2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Review Article Highlights: 

• 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E ($42,895 – $59,900) 
• “2021 Best Electric Vehicle of the Year” – Car and Driver 
• Pro: The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an athletic electric vehicle with an impressive range, obtainable price, and luxurious cabin. 
• Con: The brakes can be touchy and take some getting used to, and some driving modes provide an uneven quality. 

The Ford Mustang Mach-E represents its past and future with an attractive package that pays homage to its muscle car history while providing a thirst for its enhanced EV performance. Fans were shocked once the Mustang Mach-E transformed into a crossover. 

However, there is no need to be skeptical about Ford using the Mustang name. The Mach-E provides luxurious and convenient features while being sporty and fun to drive. As the first Ford vehicle to be specifically designed as an electric vehicle without a gas-powered or hybrid model, it’s a hit. 

Which 2021 Mach-E trim is best? 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is offered in four different trim levels, including the Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT. The Mach-E Premium is seen as a well-rounded option when paired with the extended-range battery. 

It has an EPA-estimated driving range of 305 miles. Adding all-wheel drive knocks the range down to 270 miles. 

Compared to the base or Select model, the Premium trim includes:

• A more powerful fast-charging capability.
• 19-inch wheels.
• A Bang & Olufsen sound system.
• A power liftgate.
• A panoramic sunroof. 

My tester was the Ford Mustang Mach-E First Edition. This is a limited edition for the first year. This $58,300 model could be sold out as sales were initially limited to 50,000 units globally, but more could enter production. If you happen to come across one, it’s more than worth the extra cost. 

The First Edition models include unique paint colors such as Metallic Red and Rapids Blue and red-painted front and rear brake calipers. You’ll find brushed aluminum pedal covers in the interior, along with black perforated ActiveX seating material. It includes red or black accent stitching. The First Edition is marked by unique door sills, front door scuff plates, and First Edition badging. 

How comfortable is the Mustang Mach-E?

While the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E looks different than a traditional model, it still provides plenty of luxury and comfort. In fact, as a crossover with more passenger and cargo space, the Mustang Mach-E interior could be more comfortable than the gas-powered models. 

The seats are large and supportive, with soft memory foam cushions. The seats breathe well and are heated. It was a little surprising to find that this luxury model didn’t offer ventilated seats. However, the climate control system efficiently keeps the cabin nice and cool on hot summer days. 

Taller drivers and passengers may want a bit more thigh support and seat adjustments. Two adults can fit in the backseat without any issues. Ambient lighting can be adjusted to provide a relaxing or electrified feel. 

The panoramic roof allows plenty of natural light to enter the cabin, and the front trunk or frunk consists of durable plastics. It provides a storage place for wet or muddy items that can be easily cleaned. 

There is plenty of cargo space in the Ford Mustang Mach-E. There are 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 59.7 cubes total. The battery is placed under the rear seat and takes up a bit of space. 

The hatch-style trunk provides easy access with a convenient lift-over height. The front trunk or frunk is a little small but includes a drain hole. You can use it as an ice-filled cooler that can be drained later. 

In the front, you’ll find a two-tiered console with plenty of storage space. The side door pockets are adequate in width but a little short. The wireless phone charger sits in front of the cupholders. 

How is the Mach-E’s tech? 

The 2021 Mustang Mach-E’s claim to fame is its massive 15.5-inch center touchscreen. It supports physical controls with a volume knob, so you don’t have to rely on touch. The graphics look great, and the Ford SYNC4 infotainment system uses machine learning to customize each driver’s experience fully. 

While a little daunting at first, the touchscreen is easy to use. You can quickly find the menu you’re looking for to adjust the vehicle’s settings and to find crucial information about its performance and charge. 

There are plenty of standard features, including a wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. You can still connect your device with a USB cord. Also, the Bang & Olufsen audio system provides clear, crisp audio. 

The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is brightly illuminated behind the steering wheel. It displays your speed and charge information. Plus, the 360-degree overhead camera and front-facing camera make the Mach-E easy to maneuver. 

How does the Mustang Mach-E drive? 

The Mustang Mach-E Select or the base model comes with the standard 68 kWh battery. It pumps out 266 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds. Adding all-wheel drive improves the acceleration to about five seconds. 

With the extended range models, you get the 98.8 kWh battery. The extended range Mach-E models provide 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. They can reach 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. 

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT prioritizes performance with 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. Ford estimates that it can reach 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. 

You can pair the Mach-E with tires that range in size from 18 to 20 inches, and you can opt for adaptive dampers for adjustable ride firmness. The peppy acceleration doesn’t disappoint, and it handles like a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. 

