Turns out Kiwi Ford Mustang Mach-E buyers are mainly interested in the extremes. Reflecting the sales mix of the model to date, the revised Mach-E is now only available in the entry-level Select RWD and completely ballistic GT models. Nothing in between.
Are we okay with a pure-electric Mustang SUV now? Okay, good.
The flagship GT is not for everybody: it’s terrifyingly fast and costs $116,990. But that’s fine, because the updated $74,990 Select really could be. A car for everybody, we mean.
Ford has broadened the appeal of the cheapest Mach-E with extra EV-tech like a heat pump for the slightly enlarged battery (better charging, warmer cabin), interior changes such a column-mounted gear selector, active safety tweaks including Predictive Speed Assist to help with the adaptive cruise, and a boost in power to 212kW (previously 198kW).
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On the outside: what are the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select’s main design features?
Select rides on smaller wheels than GT. But they’re still new wheels.
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There’s not a huge amount to see on the outside of the Mach-E “facelift”, although there are some great new colours (including our test car’s Eruption Green) and a new design of alloy wheel.
The revised Mach-E is now only available in the entry-level Select RWD and ballistic GT models. Nothing in between.
The Select is still easily distinguishable from the GT thanks to a more EV-like closed front; the GT has a faux-grille, so it looks a bit more conventional.
Black roof disguises the Mach-E’s height.
The Mach-E shape is still quite interesting and still quite clever in some respects. It’s got a coupe-like profile at first glance, but that’s largely thanks to a visual trick: one section of the roof moulding is body colour and slopes down quite dramatically, but the roof itself is higher and finished in black, which means it doesn’t catch the eye. Mach-E is a lot taller than it looks.
Don’t be fooled by that fake exterior roofline: the Mach-E is a properly spacious 5-seat family car with a decent boot.
The other notable exterior feature is the placement of the electric door latches. There’s a tiny (illuminated) button on the pillar of each door that releases the lock, and a small grab handle for the front openings. Curiously, there’s another tiny touch-panel to lock the doors below the release button.
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As an occasional user, it’s easy to accidentally open the door again when you’re trying to lock, until you get the hang of it. Or is it just us?
OVERVIEW
Price
$74,990
Body style
5-door SUV
Wheels and tyres
19in alloy wheels, 225/55 tyres
Length
4713mm
Wheelbase
2984mm
Weight
1969kg
Website
ford.co.nz
On the inside: what’s the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select cabin like?
Controls rearranged a bit, dashboard still dominated by that big screen.
The Mach-E cabin has always had character, but it’s been far from class-best in terms of ergonomics and quality. The new one is better, especially with the change from a rotary gear selector to a column-mounted wand; much more EV-appropriate and it’s allowed Ford to tidy up the centre console, improving the look and storage space.
The Select isn’t short of luxury touches. There are leather-accented seats, “accented” not being a bad thing because the suede-like Sensico inserts that you actually sit on are really nice. There’s heating for the front chairs and steering wheel, plus a big panoramic sunroof.
Moving the gear selector has allowed for a much tidier centre console.
Don’t be fooled by that fake exterior roofline: the Mach-E is a properly spacious 5-seat family car with a decent boot. There’s a frunk too, although it’s been downsized from 130 to 80 litres to fit the new heat pump up front. It’s still a useful size… and you can still use it as a wetbox if desired. Ice, ice baby in the front of the Mustang.
INTERIOR
Head-up display
No
Infotainment screen
15.5in portrait
Phone projection
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Wireless phone charger
Single
USB ports
1x USB-A and USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear plus 12-volt in boot
Climate control
Dual zone
Front seat heating/ventilation
Yes/NoÂ
Front seat adjustment
10-way power driver/front passenger with memory
Boot capacity
519 litres plus 100l frunk
Rear seat split/fold
60/40
Power tailgate
Yes
On the road: what’s the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select like to drive?
There’s an argument to be made that the RWD Select is a nicer drive than the AWD GT.
The Select hasn’t just benefited from a bit more power. The revised model also has redesigned suspension links, dampers and sway bars, which are small changes but have a substantial effect when you add them all together.
There’s a real RWD feel to the Select chassis and the enhanced suspension soaks up Kiwi backroads at speed in a impressive way.
We’ve said it often with EVs and we’ll say it again now: often the lower-powered model with RWD is the more enjoyable drive. The GT is a mighty machine and very accomplished, but for everyday driving the Select gives greater pleasure. Unless your only concept of driving pleasure is going crazy-fast.
A little extra power, plus some suspension tweaks for the new Select.
There’s a real RWD feel to the Select chassis and the enhanced suspension soaks up Kiwi backroads at speed in a impressive way. It still has a relatively firm ride (not unusual with EVs), but the revamped underpinnings do a nice job of keeping the car compliant as it reacts to mid-corner bumps.
SPECIFICATIONS
Powertrain type
Battery electric
Battery
73kWh
Power
212kW
Torque
525Nm
Transmission
Single-speed, RWD
Power to weight
108kW/tonne
Adaptive suspension
No
Efficiency
15.5kWh per 100km
Range
470km (WLTP), maximum charge rate 150kW
Tow rating
Not rated
On ownership: what’s the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select warranty and servicing situation?
Ford SUVs all get a 5 year/unlimited km warranty. As a BEV, the Mach-E also carries 8 years/160,000km on the electric drivetrain.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
On the whole: what do we think of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?
There’s a whole wave of EVs coming back in updated form, after a disastrous couple of years.
This size of family EV is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in terms of available models, after the firesale that happened around overstocking after the Clean Car Discount was dropped (Ford was as much a part of it as any brand). Familiar EVs that went on hiatus are now coming back in updated form, and at higher prices, but that’s how it is: they’re also more realistic prices.
The changes to the Mach-E Select are subtle, but they have resulted in a far superior car. It’s a real contender and if you look at how it’s priced and specified against the obvious competition, it’s also a strong value proposition. Plus, we need more EVs with flair.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Select FAQs
Mach-E Select stands up well on ability, price… and character.
What kind of car is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?
A medium-sized 5-door BEV-SUV.
Does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select have hybrid or EV technology?
It’s pure electric.
What’s the energy efficiency of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?
Based on the WLTP range of 470km, it consumes 15.5kWh per 100km.
Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select safe?
The 5-star ANCAP rating for the pre-facelift model still applies to this one. It’s valid until 2027.
What safety and assistance features does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select have?
Intelligent lights
LED
Rain sensing wipers
Yes
Airbags
8 including dual front, side front and rear, curtain
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
Driver attention monitor
Yes, “Impairment Monitor”
Traffic sign recognition
Yes
Forward collision warning
Yes
Blind spot warning/assist
Yes/yes
Lane departure warning/assist
Yes/yes
Rear cross traffic alert/braking
Yes/yes
Reverse collision braking
Yes
Parking sensors
Front and rear
Camera system
360 degree
What are the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select’s main rivals?
Kia EV6 Light ($83,070): Another just-updated RWD EV with idiosyncratic styling and a sporty character.
Tesla Model Y Premium ($67,900): Tesla has really upped its game on quality and dynamics.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Series II Active ($79,990): Retro-style Ioniq 5 has returned and it still looks great.
BYD Sealion 7 Premium ($67,990): As with the Mach-E, we reckon this RWD model is the pick.
Skoda Enyaq Sportline ($89,000): More practical than sporty, but now with more power: 210kW.