While at South OC Cars & Coffee, I came upon a brand new Mustang Mach-E. This wasn’t a normal Mach-E. This was the top of the line Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Thanks to the owner for letting me check the car inside and out.
The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition is Ford’s answer to the Tesla Model Y Performance. The Mach-E GT comes in two versions: GT and GT Performance Edition. Both have two motors making 480 hp, but the Performance Edition makes more torque (634 ft-lbs vs. 600 ft-lbs) and cost $5,000 more. You also get fancier looking wheels to let everyone know you spent the extra money for the GT PE. Zero to 60 mph takes 3.8 seconds in the GT and 3.5 seconds in the GT Performance Edition. That matches the acceleration of the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Where the Mustang failed to match Tesla is in driving range. The Mach-E GT has an EPA estimate range of 250 miles, and the GT Performance Edition is even worst at only 235 miles. By comparison, a Tesla Model Y Performance can go 303 miles on a single charge.
The Mustang Mach-E GT has a MSRP that starts at $59,900 (assuming you can find any dealers willing to sell at MSRP). The Performance Edition I looked at topped at $68,100, making it more expensive than the competing Tesla Model Y Performance. However, the Mustang does qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit where as the Tesla does not.
The ultimate question: Is this a Mustang? That depends on what you think of the Mustang name. For many, it’s a performance icon and for sure not an electric SUV. Ford could have just called it the Mach-E but internal studies showed that it would sell a lot better if it had Mustang in the name. And it does. The Mustang Mach-E is now outselling the gas powered Mustang. As a business decision, it was a wise move. From a Mustang enthusiast standpoint, it kinda sucks. I personally don’t have an issue with it.
If paying over $60,000 for a top of the line Mach-E is too much for your blood, the non GT Mach-E start as a low as $42,895 ($33,395 after tax credit). That is assuming you can find a dealer willing to sell it for MSRP, of course.