Experiencing the Mustang Mach-E Rally
First Impressions
Driving the Mustang Mach-E Rally for the first time is an exhilarating experience. Following the rally instructor’s patient directions, I was encouraged to ”really punch it this time.” Shortly after, I found myself driving sideways, almost intentionally.
Design and Features
The Mustang Mach-E Rally, a standout in Ford’s lineup, includes several modifications to enhance its performance on rough terrains. These include:
- Suspension raised by an inch
- Protective shielding for front and rear motors
- Rally-style wheels with Michelin CrossClimate2 tires
- Two front hood racing stripes
- A rear spoiler
At a Ford event at DirtFish, the Rally’s windshield and driver door were lovingly cleaned between laps, though this is not a standard feature.
Trim tweaks include rally-style wheels …
Photograph: Ford
… and, of course, a rear spoiler.
Photograph: Ford
RallySport Drive Mode
The Mach-E Rally features RallySport Drive Mode, which enhances off-road performance with added yaw for more sideways sliding and aggressive damping for better handling on gravel. The extra inch of ride height is complemented by Ford’s MagneRide suspension system, which adapts to changing road conditions using sensors and magnetic damper fluid.
In practice, this mode offers a looser ride, making the SUV more willing to slide. Despite being a novice, I quickly got the hang of it, thanks to specific braking directions from the instructor.
Electric Power Advantage
One of the benefits of driving an electric vehicle is the immediate power delivery without the need for gear changes. This is particularly appreciated by those who haven’t driven a manual transmission car in a long time.
Pricing
The Mustang Mach-E Rally starts at $60,000, which is $20,000 more than the base model of the Mustang Mach-E.
Ford’s Electric Future
Customer Demographics
At an event in Seattle, Mustang Mach-E chief engineer Donna Dickson mentioned that “lots of females are joining the Mustang brand,” but did not provide specific demographics of Mach-E customers.
Future Plans
Ford’s long-term electric strategy is still evolving. In February, CEO Jim Farley mentioned that Ford has been secretly working on a new electric vehicle. However, in April, the company announced it would delay the North American production of two planned electrics, a large SUV and an electric pickup truck. Instead, Ford plans to create hybrid versions of every model it sells by the end of the decade.
Who are these rally EVs for? The now EU-only Ford Explorer EV could be more popular in the US.
Photograph: Ford
Focus on Practicality
To see the most interesting developments in Ford’s electric lineup, one should look at the Ford Cologne EV Centre in Germany, where the five-seat Ford Explorer EV is assembled. Ford has yet to announce when, or if, this practical SUV will be available in the US. However, the goal of the Explorer might ultimately be the same as the Mustang Mach-E Rally: to show that electric vehicles can be both fun and practical.
Photograph: Ford
6 Comments
Who even cares about another Mustang when EVs are taking over?
Really interested in how the new Mustang Mach-E Rally will impact the market.
Can’t wait to see how the Mustang Mach-E Rally stacks up against rivals!
Will the Mach-E Rally finally silence the purists?
Did Ford really need to make another Mustang variant, though?!
Do we really need more Mustang variants to keep us entertained?