

In the price range, the five seat Mach-E has a number of BEV competitors spanning large and medium SUV segments that include the Kia EV6 large SUV ranging from $72,590 to $99,590, the Tesla Model Y medium size SUV from $69,300 to $95,300 and perhaps Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 medium SUV from $69,900 to $77,500 (all +ORCs).

Other (premium) manufacturers offer vehicles of similar size and specification but at higher prices.

In the pricing announcement, Ford Australia does not provide a firm delivery date for the Mach-E simply saying it will arrive “late this year”. However, it did provide a “grade walk” of the three variant’s specification which customers can reserve through an online portal at Ford’s public website.

The range starts with the Mach-E Select that uses a 71kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery mated to a single electric motor which delivers 198kW and 430Nm of torque via the rear wheels.

The LFP battery is new to Ford, more durable and uses fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. The new battery technology gives it the ability to sustain fast charging as it approaches maximum capacity that translates into a driving range of up to 470km for the Select model.

The variant scores a large 15.5-inch infotainment screen (standard across the range) running Ford’s latest-generation SYNC 4A system. A 360-degree camera assists parking while mellifluous tones are provided by a B&O sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer. The model scores wireless phone charging and generous rear seat legroom from the flat floor.

ISOFIX mounts are located on the two outboard rear seats and top tether anchors for all three back seats for easier child seat installation. The rear seats fold 60:40 to increase rear luggage space when needed.

Mach-E Select features Black Onyx Sensico seats in the front and back which is a ‘premium’ artificial leather upholstery. The front seats are eight-way powered.

Mach-E Select’s exterior features 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof and Ford’s E-Latch door handles used instead of conventional door handles for improved efficiency… not forgetting the ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for additional luggage space.

Stepping up to the Mach-E Premium with a bigger 91kWh battery delivering 216kW and 430Nm of torque via a single motor on the rear axle this mid-model is said by Ford to balance enhanced performance with efficiency. It has the longest potential driving range of the line-up with up to a claimed 600km of range.

Over the Select model, Mach-E Premium adds a touch more luxury with LED projector headlights, premium-finish scuff plates and pedals, and interior upgrades including red contrast stitching to its Black Onyx Sensico seats black headliner and multi-colour ambient lighting as standard.

Topping out the range is the performance oriented Mach-E GT that can clock a 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 3.7 seconds.

The same 91kWh battery as Premium is used to power dual motors, one at the front and one at the rear, delivering a combined 358kW and 860Nm of torque to all four wheels with a driving range of up to a claimed 490km.

Ford Australia says the Mach-E GT will be their fastest accelerating model offered in Australia.

Dynamics on the Mach-E GT are uprated commensurate with the power output starting with MagneRide active suspension which can adjust up to 1000 times a second allowing the dampers to respond in real-time to changing road conditions or driving style. The system also automatically adjusts damping force based on the selected drive mode.

All three Mach-E provide a multiple drive modes with the GT adding Untame Plus to the other models: Active, Whisper or Untame.

The Plus mode is for ‘closed-course driving only’ and adjusts multiple systems such as battery cooling through to steering to throttle response, traction and stability controls to all-wheel drive strategy and ensures consistent power and torque delivery for longer-lasting performance.

Matching the GT’s ‘go’ department is the ‘whoa’ department handled by Brembo Flexira front performance brakes, 20-inch alloys wrapped in specialised Pirelli tyres.

Inside, the GT scores a pair of bolstered Ford Performance sport front seats in a soft-touch leather-like material.

All models feature one pedal drive through the accelerator pedal and FordPass connectivity which lets owners access a range of information about the vehicle from afar via the FordPass App on a smartphone, as well as key EV connected services and charging information.

“We’ve had a brilliant response to Mustang Mach-E since we confirmed it for Australia a few weeks ago, and can’t wait to give customers the chance to get behind the wheel later this year,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO, Andrew Birkic.

Ford Australia plans to launch at least five electrified vehicles Down Under by the end of 2024.