Overview
With its various configurations and range of equipment packages, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E has plenty to offer for those who want a crossover but are eager to get behind the wheel of an EV. Those customers will also be able to decide between the content-rich Premium model or the elevated performance of the GT. Sure, despite the name it’s no Mustang, but the Mach-E can still be described as agile and quick. Plus, it has fetching looks, a well-appointed interior with all the latest gizmos and gadgets, and sufficient range and capability. On that subject, Ford says the Mustang Mach-E can travel more than 300 miles before needing a charge, and the GT Performance model leaped to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds at our test track. It performed well enough to win our inaugural EV of the Year award in 2021 but has since lost its crown to the cheaper and similarly impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2023?
For its third model year, the Premium trim sees a slight increase in its estimated range—up 13, to 290 miles—and more standard content, including the automaker’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance tech for the entire lineup. A new Mustang Nite Pony package is available for some Premium and GT Performance Edition models. On the Premium, it adds black exterior touches on the bumpers and door cladding and gloss-black 19-inch wheels. For GT Performance Edition models, the package includes 20-inch gloss-black wheels and black GT badging. Additionally, a panoramic glass roof is now standard on the GT and the GT Performance Edition. The Mach-E also gets two new exterior color options: Carbonized Gray Metallic and Vapor Blue Metallic. During the second half of 2023, Ford added new batteries fro standard range models that promise to increase its EPA range and add power for all-wheel-drive Mach-E. Ford switched out the previously offered lithium-ion batteries for lithium iron phosphate units. The 70.0-kWh capacity remains the same, but its EPA estimates raise to 250 miles and 226 miles for all-wheel drive cars. The new technology raises the standard range all-wheel-drive Mach-E output to 311 horsepower. Extended range models are unaffected by the updates.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the Premium model is the Mach-E to get. Ford says it’s good for 306 miles of driving range when paired with the extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, but we’d still choose the all-wheel-drive version, which knocks its estimated range down to 290 miles. Compared with the base model, the Mach-E Premium has more powerful fast-charging capability, 19-inch wheels, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E is available with either a standard-range 70.0-kWh battery or an extended-range 91.0-kWh pack. These feed an electric motor mounted on the rear or both axles. That latter combination creates all-wheel drive, and on the sporty GT and GT Performance models, the motors combine to make 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque. Ford claims this will send the Mach-E GT Performance from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Less powerful models have 266 to 346 horsepower and 317 to 428 pound-feet of torque. The Mach-E rides on wheels that range in size from 18 to 20 inches, and it can be had with adaptive dampers for adjustable ride firmness. The earlier version we drove in 2021 was an extended-range all-wheel-drive model that was quick and better to drive than most ordinary crossovers. Drivers shouldn’t expect the Mach-E to be nearly as engaging as the traditional Mustang. However, the Mach-E’s quiet operation and super-smooth ride were most impressive.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E has a Ford-estimated range between 226 and 312 miles, depending on the battery pack and the configuration of electric motors. That isn’t nearly as impressive as the longest-range Tesla models. Every model also has fast-charging capability, and they all come with a mobile charging device that can add up to 30 miles of range per night with a 120-volt outlet and up to 80 percent of battery life overnight with a 240-volt outlet. A Ford charge station can be ordered online and installed by certified electricians, with the ability to replenish 32 miles per hour and recharge the battery overnight.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Ford says the 2023 Mustang Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of up to 312 miles in its California Route 1 trim, which is exclusively all-wheel drive. The midlevel Premium model with rear-wheel drive follows, with a Ford-estimated driving range of 306 miles. Of course, there are a wider variety of ranges depending on the model and equipment, with the lowest being 226 miles for Standard Range battery models configured with all-wheel drive. We haven’t yet had the 2023 Mach-E on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, so we haven’t evaluated its real-world range. For more information about the Mustang Mach-E’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang Mach-E’s battery is located under the floor of the car, which allows for maximum cargo and passenger space. Unlike its exterior, the inside of the Mach-E has little in common with the regular Mustang. Its streamlined dashboard hosts an attractive digital gauge cluster and is dominated by a huge vertically mounted touchscreen. A floating flip-up armrest on the center console allows a purse or other items to be stored between the front-seat passengers. There are also many slick features that include customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, and more. The front trunk is made of durable plastics that can be rinsed and then drained, which allows for storing ice and messy things. The Mach-E has 29 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 60 with the back seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford’s next-generation Sync infotainment system uses machine learning to fully customize each driver’s experience. Currently, it supports three driver profiles and one guest. The Mustang Mach-E runs the software through a vertically mounted 15.5-inch touchscreen that allows for easy access to the system’s array of apps and features. A benefit of the system is that Ford will roll out over-the-air updates over time, constantly improving the system and adding new content. Top features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E is available with a wide array of driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Mach-E’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford’s current limited and powertrain warranty are competitive, albeit unspectacular. Notably, the company covers the Mach-E’s electrical components for eight years or 100,000 miles, which it does for all its EVs, but complimentary maintenance isn’t included.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E 4
VEHICLE TYPE
front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$56,200 (base price: $46,695)
MOTORS
2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC; combined output, 346 hp, 428 lb-ft; 88.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
TRANSMISSIONS
2 direct-drives
CHASSIS
Brakes (F/R): 14.3-in vented disc/12.4-in disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy A/S, 225/55R-19 103H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.5 in
Length: 185.6 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 64.0 in
Passenger volume: 104 ft3
Cargo volume: 35 ft3
Curb weight: 4856 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.1 sec
100 mph: 13.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.8 sec
1/4 mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 60 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 90/96/84 MPGe
Range: 270 mi
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E4X GT Performance Edition
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $66,000/$70,040
MOTORS
2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC; combined output, 480 hp, 634 lb-ft; 88.0-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack
TRANSMISSIONS
2 direct-drives
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.2-in vented disc/12.4-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect
245/45R-20 103Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.5 in
Length: 186.7 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 63.5 in
Passenger Volume: 106 ft3
Cargo Volume, F/R: 5/30 ft3
Curb Weight: 5001 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.7 sec
100 mph: 12.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.7 sec @ 101 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 120 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 158 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 310 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 65 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 74 MPGe
Highway Range: 220 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 82/88/75 MPGe
