FORD MUSTANG MACH-E ESTATE 358kW GT 91kWh AWD 5dr Auto [Pan Roof]

Ford's Mustang Mach-E is at its fastest in GT form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Ford's Mustang Mach-E shows its wild side in this top 487PS GT model. Based on the 'Extended Range' battery AWD variant, it dials up the desirability with a bespoke cabin, but more importantly, it gets MagneRide adaptive damping and more pulling power than we've ever seen from a Ford-badged performance car.

Background

From its launch back in 2020, Ford's all-electric Mustang Mach-E was the car the brand had been waiting for - and the model Mustang fans had been dreading. They rued the adoption of a classic name for a common EV. We, like others, pointed out to those loyalists that without this full-battery model and others like it, Ford wouldn't have much of a future in which to create any sort of Mustang at all. Nevertheless, we couldn't ignore the fact that in its standard form, the Mach-E was rather lacking in the kind of driver appeal that any Ford badged 'Mustang' ought to have. So we welcomed the arrival in 2021 of this more focus 487PS Mach-E GT derivative. Breathed on by the engineers from the Ford Performance division, it aims to be the ultimate driver's EV. But is it?

Driving Experience

This GT's starting point is the AWD system and 88kWh 'Extended Range' battery of the top version of the ordinary model, but here, power has been teased out to 487PS and there's more torque (at 860Nm, around 15% more) than Ford offered with its old GT supercar. Sprinting to 62mph from rest in the Mach-E GT takes just 4.4s (3.7s from a rolling start), which is 1.4s quicker than the standard car and faster than any Ford the brand has previously sold in Europe. Top speed is limited to 124mph (though that's 13mph faster than the standard model). Earlier, we mentioned the firm ride quality. Well you can tweak that via Ford's MagneRide adaptive damping system, this being the only Mach-E to which that set-up is fitted, working via the car's 'Active', 'Whisper' and 'Untamed' drive modes, the latter setting working with an emotive drive growl that we reckon is the best performance EV sound track we've come across. The adaptive damping system electronically controls magnetorheological fluid inside the damper to respond in real time to changing road conditions and is supposed to seamlessly adjust the vehicle's character in line with the selected drive mode. Ford says that it tuned these magnetorheological dampers with European roads in mind but in our experience, whatever drive setting you choose, the set-up always feels pretty firm, so try before you buy. Where those firmer dampers offer a real advantage is of course when you throw the car into tight corners at speed. At which point, in the often slippery conditions of our test, the car always felt brilliantly grippy, planted and confidence-inspiring. When driving like this, you're inevitably always very aware of this EV's prodigious 2,198kg kerb weight, but not to the same degree as is the case with the conventional model. We came away a little disappointed by the compromised handling of that car: this one showcases Ford Performance engineering expertise much better. This isn't just a Mach-E with extra power and a body kit:it feels like a much more complete all-round interpretation of the whole design. Another reason why that is lies with this GT model's bespoke braking and tyre specifications. Ford worked with Pirelli to develop a bespoke 245/45 R20 tyre compound and tread pattern specifically to complement the model's additional power, torque and all-wheel drive performance. Fitted to 8-inch-wide wheels - an inch wider than the standard Mustang Mach-E's rims - the unique tyres provide impressive grip and noticeable extra lateral stability when pressing on through tight turns. The Mustang Mach-E GT's 385mm diameter Brembo ventilated front brake discs are the largest of any Mustang Mach-E model and would be useful in the unlikely event that you ever ventured onto a track with this car. Should that happen, you can activate the extra provided circuit-only 'Untamed Plus' drive mode, which we expect very few owners to ever use.

Design and Build

The flagship GT variant is recognisable by its special front grille, unique bumpers and 20-inch Cast Aluminium wheels with specially developed tyres and 19-inch red calipers for the bespoke Brembo brakes. Inside, the main cabin difference is the addition of GT Performance seats. Otherwise, the interior is much as in any other Mach-E. Which has a cabin nothing like anything you'll have previously seen on a Ford, dominated by a Tesla-like portrait-style 15.5-inch centre free-standing infotainment touchscreen incorporating a lower rotary dial. This works using Ford's latest SYNC 4 operating system that is able to accept over-the-air updates and can quickly learn your preferences. There's also a further 10.2-inch screen in front of the steering wheel for all the main driving gauges. A floating, flip-up armrest doubles as a place to store purses or bags. Two adults can be comfortably accommodated in the back. And there's a 402-litre boot (extendable to 1,420-litres if you fold the rear bench). Plus there's a further 81-litre space beneath the bonnet, which is provided in the form of a drainable compartment which would be good for wet or muddy clothing or footwear.

Market and Model

This manically fast flagship GT model costs from just under £75,000, around £10,000 more than the ordinary 'Extended range' AWD model that shares its 88kWh battery and 4x4 system. There's also the option of a £2,250 option pack that creates from this top model a rallycross-inspired 'Rally' version with a higher ride height and a bespoke 'Rally Sport' drive mode. We detailed the visual changes this GT offers inside and out in our 'Design' section. Otherwise, this GT's key spec addition is Ford's adaptive MagneRide suspension and an extra 'Untamed Plus' drive mode. Otherwise, the equipment tally is the same as that for a conventional 'Extended Range' battery model. Which means you get adaptive LED Mustang signature headlamps, black power-folding mirrors and a 'Blade'-style front grille design. Inside, there's red stitching for the Sensico upholstery, along with 8-way power adjustable front seats and a dark headliner. Also included is a full panorama roof, power-folding mirrors, a hands-free tailgate and an Advanced Active Park Assist system that steers you into both parallel and perpendicular spaces merely by holding down a button. The cabin additionally features a B&O Premium Sound System with 10 speakers, including a really smart Dashboard Sound Bar. What about safety kit? Well there's 'Pre-Collision Assist' autonomous braking, 'Lane Departure Warning' with a 'Lane Keeping System', 'Evasive Steering Assist', a 'BLIS' 'Blind Spot Information System', 'Cross Traffic Alert', Driver Alert', 'Wrong Way Alert' and 'Reverse Braking Assist', which mitigates collisions at low speeds when you're parking by braking the car automatically, say, to avoid a low wall or, more seriously, a child or a pet.

