While the new 2024 Ford Mustang’s styling might be as dramatically different as the S197-to-S550 evolution, it’s a substantial shift. Gone are the rounded headlamps and slightly creased three-chambered lamps of the last S550 Mustangs. Instead, Ford unveiled a sharp, modern Mustang to round out the age of the traditional pony car. Still, some design cues may take some time to grow on you. 

The 2024 Mustang’s front-end styling: sharp, chamfered, and unique to each trim

Ford redesigned the new Mustang’s fascia to be a functional and aesthetic step forward for the nameplate. The marque claims that the gaping grille takes inspiration from the first-generation Ford Mustangs of the 1960s. Furthermore, Ford emphasizes its “chiseled” front-end styling with its chamfered lower section; it looks like a different species compared to older generations like the S197. Finally, each trim will receive its own grille and vent design, with the higher trims sporting more aggressive inlets. 

However, the razor-sharp front end may take some acclimatization for fans. First, the tri-bar headlights are a departure from the rounded lamps on the latest S550 cars. Furthermore, the circular nucleus of the outgoing headlights is entirely dissimilar to the new angular lights. Furthermore, the smaller, more Ian Callum-esque grille on the previous model years has bowed out to the more substantial maw of the newer car. 

The new 2024 Ford Mustang’s side profile styling is aggressive and athletic

A glance at the side profile shows the redesigned roofline, which isn’t just for style’s sake; its design accommodates track-day drivers who want to enter and exit without removing their helmets. Further, the roofline slopes into an extended rear deck on the coupe. That’s right; the 2024 Ford Mustang will offer a convertible in addition to the coupe. On the whole, the side profile of the new car is reminiscent of the handsome shape from the previous generation; more grand tourer than a classic pony car. 

How about that rear end, though?

Perhaps as dramatic as the front fascia redesign, the rear-end styling is a move away from the S550. The most obvious difference is a creased derivation of the Mustang’s classic tri-bar rear lighting. Those new lamps replace the straight three-chambered lights of the 2015 to 2017 cars and the slightly dimpled three-chambered lights in the latest S550 models. The lights blend into the car’s extended rear deck, which Ford says is for “improved aerodynamic balance.” 

However, the sculpted rear end and redesigned rear diffuser create an entirely different look from the more angular rear of the S550s. That could be a difficult sell for fans of the previous generation. 

Overall, the 2024 Ford Mustang’s styling is a revolutionary step

The sharper styling cues, lower front brow line, and redesigned lighting might put some Mustang fans off. However, the car is a necessary refresh for the most storied name in American sports cars. Specifically, with Dodge and Chevrolet putting their pony car (if you feel alright calling them that) competitors out to pasture, fans should rejoice in Ford’s decision to give it another generation. The Mustang lives on with a bold design, V8 power, track variants, and even a manual transmission. 

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