Review: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select

The Ford Mustang Mach-E features an iconic nameplate that sets a certain standard in the eyes of Ford enthusiasts.

Since its inception, the Mustang name has always been associated with muscular two-door proportions and a roaring V8 - a far cry from the four-door electric SUV that is the Mustang Mach-E.

Despite this, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an impressive vehicle built to Ford's highest standard and features some pleasantly unique and practical elements. It's evident that it targets a vastly different market to the classic Mustang, however, it hits this market with great effect and success.

We recently spent the weekend testing the Mustang Mach-E base trim, Select - check out our thoughts.

Mustang Styling

Despite all the differences to the original Mustang, the Mach-E certainly takes its design cues from its V8-powered sibling - chiefly, its distinctly aggressive headlights and the recognisably Mustang tri-bar tail lights.

The iconic Pony logo sits in place of the Ford marque on the front and rear, plus, for an extra special welcome, your Mach-E will project the Pony emblem from puddle lamps when you approach.

Entrance Flare

Entering the Mustang Mach-E is quite a unique experience and one that we enjoy greatly. To improve aerodynamics, the Mach-E features keyless entry buttons that illuminate upon approach and pop the door open when pressed.

On top of this, Ford has added its digital keypad entry that we've seen on the F-150, now with touch-sensitive technology for the Mustang Mach-E.

EV Minimalism

Upon entry, you're greeted with a refined interior that doesn't overload the senses. The Select trim interior is dark and understated on all surfaces such as the Black Onyx Sensico® Artificial Leather seats and slate-coloured fabric of the B&O sound system.

This low-key colour palette contrasts starkly with the enormous 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and control centre that dominates the central dashboard, however, the digital instrument screen is a significant step away from the traditional cluster. Instead of your two large, conventional RPM and KM/H gauges, you're seated in front of a sleek 10.2-inch minimalist widescreen-style display.

High Caliber Base Trim

The variant we tested was the base trim, Select, although we'd be happy to bet most people wouldn't suspect this if they weren't informed. Ford has done an exceptional job packing the Mustang Mach-E with premium features from the get-go that cover all elements from convenience and comfort, to safety and driver assistance.

In terms of convenience, you'll find power-folding and heated side mirrors, the aforementioned puddle lamps, a powered tailgate, a wireless charging station as well as voice-activated controls for the SYNC®4 infotainment system.

Comfort-wise, the Select includes luxuries like heated and 8-way power-adjustable front seats with position memory, a heated steering wheel, and an epic panoramic moon roof.

Ford hasn't spared anything in the driver assistance and safety departments with the Select trim. On top of more common features like a 360-degree camera, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors, it also gets high-tech tools like enhanced active park assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go tech that provides greater support in heavy highway traffic.

EV Power

The Mustang Mach-E is available in three trims, each bearing varying figures in terms of power output, battery size, and electric range.

Despite being the most conservative option, the base trim, Select, packs a stirring 198kW of power - good for 470km of range from its 72kWh battery.

The mid-level Premium trim jumps up to 216kW of power with a stellar range of 600km from its larger 91kWh battery.

The top-of-the-line GT trim is a performance-oriented model packing almost double the power of the Select, with a whopping 358kW available from the same 91kWh battery as the Premium. Despite its ability to eat through that battery capacity at a much higher rate, it's still good for an impressive 490km range.

The defining factor of the GT model is the lightning-quick 0-100km/h time of just 3.7 seconds. To handle this formidable acceleration, the GT model boasts a range of powertrain upgrades to handle the extra power. This includes a performance-tuned dual motor all-wheel drive system (in contrast to the rear-wheel drive system of the Select and Premium), high-tech MagneRide® adaptive suspension, plus Brembo® performance front disc brakes to stop all that power safely.

Pricing

The Mustang Mach-E range is pretty straightforward with a choice of three trims and seven colours.

The crème de la crème of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E range - the GT trim - is available for $114,528 drive away.

For the extended range Premium trim, you're looking at a driveaway price of $93,329, while the entry-level Select is available at a comfortable $78,695 driveaway.

If you're keen on a colour other than the standard Shadow Black, you'll be looking at an additional $700 on top of these prices.

Summary

Overall, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E exemplifies Ford's exceptional build quality with high-grade finishes and top-spec features from the very base of the range.

The extra thought Ford has put into redesigning the interior to enhance key features like the infotainment centre, audio system, and overall cabin ambience, is as evident as it is satisfying. It's a step away from a traditional interior albeit still a very familiar one, and, more importantly, displays Ford's ability to create something that's both intuitive and refreshingly new.

The inclusion of so many features in the entry-level Select more than justifies the price premium generally associated with EVs. On top of this, the Premium and GT trims also deliver unique offerings like the extensive electric range of the Premium, and the performance pedigree of the GT.

It seems that despite the limited choice in range, each trim offers a significant difference from the other, meaning your model choice is more evident from the beginning.

If the Mustang Mach-E excites you, or you're looking to move to electric power, get in touch with the team at Motorama Ford to book a test drive today.