There’s big news in the electric vehicle space today, with Ford Australia announcing the local availability of its first all-electric vehicle: the Mustang Mach-E SUV.
Announced with Daniel Ricciardo in tow ahead of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the eight-time F1 race winner drove the premium GT model around the Melbourne circuit in a hot lap. Available later this year, the Mustang Mach-E will come in three different models: GT, Premium, and Select.
Between the three models, the incoming EV offers up to 600km of range and will be the fastest accelerating car from Ford available in Australia. Bringing the Mach-E down under is part of Ford Australia’s plan to have at least five electrified vehicles available locally by the end of 2024.
Mustang Mach-E promises an electrifying drive
At the top of the Mach-E range is the GT model. It uses a 91kWh battery paired with dual electric motors that generate 358kW/860Nm of torque to all four wheels for maximum performance. To illustrate the point, Ford Australia lists the performance model’s 0-100km/h time at a speedy 3.7 seconds. The company also claims a 490km range between charges. One thing that’s yet to be confirmed is the precise nature of the battery. Internationally, Ford is working on a lithium iron phosphate battery that’s said to be highly durable, but it’s not yet known if the Australian Mach-E range will use this technology.
For longer-distance driving, the next Mustang Mach-E model is the Premium. It uses the same 91kWh battery, but only has a single electric motor, generating 216kW/430Nm of torque, favouring distance over raw power. Distance certainly is its strong suit, rated as being up to 600km between charges, putting it close to the 2024 Polestar 2 vehicles’ maximum range.
Rounding out the Mustang Mach-E range coming to Australia is the Select model. This version of the EV contains a 71kWh battery with a single electric motor delivering 198kW/430Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Positioned as the entry-level model, the Select version targets a 470km range between charges.
As mentioned by Ford Australia in the announcement, the Mach-E electric vehicles are designed for both convenience and performance. Across all three versions is an Untame drive mode intended to yield improvements across acceleration, braking feel, and steering response.
Other features
Although exact specs and pricing details aren’t out yet, Ford Australia revealed some of the details about what to expect when you step into the Mach-E. Each vehicle will have a 15.5-inch infotainment screen running on Ford’s Sync4 software. Alongside the main console is a 10.2-inch digital cluster, wireless charging for compatible devices, and a 10-speaker sound system from luxury Danish audio company Bang & Olufsen. Plus, every Australian Mach-E comes with a panoramic sunroof for letting in light.
Until precise release details emerge, you can register your interest via Ford’s website to be among the first to hear about reserving a vehicle. In New Zealand, slightly different versions of the Mach-E start at NZ$79,990, so expect Australian prices to begin around $75,000. This means MG Motor is likely to hold onto its status as one of the most affordable EV brands locally. However, at least one of the Mach-E models should qualify for the Federal Government’s Electric Vehicle Discount.