Depending on the driving mode you choose, the ride can either be silky smooth or a little bumpy. However, the interior remains peacefully quiet. This all-wheel drive crossover may exhibit body roll around curves, but it feels confident and stable. It even felt well controlled on gravel and dirt roads. 

• Engage mode sets the ambient lighting to a soft blue for a relaxing blend of excitement and convenience. It provides a smoother ride and provides in-vehicle sounds. 
• Whisper mode is the most calming experience with blue ambient lighting and a more gradual acceleration and lighter costing response. Interior noise is muted, and the digital gauge cluster display reacts to acceleration, braking, and handling. 
• Unbridled mode stiffens the suspension for optimal performance. The ambient lighting turns an exciting shade of orange, and engine noises are added to provide a thrill. This mode offers the fastest acceleration but also may experience a bumpier ride and more sensitive braking. 
• One-pedal driving mode allows you to control the Ford Mustang Mach-E with the accelerator pedal. This allows you to control the speed with the reduced need for the brake pedal. Once you remove your foot from the pedal, the vehicle automatically slows down, but the brake pedal still works as needed. 
• Regenerative braking helps to recharge the battery, even during the one-pedal driving mode. 

How efficient is the Mach-E? 

While the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E doesn’t have the most range compared to rivals, it will still take you pretty far. The Select offers an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range. 

The extended-range Premium models have about 300 miles of range. Adding AWD reduced this figure to around 270 miles. The Mustang Mach-E GT also gets about 270 miles of range. For comparison’s sake, the Telsa Model Y offers up to 363 miles of range. 

There are a few different ways to charge the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The most convenient charging method is at home. 

The Mach-E comes with a 120-Volt mobile charging connector. You can plug it into a regular home outlet. Also, the Mach-E’s charging port is located in front of the driver’s side. This method provides three miles of charge per hour and takes 95 hours to charge fully. 

You can upgrade to a more powerful 240-volt mobile charger that replenishes an estimated 20 miles of charge per hour. A 240 plug is a larger outlet that a dryer or refrigerator plugs into. With a splitter, you can charge the Mach-E while your appliance remains plugged in. 

You can use the FordPass app to find local fast-charging stations. A DC fast charging station can charge the extend-range battery to around 80 percent in about 45 minutes. The smaller, standard battery will reach an 80 percent charge in about 38 minutes. 

As long as you have the proper adaptor, to can use Telsa chargers. The Ford Connected Charge Station can be purchased for about $799.00. 

How safe is the Mach-E? 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E hasn’t been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet. But it is an Insurance Institue of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. 

It received a Good rating in almost all vehicle crash tests. This is the highest rating that can be achieved. It also scored superior ratings for its ability to avoid collisions and pedestrians. Crash dummies were well protected. 

The LED reflector headlights received a marginal score because they provided inadequate visibility around gradual left curves. However, the LED projector lights received a good rating. 

The child seat anchors received an acceptable rating. There are two tether anchors in the rear, and other hardware could be confused as the anchor. But the anchors are easy to find and maneuver. 

Driver assistance features include: 

• Adaptive cruise control 
• Lane-keeping assist with lane centering 
• Automatic emergency braking
• Automatic collision avoidance 
• Blind-spot monitoring 
• Rear cross-traffic alert with automat reverse braking 
• Automatic high beams

How much does it cost to maintain the Mustang Mach-E? 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is still incredibly new, so data about ownership costs and potential issues are currently limited. According to Torque News, electric vehicles may reduce the traditional cost of ownership by up to 50 percent. 

EVs don’t require an alternator, starter, power steering pump, timing belt, etc. But they do require tire rotations, brake fluid changes, brake caliper lubrication and cleaning, and air filter changes. 

The Ford Mustang Mach-E comes with: 

• A limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. 
• A powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles. 
• Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. 
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance is included. 

MotorBiscuit gives the Ford Mustang Mach-E an expert rating of 8.4 out of 10 

The editors at MotorBiscuit gave the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10. The Mustang Mach-E is charging ahead into the future by being Ford’s first electric vehicle. However, some fans are upset about it gaining the Mustang title. 

This Mustang remains true to its sports car roots with impressive acceleration, responsive handling, and enhanced performance. It serves as a relaxing daily driver with an Unbridled driving mode that’s very engaging. While the brakes can be touchy, you can quickly get used to them. 

Other models may offer more range, but the Mach-E can get pretty far on a single charge and provides more than enough juice for daily commutes. The 2022 Mustang Mach-E may be lighter with an improved battery range.