One vehicle that has caused much discussion since its release — for all the right or wrong reasons, depending on your view — is the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Long Range. Tossing the Mustang nameplate on an SUV is one thing, but also making it an EV was a bold move bound to upset more than a few Mustang enthusiasts. Whether this was a wise decision is still up for debate, even two years after the Mach-E’s debut, so we’re going to find out if it still stands out in a market that’s changed a lot since its debut.
Nothing major has really chanced since the Mustang Mach-E was first released. For better or worse, it remains Ford’s interpretation of what a Mustang would be in an SUV body with an electric powertrain. The Mustang we know and love is still alive and well, and we’re especially thankful for that considering the Dodge Challenger has been put to rest, and the Chevrolet Camaro’s days are numbered.
The Mustang Mach-E is available in four trim levels, ranging from the base Mach-E Select at $59,190 to the top-of-the-line GT Performance Edition at $85,190. Our Premium tester slots in the middle of the lineup at $69,190 as-tested, so buyers should have no trouble finding a Mach-E to fit their budget and needs.
Our Mach-E Premium tester was fitted with all-wheel-drive and the 91 kWh extended-range battery, rated to achieve 467 kilometres of range. If you’re willing to give up AWD — Mach-Es are rear-wheel-drive by default — range jumps to an estimated 500 kilometres with the bigger battery, but it’s a $5,000 option. With the standard 77 kWh battery, rear- and AWD Mach-Es are rated at 397 and 360 km, respectively.
In the cooler, early winter air, we struggled to get close to the estimated numbers. Despite Ford’s 467-kilometre estimate, we couldn’t do better than roughly 400 km on a full charge, with ambient temperatures hovering around -2 degrees Celsius for most of our week. To be fair, colder weather impacts range on most EVs, and 400 km is still more than enough for most commutes, but seeing the Mach-E’s on-board range estimate drop faster than the distance you actually travel no doubt induces a bit of range anxiety.
While the Mach-E’s range is impressive on paper, the larger battery pack does take a bit longer to charge compared to newer EVs. Hooked up to a DC fast charger, Ford says a 10-to-80 per cent charge on a Mach-E takes about 45 minutes, versus a Kia EV6 that can do it in 18 minutes. Of course, your real-world experience may differ particularly if you rely on public charging, but at least Tesla opening up its Supercharging network means as of Spring 2024, Mach-E owners will have access to Tesla’s vast network.
For an SUV, the Mach-E impresses with its handling and performance. Ride quality feels stiffer than most other SUVs on the market, but it’s certainly more compliant and comfortable than the standard Mustang, and the Mach-E exhibits excellent levels of grip and minimal body roll when you toss it into a corner. All-wheel-drive Mach-Es use two motors; all told, the whole setup comes in at 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, and a zero-to-100 km/h run takes about six seconds. It does feel faster than the numbers suggest thanks to the instant torque available off the line. If speed is your top priority, grab the GT Performance Edition.
Outside, the Mach-E today is identical to when it first debuted. Take away the Mustang name and you still have a rather attractive and stylish SUV. Jump behind the wheel and you’re greeted with a large, vertical infotainment touchscreen and a rather small and unimpressive gauge cluster behind the wheel that can be difficult to read, based on your height and how you adjust the steering wheel. The interior materials are good but nothing luxurious. It might’ve looked fresh in 2021, but compared to newer EVs like the EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, it’s a bit dated. The Mach-E will easily fit 840 litres of cargo with the seats up, and that figure more than doubles to 1,690 when stowed. The front trunk is good for another 133 litres of cargo space — more than the Tesla Model Y’s 117-litre frunk.
Here’s the thing about the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Long Range: having also reviewed the GT Performance, not once did I wish for the GT. The Premium is quick enough, the interior is spacious, and even though overall range fell short of Ford’s estimates, it was still more than plenty. While some of the initial excitement has died down and several newer, fresher EVs have hit the market, the Mach-E continues to do many things right, even if you still disagree with what Ford calls it.
