It’s like watching an motion film with the sound muted.
The Mustang fires sideways on the moist skidpan, entrance wheels cranked to the restrict with reverse lock as energy overcomes Pirellis.
We are able to hear tyres chattering throughout the tarmac, water sloshing into the wheel arches, and the occasional click on of the throttle pedal towards its cease. It seems and feels spectacular.
However there’s no snarl from a five-litre V8 and no crackle from quad exhausts for this Mustang.
As a result of the Mach-E GT is electrical.
Pitched at these of us who need an fascinating EV with out becoming a member of the cult of Tesla, the Mach-E GT guarantees to ship a muscle-car driving expertise for the electrical age.
There are three completely different Mach-E fashions on the way in which to Ford showrooms.
The rear-wheel-drive Mach E Choose with a small battery and a modest 198kW of energy delivers 470km of claimed vary for about $87,000 drive-away.
Mid-grade Mach-E Premium fashions with 216kW of energy serve up 600km of vary for about $100,500 drive-away, whereas range-topping Mach-E GT combines 358kW of all-wheel-drive wallop and 490km of vary for about $117,000 drive-away.
In the identical approach that the majority Mustang coupe clients skip the four-cylinder EcoBoost model to take dwelling a V8, the Australian order financial institution is dominated by the fully-loaded Mach-E.
This automobile represents an fascinating design train that applies basic muscle automobile cues to a physique form extra more likely to be noticed on the college run than Summernats.
All three fashions have an enormous 15.5-inch central touchscreen with sat nav and smartphone mirroring (however not the video games and video gamers present in a Tesla), together with a slim 10.2-inch digital driver’s show.
A formidable 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo is a part of the deal, as is a panoramic glass roof, LED headlights and a broad swath of driver aids together with a 360-degree parking digicam.
American clients take pleasure in real hands-off freeway driving with Ford’s “Bluecruise”, a rival to Tesla’s autopilot. However Ford has disabled the system for Australia, citing shortfalls in native infrastructure and highway legal guidelines.
The range-topping GT builds on its extra highly effective motors with adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, sports activities seats and 20-inch alloys augmented by a purposeful physique equipment.
Getting right into a Mach-E GT isn’t an easy course of.
There aren’t any standard doorhandles. You search for a discreet black button the dimensions of a $1 coin, press it to open the door, then snatch a tiny winglet to tug it open.
Adventurous sorts will recognize a PIN-pad built-in throughout the facet pillar that permits you to lock keys within the automobile, then use a memorised code for re-entry after a run, experience or swim.
The cabin is constructed from recycled supplies together with man-made leather-based substitutes. It’s well-built however might be sportier.
A plain steering wheel lets the facet down when V8 Mustangs get a stunning flat-bottomed rim, and the high-set seats are comfortable reasonably than grippy.
The Mach-E has room for 5 however isn’t probably the most spacious EV on the highway. Rear leg and headroom are a bit of tight.
It wins again factors with spectacular cargo storage, together with a water-proof “frunk” good for a surfer’s wetsuit, or perhaps a case of drinks and a few baggage of ice.
The family-friendly Mustang feels brisk reasonably than surprising if you pin the throttle, even in an “untamed” driving mode.
We’d prefer to see customisable modes, as probably the most responsive steering and throttle settings are locked to firmer suspension calibration that isn’t at all times ultimate.
It appears like a extra rigorously honed machine than the often wayward Kia EV6 GT, or punchy however imprecise Teslas.
Excellent dry traction, predictable physique motion and measured brake regeneration work within the Mach-E’s favour.
It’s a confidence-inspiring machine that feels planted, until you need to dial every part as much as eleven and disable traction management for closed highway antics.
It’s then that the horse reveals its wild facet.
VERDICT
Quick, snug and well-equipped, the Mustang Mach-E is a formidable but costly counterpoint to the EV institution.
3.5 stars
FORD MUSTANG MACH-E GT
PRICE About $117,000 drive-away
MOTOR Entrance and rear electrical, 358kW and 860Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-year/u’ltd km, $765 for five years
SAFETY 9 airbags, entrance and rear auto emergency braking, lively cruise management, lane maintain help, blind spot monitoring, rear cross site visitors alert
RANGE 490km
SPARE Restore equipment
CARGO 402 litres
