Ford has, seemingly, been rolling out the all-electric Mustang Mach-E (the Blue Oval's first all-electric model, unless you count the handful of Focus Energi models that were sold in the US about a decade ago) forever. In fairness, the electric crossover has been delayed a little (because you KNOW why) but now the details for European customers are being confirmed. Here's what we know...
How fast?
Very fast. Like really fast. Like 3.7 seconds 0-100km/h time - matching the Tesla Model Y, and way faster than most sports cars and super-saloons - if you go for the top-spec all-wheel drive twin-motor version. The base model Mustang Mach-E will have a rear-wheel drive setup with a single 269hp, 430Nm of torque electric motor, and a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds.
Next-up is an all-wheel drive model with either 269hp or, optionally with the long-range battery, 351hp, 580Nm, and a 0-100km/h time that tumbles to 5.1 seconds. The limited-run Mustang Mach-E First Edition models will be in that spec.
Then there's the range-topping Mustang Mach-E GT model, which gets all-wheel drive, 487hp, 860Nm (!) of torque, and that headline-grabbing 3.7-second sprint time. Peak torque from the motors is apparently reached just 0.5 seconds after you press the go pedal...
Ford says that the car's suspension will be tuned to deliver "that quintessential Mustang feel" and that European models get 'unique settings for shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering and powertrain have been tailored for Europe's typically narrower, more twisty roads and higher speed limits.' "Mustang Mach-E's balanced and responsive all-electric platform meant we could tailor the fun-to-drive experience whether on Norway's twisty Trollstigen mountain road, high-speed German autobahn or bumpy British B-road," said Geert Van Noyen, manager, Vehicle Dynamics, Ford of Europe.
There will be three driving modes: 'Whisper' (which is kind of analogous to a Winter mode); 'Active' (which tries to balance range maximisation with still being fun to drive); and 'Untamed', which clearly references the horsey origin of the Mustang name, and which "unleashes the full potential of the Mustang Mach-E; sharpening the steering, enhancing the throttle response and even giving the driver the feel of downshifting on deceleration. Matched to the performance is a boosted interior sound, sporty orange lighting, and dynamic sense lines on the driver display that reflect the acceleration and cornering forces being experienced."
"Mustang Mach-E gave us the opportunity to really tailor the driving experience and give the driver exactly what they want from their vehicle depending on how they feel that day. The vehicle becomes a companion that responds to you," said Matthias Tonn, Mustang Mach-E chief programme engineer for Europe. "Individual changes between each Drive Mode are subtle, but the overall effect can transform the driving experience in Mustang, exactly when you want it to."
How far?
610km. That's the maximum possible range for a Mustang Mach-E fitted with the extended-range battery (with 88kWh energy capacity) and rear-wheel drive. The standard 68kWh battery, with rear-wheel drive will get you a 440km one-charge range. An all-wheel drive Mustang Mach-E with the standard battery will go for 400km, while an AWD extended-range Mach-E will do you 540km. The mighty GT model should manage 411km between charges, but obviously not if you make much use of that 0-100km/h time.
The Mustang Mach-E will be quick to charge, too. Ford is part of the IONTIY consortium, which is busily installing ultra-fast 150kW and 350kW charging points across Europe and Ireland. There are already five such charging points in Ireland with more to follow.
For home chargers, there's an optional Ford Connected home wallbox with 11kW charging speed, which will top up a Mach-E from ten to 80 per cent in six hours (there's also a slower 7.4kW home charger). Hook up to a 150kW fast charger and the rear-drive Mach-E can add a claimed 119km of extra range for every ten-minutes you leave it plugged-in, up to 80 per cent battery capacity.
All-wheel drive models charge a little slower, adding around 107km every ten minutes. Both models should go from ten to 80 per cent charge in around 45 minutes from a 150kW charger.
Ford says that the Mach-E has an 'Intelligent Range' feature that "helps send range anxiety to the history books by more accurately estimating remaining driving range based on past driver behaviour and forecasted weather conditions - even taking advantage of cloud-connectivity to predict how much energy will be used in future driving. Crowdsourced data from other connected Ford electric vehicle customers who choose to share information can improve estimates considerably." Home charging tariffs for Mach-E owners will be available through Ford's partnership with Bord Gais Energy.
What else?
One-pedal driving? Yup. A big touch-screen? Yup, actually the latest generation of Ford's SYNC infotainment system, on a massive Tesla-style 15.5-inch touchscreen that kind of dominates the centre of the cabin. Ford says that the Mach-E will be fully connected, allowing you to set up all of your desired functions - from seat position to air conditioning to music - from your phone while you're on the way to the dealership to collect your Mach-E (or, indeed, while sitting at home waiting for it to be delivered). SYNC will also support third-party apps, such as Spotify, what3words, Waze and Webex, features sat-nav designed by nav experts Garmin, with live traffic services by TomTom. You can use your mobile phone as a virtual key (with a keypad on the b-pillar to enter an unlock code if you run out of battery) and the whole system gets over-the-air updates via a built-in internet connection.
Other tech includes intelligent active cruise control with stop-and-go traffic control, and lane-centering steering, fully active park assist, pre-collision assistance with automated braking, and a blind-spot monitor. There's a B+O sound system, and a big glass roof with infrared protection helps the interior stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
"We've worked obsessively to make sure that owning a Mustang Mach-E is the most personal, most connected driving experience achievable," said Jan Schroll, connectivity manager, Ford of Europe. "The next-generation SYNC is the smartest version yet and will continue to get smarter the longer you own your car. It is designed to know what you need - and when you need it - so you can just sit back and enjoy the drive."
Oh, and it'll be practical too with a 420-litre boot, that expands to 1,420 litres if you fold the back seats, plus a 'frunk' boot under the 'bonnet' that holds 81 litres, and has a drain-plug in it so that you can hose it out. At last, a Mustang for family buyers...
How much?
We simply don't know yet, as Irish prices have not yet been confirmed. However, Ford Ireland has previously promised to start Mach-E Prices at less than €50,000 (inclusive of grants and rebates) so as to try and match the Tesla Model 3.