Cost of Ownership

The key stat here is driving range, WLTP-rated for the GT at 304 miles. Next, there are issues of charging to consider. As electric vehicle owners do 80% of their charging at home, Ford offers Mach-E buyers a 'Connected Wallbox' option which delivers up to five times the charging power of a typical domestic socket - meaning customers can add an estimated average range of 38 miles per charging hour, based on extended-range, rear-wheel drive configuration. The Ford Home Charge Cable, included with the vehicle, can add an estimated average range of nine miles per charging hour using a typical European domestic outlet. And when you're out and about? Well with peak charging power of 150kW, a Mustang Mach-E GT variant could add driving range of up to 57 miles within 10 minutes of charge time on a DC fast-charging station. Like all Mach-E models, this ones comes with ultra-rapid charging capability courtesy of a Type 2 CCS inlet. The car's Connected Navigation system will identify up-to-date public charging locations during trips and prompt owners to charge at the most convenient points on each drive - all to help ensure they don't have to be anxious about how much range they have. The brand also gives customers access to the FordPass Charging Network, Europe's largest network of more than 125,000 public charging stations in 21 countries. A Mach-E owner will be able to access any of these and pay for their power from a single account.

Summary

So. Is the Mach-E GT any more of a Mustang? No, not really. If you adore everything the old Mustang sports car still stands for, you'll find little of that here. But what this GT variant does do is to showcase Ford Performance handling prowess in a way that the rather clumsy-feeling standard Mach-E just doesn't. Unlike in that car, there's real driving enjoyment to be had here, provided you can live with the uber-firm ride. We like the seats, the sound, the steering and the MagneRide damping system. And the power of this car lifts it onto a different level from cheaper performance-orientated segment rivals: it feels like an altogether more serious beast. Which leaves us, well, where? The Mach-E represents the future of Ford: the Mustang model line draws from its past. In its ordinary form, this car left us uncertain whether those two things really matched together. After trying this GT model though, we're that little bit more convinced.

Body Glass

Quickclear heated windscreen

Rear privacy glass

Rear wiper

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic Stability Programme

Pre collision assist inc Collision mitigation, Forward collision warning, Dynamic brake support, Automated emergency braking

Chassis/Suspension

Magneride adaptive suspension system

Communication

Applink remote control system

Wireless charging pad

Driver Aids

Emergency services call system

Hands free tailgate

Driver Convenience

360 degree view camera

Distance alert and indication system

Electric power steering

Front and rear parking sensors

Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go + lane centering

Lane departure warning with lane keeping aid

Selectable drive modes - active, whisper and untamed

Driver Information

10.2" digital insturment cluster

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross traffic alert

Ford SYNC4A with 15.5"Touch,DAB radio,Emer assist,Wireless carplay androidauto,2 front,rear USB ports,FordPass connect,Connected naviation

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Black painted power fold heated mirrors with puddle light mustang logo projection

Entertainment

B and O premium sound system 10 speaker including dashboard sound bar

Exterior Body Features

Black door cladding

Black roof

Body colour bumpers

Fixed full panoramic roof

GT scuff plates

Rear side wing doors

Side cladding and wheel arches in body colour

Unique GT bumpers

Unique GT front grille design

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED Mustang signature headllamps

Daytime running lights

LED 3rd brake light

LED Mustang signature tail lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual electronic automatic temperature control

Interior Features

Ford performance sensico cloth upholstery

Front trunk

Heated front seats and steering wheel

One pedal drive

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Safety

3 point rear seatbelts

Child locks on rear doors

Evasive steering assist

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

8 way power ford performance driver seats with lumbar support

8 way power ford performance passenger seats with lumbar support

Front headrests

GT performance seats

Heated driver and front passenger seats

Rear head restraints

Single front passenger seat

Security

E-Latch keyless entry system including B-Pillar keypad access

Keyless start

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Transmission

Dual motor permanent all wheel drive

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

150kw high powered charging

Ford vario power charging cable

Universal home charging cable and public charging cable

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 98.7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 876

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 90

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 36

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 91

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 21

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 515

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 418

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 320

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 260

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 487

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: 91kWh

Coin Series: GT [Pan Roof]

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 48E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Safety Assist %: 82

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.6

Engine Power - BHP: 487

Engine Power - KW: 358

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 700

Engine Torque - MKG: 96.9

Engine Torque - NM: 950

Top Speed: 124

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R20

Wheel Style: BLACK MACHINED FINISH

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1613

Length: 4743

Wheelbase: 2984

Width: 1881

Width (including mirrors): 2097

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2717

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1420

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 402

Max. Loading Weight: 335

Minimum Kerbweight: 2382

No. of Seats: 5

Driver Convenience

BlueCruise lifetime subscription

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Packs

Bronze appearance pack - GT

Paint - Solid

Solid - Absolute black

Paint - Special

Exclusive paint - Eruption green

Exclusive paint - Glacier grey

Exclusive paint - Grabber blue

Exclusive paint - Rapid red

Exclusive paint - Star white

Exclusive paint - Vapour blue

Trim - Cloth

Ford performance sensico cloth - Grey