Ford Mustang Mach-E X Review – Is it the BEST Mustang you can buy?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range AWD model sits in the middle of the manufacturer’s electric ‘Mach-E’ lineup, alongside its RWD ‘X’ counterpart and just behind the top of the range GT spec.

As the name would suggest, the Mach-E X model promises and extended range over the standard, entry level model, as well as improved performance and a few other extras. But at the cost of an extra £15,000, is it really worth it? Find out in our in-depth review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E X.

Design and interior

The main differences between the X and other specs are in the batteries, and so the design of this car is the same across the board, besides from some little ‘X’ detailing’s on the logo and different wheel trims.

The car is a well-dressed SUV styled as a sleek coupé thanks to the clever two-toning on the roof. Deceptively large, the Mustang Mach-E does a good job of retaining the DNA of the pony car’s iconic look, whilst making it fit for the modern age of electrification.

The grille is covered but retains the traditional Mustang logo like its ancestors, and other features such as the headlights, brake lights and the bodywork are different enough to make the Mach-E stand out on its own, whilst still tipping its cap to its lineage.

Whilst the exterior still pays homage to the Mustangs of old, the Mach-E’s interior has instead adopted the customary EV approach, with an impressive 15.5” infotainment screen that dominates the inside of the car.

The inside of the car goes someway in justifying the price tag and indeed the ‘Premium’ label of the car, with plush synthetic leather upholstery and other, modern touches such as wireless charging for your phone.

The Premium AWD model also offers a panoramic sunroof, and there is plenty of room in the back, with a decent size boot with 402L. There is also a handy frunk for you to store all your charging cables, too.

Standard model vs X vs GT

The standard model of the Mach-E offers a WLTP range of 273 miles, in comparison to this Premium AWD models’ 341 mile range. There is also a Premium RWD extended range model, which offers a greater range of 372 miles, but that compromises on certain areas of performance. The GT version offers a range of just over 300 miles, too.

In terms of performance, the AWD option offers a significant improvement over the standard model, with a 0-60 time that goes down from 6.9 seconds to 5.8 seconds. It also packs 351ps to the standard ‘Select’ models 269, as well as an upgrade in torque, from 430Nm to 580Nm.

It might offer a better range and better performance, but does this translate to the real world?

Driving

In our real world test, we reviewed the Mustang Mach-E X on a crisp, autumn morning in early November, and the results were surprising.

As part of the test, I set off from my home fully-charged, with the range reading 248 miles – A noticeable drop-off from the WLTP range of 341 miles. In fact, this is also someway short of the Standard models promised 273 miles. Even when taking the conditions into consideration (with it being slightly chilly outside) it is still disappointing for a car that claims to be an ‘extended range’ model.

When it comes to performance, there isn’t too much difference there, either. This is not to say that the Mach-E X is underwhelming to drive – It is still a joy to be behind the wheel of this thing. However, there is no noticeable improvement over the Select model. It feels as agile and lively as ever, but nothing to make you get overly excited about. It may have shaved just over a second off the 0-60 time, but you will very rarely launch this car from a standing start on a day-to-day basis.

Having driven both cars for an extended period of time, it was hard to spot any great differences in performance. When you put your foot down on an empty stretch of road, you still get that smile on your face, but it is no bigger than the one you’ll have when behind the wheel of the Select model.

This begs the question then, is it worth it?

Verdict

In terms of price, those extra miles and saving that extra second going 0-60 does come at a bit of a price. Standard models for the Mach-E start from just over £50,000, whereas this Premium AWD model is £15,000 more expensive, with prices starting from £65,400.

Is the extra bit of range really worth it? Even when it’s unlikely that you will achieve the actual WLTP range of 341 miles? My answer is probably not.

That is not to say that the Ford Mustang Mach-E X is a bad car – far from it. It is an amazing car to drive, and it boasts one of the most unique designs across the entire EV market.

The issues lie with the price. There still a decent range on the standard model and the drop off in performance isn’t too severe. If you did want to make the step up for that extra range, then I’d probably recommend saving a bit of money and going for the rear-wheel-drive version. If you really want to splash the cash and guarantee that brain-melting performance, then it will be worth stepping up to the GT version. However, whichever model you choose, you’ll be in for a right treat.