I recently had the opportunity to test drive the cutting-edge Mustang Mach-E, accompanied by the latest top-tier Rally model, marking a pivotal milestone for Ford, specifically its electric vehicle subsidiary, Ford Model e.
The automaker is stepping up its commitment to electric vehicles, prioritizing a future that is increasingly powered by clean energy.
Last month, Ford revealed its revamped 2024 Mustang Mach-E, boasting enhanced performance capabilities, including accelerated acceleration and rapid recharging options.
For the final week, I received an invitation from the automaker to visit their facility in Bellevue, Washington, where I had the opportunity to revisit and get a closer look at the newly launched electric SUV model that has been highly praised by fans.
Having extensively tested the Ford Mustang Mach-E at various events, I have developed a strong affinity for this vehicle. While I’ve consistently had issues with long-distance charging, my concerns have largely dissipated following the agreement with Tesla, which granted me access to their expansive Supercharger network.
The 2024 model year Mach-E boasts a significant upgrade in charging time, with the Mach-E trims featuring extended batteries now taking just 36.2 minutes to reach 80% capacity from zero.
Despite Tesla’s claim to having the highest peak charger fee at 250 kW, the Ford Mustang Mach-E can charge just as quickly, if not more rapidly, depending on the circumstances due to its impressive cost curve.
This move will significantly alleviate the strain on Supercharger stations, which has been a pressing concern with the influx of Ford Electric Vehicle owners joining the Tesla community. I marveled at the rare spectacle of an equal number of Ford Mustang Mach-E GTs and Tesla vehicles charging side by side at a Renton, Washington Supercharger, all thanks to the versatile CCS to NACS adapter.
The ease of expertise with the adapter is straightforward. The device’s rapid-charging technology offers a substantial 10-second boost to overall charging performance.
With enhanced charging capabilities as a foundation, the 2023 Mustang Mach-E models are now also receiving an added layer of flexibility with the introduction of the new model year.
| Automobile | 2024 mannequin yr EPA-estimated vary | Enchancment |
|
Standard-range battery paired with rear-wheel drive in the Mustang Mach-E. |
250 | + 20 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium’s extended-range battery offers seamless rear-wheel drive performance. | 320 | + 20 |
| Mustang Mach-E GT | 280 | + 10 |
| Mustang Mach-E Rally | 265 | N/A |
Ford’s focus intensifies on electric vehicles and software advancements.
The majority of advancements allowing for increased charging rates and performance are attributed to the upgraded thermal management system and advanced electric motors.
Speaking with Ford engineers at a press event, it seemed clear that the company – which now oversees its electric vehicle division under ‘Model e,’ led by veteran industry executive Doug Field – is growing increasingly confident in its electric capabilities.
Ford’s century-long legacy of crafting excellent automobiles continues with the Mach-E, whose conventional aspects are well-executed; however, the electric powertrain appears conservative, a cautious approach one might expect from a company venturing into a completely new market after 100 years.
The same principle can also apply to software programs. Ford’s stature as a software company was modest at best, but CEO Jim Farley stood out among his peers by recognizing the significance of Tesla’s ability to seamlessly update vehicle systems via over-the-air software deployments, made possible by its vertical integration of digital components throughout the automobile.
The Mustang Mach-E’s advanced technology enables seamless updates, with a remarkable 85% of its modules capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades, ensuring your driving experience stays fresh and secure. It appears that prices of current automobiles are destined to rise in the future.
The newly released Ford Go app showcases the company’s significant advancements in software capabilities.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally
The Rally is a brand-new trim option introduced in the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E lineup. The Subaru model is characterized by its powertrain setup as a GT variant, whereas the Rally trim boasts a heightened level of performance, calibrated separately for both highway and off-road driving. To match its more aggressive nature, the Rally features rally-inspired aesthetic elements, including distinctive wheels, tires, spoilers, and stripe bundles.
The GT and Rally now arrive as standard with Ford’s innovative adjustable MagnaRide dampers – a game-changer. Ford’s dynamics group is indeed aware of its actions.
Despite the fact that I’ve driven both cars, I find that the combination of suspension tuning from the Rally model, paired with its increased tire size, translates to a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience – not just on rugged terrain, but also on highways where the GT would struggle to keep up.
Although I’m no stranger to off-roading, nor a seasoned rally driver, I seized an opportunity to tackle DirtFish’s rally course in Snoqualmie, Washington alongside expert rally driver Adrien Fourmaux, and the experience proved truly thrilling.
There are few electric rally cars available, making this Fourmaux’s maiden experience behind the wheel of such a vehicle. He told me the Mach-E Rally was surprisingly straightforward, making it almost too easy for his taste. While recalling the occasion, I noticed that he seemed half asleep, as if his eyelids were struggling to stay open; conversely, I clung to my very existence, anxiously evaluating the electric vehicle’s rally seats for optimal support.
As I prepared to embark on a high-speed Rally ride along the highway, I found myself bracing for impact, my senses heightened with anticipation, and a sense of wonder washing over me. While the highway driving was remarkably straightforward, it lacked the ruggedness often associated with vehicles designed for off-road excursions.
While you may sacrifice some efficiency with this model, the 15 extra miles per gallon could be a worthwhile trade-off for the enhanced driving experience, especially in areas like where I’m from, where roads often resemble battlefields.
