Ford Mustang Mach-E gives new meaning to the word ‘electrifying’.
As car manufacturers move towards electrified powertrain (some forced) we have very traditional and iconic nameplates moving away from their ‘purpose’ and becoming commuter vehicles.
One example is the ‘Mustang’. Instead of finding a new name for their electric vehicle, Ford marketers decided to name their new 5 door family electric car the ‘Mustang Mach-E’.
For the next generation of car buyers, this will really be no issue but for some others like us, this is sad.
The Mustang has to be a two door sports car with plenty of engine growl from ignition. Now comes a silent family vehicle with lots of battery power but ‘zero’ emotion.
This Ford Mustang Mach-E delivers three unique drive experiences – Whisper, Engage and Unbridled – each offering finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience. Yawn!
Features include custom-designed vehicle responsiveness such as sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behavior. Yawn!
Powered by a responsive, energy-efficient, battery-electric drivetrain, the first-ever SUV member of the Mustang family is offered with a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive performance that can deliver super-car-comparable 0-100 km/h acceleration in as little as 3.7 seconds.
From the factory there are 4 versions. Malaysian private importers are bringing in what they can find in the used car lots in England.
Battery power is transferred to an all-new, oil-cooled, rear-mounted AC motor to drive the rear wheels, and an additional front-mounted motor for models equipped with the all-wheel drive system. The permanent magnet, synchronous rear motor enables peak torque in 0.5 seconds for ultimate responsiveness:
· Mustang Mach-E rear-wheel drive delivers 269 PS with standard-range battery, 294 PS with extended-range battery and 430 Nm of torque for 0-100 km/h acceleration from 6.1 to 6.2 seconds.
· Mustang Mach-E all-wheel drive delivers 269 PS with standard-range battery, 351 PS with extended-range battery and 580 Nm of torque for 0-100 km/h acceleration from 5.1 to 5.6 seconds.
· Mustang Mach-E First Edition features all-wheel drive and extended-range battery as standard for 351 PS, 580 Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds.
· Mustang Mach-E GT features all-wheel drive and extended-range battery as standard for 487 PS, 860 Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds.
When brand new from the factory, the energy-efficient powertrains deliver up to 610 km pure-electric WLTP driving range for Mustang Mach-E rear-wheel drive, and up to 540 km for Mustang Mach-E all-wheel drive and First Edition.
The units in Malaysia might be 12 months to 18 months old so battery efficiency will be 5 to 12 percent lower.
Meanwhile, the current best selling 2018 model Ford Mustang V8 is till being imported in by private importers and this continues to offer a peak power of 450 PS which is supported by the introduction of Ford’s dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system, which also increases low-end torque. Acceleration from rest to 100km/h is done in 4.3 seconds.
There is also the Ford Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost that delivers a decent 290 PS, and offers a more responsive 441Nm of torque and engaging driving experience thanks to a transient overboost function for the turbocharger.
This is triggered under heavy acceleration to provide an extra burst of boost following each up-shift with Ford’s 10-speed transmission working swiftly. Steering wheel-mounted paddles-shifters allow drivers maximum control.
Interestingly, there are some private importers who are selling both version of the Mustang and prices are as follows.
For a one-year-old used Ford Mustang Mach-E (extended range all wheel drive) the asking price starts at RM430,000 and take note there is no Ford factory warranty or after sales or even official recalls. So there is a risk in owning this electric car in Malaysia, just like Tesla electric cars.
Then there is muscle power V8 Ford Mustang 5.0L, also a one-year-old used model, for sale with the private importer at RM318,500. Still without official Ford factory warranty and after sales.
But with Ford selling petrol powered vehicles in Malaysia, there will be some assistance if needed and over the past 5 years, hundreds of this petrol powered Mustang’s have been sold and there are enough workshops that can handle any issue that might crop up.
So, for about RM110,000 lower, you get a ‘real’ Ford Mustang (use the RM110k savings for road tax and fuel costs for next 4 to 5 years of ownership) or your can pay more and get a battery operated SUV that carries the Mustang logo and nameplate.
