Introducing an all-electric version of an already electrifying vehicle might seem redundant, but that’s just what Ford has done with the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. First hitting the streets back in 2021, the Mach-E is an electric compact crossover SUV inspired by one of Ford’s most iconic contributions to the automotive world: the Ford Mustang. This SUV differs from the original pony car in a number of ways but still manages to capture the spirit of fun and excitement that’s made the Mustang such a popular model for almost 60 years.
This crossover’s electric powertrain gives Ford the opportunity to push the envelope in terms of performance, treating drivers to a thrilling ride and the type of hair-raising acceleration that only an all-electric vehicle can provide. Add in its cutting-edge tech features, unrivaled efficiency, and stylish design, and the Mach-E becomes a difficult model to ignore. Just ask Car and Driver, which named the Mustang Mach-E its 2021 EV of the Year when it was first introduced. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E and see how the brand has upped the bar when it comes to honoring the past while keeping both eyes trained firmly on the future.
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Like many of the EVs on the road today, the 2023 Mustang Mach-E comes with two distinct battery options: a Standard Range offering and an Extended Range pack that makes this compact crossover a more practical choice for drivers who tend to rack up the miles. No matter which setup you decide on, you’ll never be hurting for power when you’re behind the wheel of the Mustang Mach-E, as even the entry-level model offers an impressive 266 hp. The Mach-E really packs on the ponies as you climb through the four trims on offer for 2023, maxing out at 480 hp for the range-topping GT Performance Edition.
For those looking for a good middle ground, the Premium trim with rear-wheel drive is the perfect compromise. This version of the Mach-E comes packed with 290 hp, 317 lb-ft of torque, and the ability to tear from zero to 60 mph in just over six seconds. If you’re the type of driver who values power over range, consider taking a closer look at the all-wheel drive version of the Premium trim. The AWD model loses 30 miles of range when compared to the RWD option but ups the power to 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.
Anything bearing the Mustang name is inevitably going to be judged on its power, but the range is often a more important consideration in the EV world. The Mustang Mach-E holds its own with between 226 and 312 miles of range, depending on the model and configuration. The Standard Range battery offers 226 miles of range in its AWD setup but ups that number to 250 miles for those who go with the RWD version. With the Extended Range battery, drivers can expect between 260 miles for the high-end GT Performance Edition to 314 miles for the lightweight California Route 1 variant.
Fuel economy might seem like an odd metric given the Mach-E’s all-electric powertrain, but it still goes a long way in illustrating just how efficient an EV can be. The thrilling GT Performance Edition might be the least impressive of the bunch when it comes to efficiency, but it still manages to offer 82 MPGe combined. Those numbers only look better as you explore the rest of the Mach-E’s trim offerings, which get up to 103 MPGe in the base RWD version.
Every 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E comes standard with three driving modes that allow drivers to create a custom-tuned experience every time they sit behind the wheel. In Whisper mode, the Mach-E is at its most relaxed, featuring gradual acceleration and as little added noise as possible. Engage steps it up, delivering a mix of performance and comfort ideal for everyday driving. However, if you’re looking to test the Mach-E’s true potential, Unbridled mode is the Mustang at its best, featuring an increased throttle response and tight, sporty steering that’ll have you looking for the checkered flag.
These driving modes don’t just change the way the Mach-E drives but also how it looks. The Mustang’s interior ambient lighting shifts in response to each driving mode, from a cool, soft blue in Whisper mode to an aggressive orange hue when you select Unbridled. Simulated engine noise can also be adjusted based on which driving mode is selected, allowing Mach-E owners to experience the roar of an old-school Mustang despite the lack of an internal combustion engine. The digital display cluster also gets in on the fun, reacting to a driver’s acceleration, braking, and handling inputs to make for a full-spectrum sensory experience.
Not one to be outdone, The GT Performance Edition throws a fourth driving mode into the mix. Known as Unbridled Extend, this performance-oriented driving mode was developed for use on tracks and autocross courses. Unbridled Extend allows the Mach-E to provide more consistent power over an extended period by reducing the EV’s peak power by a small fraction. This is a thoughtful solution to a common issue with EVs: the tendency to reduce performance as the battery starts to run down.
