Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E may not be the fastest or most affordable electric vehicle out there, nor does it have the most range. It is, however, what MatoCar considers the best in the luxury EV class. Wait, luxury? Yes, we're classifying it among traditional luxury brands because of its mid-$40,000 starting price (before tax breaks and incentives). It's especially worthy of the luxury tag when you look at the high-performance Mach-E GT, which starts above $60,000. But the Mustang Mach-E also proves itself worthy in several other areas too.

This is the first Ford to be designed specifically as an electric vehicle — there will be no gas-powered version or even a hybrid. Roughly the same size as a Ford Escape or Porsche Macan, the Mustang Mach-E blends typical SUV proportions with some characteristic Mustang styling details. We were initially skeptical about Ford using the Mustang name, but the driving experience is enjoyable enough for the Mach-E to earn that badge.

Key rivals include the Audi e-tron, Polestar 2, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Volkswagen ID.4. But it's so good that we suggest checking it out no matter what type of EV (or, quite frankly, non-EV) you're in the market for. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our take on the Mach-E's performance, range and more.

Which Mustang Mach-E does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is classified as an all-electric SUV, but in reality it lies somewhere between SUV and wagon. It seats five people and is available in five trim levels: Select, California Route 1, Premium, GT and First Edition. Most offer different battery and electric motor configurations that further influence power outputs and the EPA-estimated range you can drive on a full battery charge. The lineup includes:

Select Rear-wheel drive (RWD): 230 miles of range; 266 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque All-wheel drive (AWD): 211 miles of range; 266 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque

California Route 1 Extended-range battery, RWD: 305 miles of range; 290 hp and 317 lb-ft

Premium Standard-range battery, RWD and AWD: same as the Select Extended-range battery, RWD: 300 miles of range; 290 hp and 317 lb-ft Extended-range battery, AWD: 270 miles of range; 346 hp and 428 lb ft

First Edition Extended-range battery, AWD: same as the Premium version

GT Extended-range battery, AWD: 270 miles of range; 480 hp and 600 lb-ft Performance Edition: 260 miles of range; 480 hp and 634 lb-ft

The different trim levels also come with different features.

Select Starts you off with:

• 18-inch wheels
• Keyless entry and start, including the option to use your phone as a key
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• Simulated leather upholstery

Standard technology features include:

• Digital instrument panel
• 15.5-inch central touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Navigation system
• Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Six-speaker audio system
• Portable 120-volt or 240-volt charging cable
• DC fast-charging capability (supports up to 150-kW charging stations)

Every Mustang Mach-E also comes with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver aids that includes:

• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane centering (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Rear parking sensors with automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

California Route 1 Adds more convenience and technology features, such as:

• Black-painted wheels and exterior trim
• Power-folding mirrors
• Panoramic fixed-glass roof
• Cargo cover
• Ford's BlueCruise system (uses the vehicle's advanced driver aids to further provide hands-free driving capability on select divided highways; delayed system activation until fall 2021)
• Automated parking system
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Premium Has the above features plus more luxury-oriented features, such as:

• 19-inch wheels
• Hands-free liftgate
• Acoustically insulated front windows
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Interior ambient lighting
• 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

First Edition Similarly equipped to the Premium trim. Additionally, you get some minor aesthetic upgrades that include unique scuff plates, interior stitching and painted brake calipers.

GT The Mustang Mach-E GT is equipped similarly to the Premium trim. It lacks the BlueCruise system and the panoramic glass roof but those can be added back as options. The GT also has:

• 20-inch wheels with wider tires
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Body-colored fender arches
• Black grille
• Sport front seats with additional bolstering and microfiber upholstery inserts

The GT Performance Edition, besides having the extra power noted above, enhances the Mach-E with:

• Unique seat upholstery
• Unique 20-inch wheels
• Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance handling and ride comfort)