Ford is about to enter the world of all-electric vehicles designed and engineered as such from the get-go. No more turning Focus hatchbacks into pure EVs. Rumored to be called the Mach-E, this "Mustang-inspired" electric crossover is slated to officially be revealed later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It's a huge deal for the Blue Oval, which has had plenty of time to identify its industry benchmarks and surpass them.

And when we say "benchmarks" we're talking mainly about Tesla. Now, for any EV range is key. This requires powerful batteries and an electric motor that's up to the task. But there's also another tech element to not only EVs but modern vehicles in general consumers want: intuitive touchscreens. Tesla broke every rule and started a new trend with the Model S's large touchscreen and now Ford aims to surpass Tesla in this regard as well.

According to Ford Authority, the Mach-E will feature a huge center infotainment screen "with a look and layout that's roughly equivalent to that of a tablet." Also like the Model S and Model X, the screen will be placed vertically instead of horizontally. But unlike those two Teslas, the Mach-E will cost considerably less, more along the lines of the also upcoming Model Y crossover. Sources indicate a $40,000 or so starting price, but this obviously won't be confirmed for several weeks, at the minimum.

With an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles, the Mach-E will easily be a formidable foe to the Model Y in this regard. With that massive touchscreen also coming standard, the Mach-E is coming to the fight fully prepared.

But why the "Mustang-inspired" exterior styling? That's easy: the Mustang has for decades been one of Ford's most recognizable and beloved models. Utilizing this Mustang equity to begin a new era of vehicle powertrain technology is simply smart business.

The Ford Mach-E (a name change is still entirely possible) will debut in LA on November 17.