By limiting the vehicle’s peak power, drivers can push the Mach-E for longer, which can come in handy when you’re trying to set consistent lap times. This is accomplished in a number of ways. The Mach-E’s battery is proactively cooled and power controlled while the stability and traction control systems are slightly curbed. The regenerative braking system is also scaled back, and the AWD system switches up its front/rear bias. Driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist and cruise control are also disabled altogether. The result is not only a thrilling ride but, most importantly, one that will allow you to keep recording laps until you have the track down pat.
The Mustang Mach-E has one more unique mode up its sleeve: One-Pedal Driving. This little trick is made possible due to the fact that EVs use regenerative braking to recapture power and feed the battery every time you let up on the throttle. The same motors that propel the vehicle are essentially turned into generators, feeding power back to the battery instead of expending it to move the vehicle forward. In One-Pedal Driving mode, regenerative braking is turned up to the max, providing so much resistance that a driver can ignore the brake pedal altogether in most situations and simply let the vehicle coast to a stop. Ideal for stop-and-go traffic, One-Pedal Driving leverages the Mach-E’s regenerative braking to make for a simple, safe driving experience that has the added benefit of ensuring maximum EV range.
The GT Performance Edition is the go-to choice for those seeking the Mustang Mach-E’s sportiest––and most luxurious––guise. Occupying the highest spot in the 2023 trim lineup, the GT Performance Edition comes the closest to recreating the original Mustang experience with a brawny powertrain that’ll have you gripping the pony’s reins for dear life. The Mach-E GT already puts a healthy 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque at the driver’s disposal, but opting for the GT Performance Edition sees the torque pumped up to an incomparable 634 lb-ft. All EVs are able to deliver near-instant torque thanks to their electric motors, but even among its peers, the Mustang Mach-E is something of a speed demon. Are you looking to get from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds? The GT Performance Edition is more than happy to oblige.
The Mustang Mach-E certainly isn’t lacking in power, but all that power doesn’t mean much if it takes too much of a toll on overall ride quality. Ford has engineered around this age-old problem with the MagneRide Damping System, an innovative system that manages to strike the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness. Originally debuting on the Cadillac Seville in 2002, MagneRide technology has been extended to some of Ford’s higher-end models over the years. MagneRide uses dampers filled with magnetic fluid to rapidly adjust the suspension feel, making as many as 1,000 adjustments per second to ensure that the Mach-E’s wrath is confined to the tarmac instead of the driver’s body.
Powertrain upgrades aside, the GT Performance Edition also looks the part with red-painted Brembo front brake calipers, an aluminum instrument panel, a panoramic fixed-glass sunroof, and more. Some of these upgrades are just as functional as they are fun to look at. Take the 20-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, for example. Ford has paired these striking ebony black-painted wheels with a set of 245/45R20 Pirelli summer tires, a grippy alternative to the standard skids that allows the automaker’s engineers to calibrate the Mach-E’s motors for the increased torque.
In a move that other brands could take a lesson from, the GT Performance Edition’s interior strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and performance. For example, the front sport seats feature fixed-position head restraints but also include eight-way power adjustment, heating, and a memory feature, not to mention ActiveX seating material with Miko reflective inserts and metallic stitching. The GT Performance Edition is also graced with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, transforming the interior into a concert hall on wheels that’s all the better because it doesn’t have to contend with the roar of a gas-powered engine.
Are you ready to take the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E for a test drive? Newton Ford South is here to help. This compact crossover SUV is an exciting addition to the Ford lineup, and we’re eager to answer any questions you might have, discuss trims and options, arrange financing, and do whatever it takes to make the buying process as friendly and seamless as possible. From the Mustang Mach-E to Ford’s award-winning lineup of trucks, hybrids, and SUVs, there’s always something new to discover here at our dealership. Drivers seem to appreciate the fact that we go the extra mile, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Newton Ford South was named the 2023 Tennessee Ford Dealer of the Year by DealerRater.com, a recognition that’s all the more valuable given that this award is based on reviews written by real customers. When it’s time for your next new or pre-owned vehicle, come by Newton Ford South and see what all the fuss is about.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
