Ford Australia recently pulled the curtain back on its first-ever all-electric passenger vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E. With prices commencing from $79,990 excluding on-road costs, Ford's latest electric offering is set to challenge the increasingly competitive midsize electric SUV segment, currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y.

Available in three trims – the entry-level Select, the long-range Premium, and the performance-oriented GT, the Mustang Mach-E is ready for online orders starting today. While its pricing is slightly more than its Tesla counterpart, it justifies the premium with an impressive array of features and performance specs.

The Select Model

The base model, named the Select, kicks off the lineup. Under the hood, it houses a 71kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, powering a single electric motor that delivers 198kW/430Nm. The Select model is rear-wheel drive and offers an electric driving range of 470km, as per WLTP testing protocols.

Exterior highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels and a frunk for extra storage. Inside, it features a 15.5-inch SYNC4-operated infotainment system, power-adjustable front seats draped in synthetic leather, and a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Wireless smartphone charging and a panoramic sunroof round out the impressive standard equipment.

The Premium Model

Next up is the Premium model, retailing at $92,990 before on-road costs. This variant shares the Select's rear-wheel drivetrain but enjoys an output boost to 216kW/430Nm. The battery capacity also gets a bump up to 91kWh, enabling a 600km driving range between charges. The Premium model augments the Select's features with LED projector headlamps, premium-finish scuff plates and pedals, and multi-colour ambient lighting.

The GT Model

Topping the range is the GT model, priced at $108,990 excluding on-road costs. Like the Premium variant, the GT also houses a 91kWh battery but focuses more on performance, offering a driving range of 490km. It employs a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, churning out a massive 358kW/860Nm – enough to propel the SUV from a standstill to 100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds.

The GT model sets itself apart with an active damper suspension system, larger 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Pirelli tyres, Brembo brakes, and Ford Performance sports seats.

Competitors and Positioning

In comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at a slightly lower $69,300 but leaps to $82,300 for the dual-motor Long Range variant and $98,415 for the Performance variant. The Mustang Mach-E's other competitors include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, priced from $72,000 and $72,590, respectively.

With the discontinuation of the combustion and hybrid Escape model, the Mustang Mach-E marks Ford's return to the midsize SUV segment, albeit at a heftier price point.

Ordering Process and Additional Costs

For those keen to get their hands on the 2023 Mustang Mach-E, online orders are now open. A reservation fee of $1,000 is required to be paid to a chosen Ford EV dealer to secure an order. Across all three trims, prestige paint is an additional cost of $700.

Pricing aside, the Mustang Mach-E's launch is a significant milestone in Ford's electrification journey in Australia. With its compelling specs and competitive pricing, it's set to be a major contender in the Australian electric SUV marketplace.

Performance and Efficiency

The base Select model, with its single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration, delivers a power output of 198kW and torque of 430Nm. Despite being the entry-level model, the Select boasts an impressive 470km range on the WLTP test cycle.

The mid-range Premium variant steps things up with a larger 91kWh battery pack, which powers a rear-mounted motor delivering 216kW and 430Nm. Thanks to the bigger battery, this variant can cover up to 600km between charges.

At the top of the line, the GT model harnesses the power of two electric motors connected to a 91kWh battery, translating into a hefty 358kW of power and 860Nm of torque distributed across all four wheels. This top-tier model delivers an exhilarating sprint time of 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds, all while promising a range of 490km on the WLTP test cycle.

Size and Practicality

The Mustang Mach-E measures 4714mm in length, 1882mm in width, and 1625mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2984mm. Boot space with rear seats upright is 402 litres, which can be expanded to 1420 litres by folding the second row. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split configuration, offering flexibility in storage. Additionally, Ford has included a front trunk or 'frunk' for extra storage, although its capacity hasn't been officially confirmed.

Safety and Warranty

The Mustang Mach-E earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on Euro NCAP testing. This rating applies to the entry Select and mid-range Premium models and is expected to extend to Australian-delivered cars, including the GT.

The safety package includes features such as auto high-beam, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane centring assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and reversing camera. Two ISOFIX points on the two outer rear seats provide safety for the younger passengers.

Although Ford Australia hasn't released details about the Mustang Mach-E's warranty, it's likely to follow the brand's standard five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Tech and Infotainment

All Mustang Mach-E models boast a 15.5-inch infotainment cluster powered by Ford's SYNC 4A system. Other tech features include 360-degree camera, B&O 10-speaker sound system, and wireless phone charging. The Premium and GT trims add to this with LED projector headlights, red brake calipers, and a black headliner.

The Mustang Mach-E also offers FordPass connectivity and FordPass Power My Trip, facilitating the discovery of charging stations along a programmed route in the satellite navigation.

Colours

Customers can choose from a range of colours including Star White, Space White, Vapour Blue, Grabber Blue Metallic, Rapid Red, Carbonised Grey, and Shadow Black. A prestige paint cost of $700 is applicable for all colours except Shadow Black.

The introduction of the 2023 Mustang Mach-E showcases Ford's commitment to the electric revolution. With its blend of powerful performance, advanced tech, and distinct styling, it is ready to carve out a significant niche in the Australian electric SUV segment.

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Pricings (estimated drive away price)

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select: $87,634（NSW）or $87,755（VIC）

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium: $101,284（NSW）or $101,301（VIC）

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: $119,084（NSW）or $118,973（VIC）