2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Performance

The Mach-E's performance depends on the configuration you opt for. The Select and Premium are available in RWD and AWD, while the California Route 1 and GT models are only available with the eAWD system. The next factor that determines the performance is the battery choice. The Select trim is only available with the standard range (SR) battery, while the California Route 1 is only available with the extended range (ER) battery. The Premium can be ordered with either, while the GT only has access to the extended range battery.

The slowest model is the Premium RWD with the ER battery. It takes 6.1 seconds to get to 60 mph, while the GT Performance Edition with eAWD and an ER battery will get there in 3.5 seconds. The other models all fall somewhere between these two extremes. What jumps out is that AWD makes a big difference with the ER battery; these models are 1.3 seconds quicker to 60 mph compared to RWD models with the same battery.

The power output of the models also depends on everything mentioned above. The Select models are equipped with a 70-kWh battery (standard range), and in RWD configuration, it provides 266 hp and 317 lb-ft. Add the eAWD system, and the torque figure increases to 428 lb-ft. The California Route 1 comes with a 91-kWh (extended range) battery as standard and with standard eAWD makes 346 hp and 428 lb-ft. The Premium trim can be ordered in every configuration mentioned so far, and the power outputs are precisely the same. The GT and GT Performance get the ER battery. The standard GT has 480 hp and 600 lb-ft, while the Performance dials the torque up to 634 lb-ft. These two are the potent models capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.8 and 3.5 seconds, respectively.

On average, you're looking at a 0-60 mph time in the mid-fives, though these figures can be misleading. Due to the nature of the power delivery, the Mach-E tends to feel much faster, especially when it comes to in-gear acceleration.

The base setup is one electric motor at the rear mated to a single-speed transmission. This direct drive system and the immediate power delivery is why the Mach-E is able to get off the line so quickly, even though heavier models weigh nearly 5,000 lbs.

Opting for the eAWD system adds another electric motor to the front axle. There is no mechanical coupling between the two motors, which opens up an entirely new world of AWD performance. Instead of splitting the power front and rear, an AWD system like this could potentially deliver 100% power at the same time at both axles. The more motors you have and the bigger the battery pack, the more power you can play with. It's that simple.

We mentioned some performance figures earlier, but they don't tell the whole story. While the base select model takes a leisurely six seconds to get to 60 mph, it feels much faster off the line. And at speed, it feels even quicker. While a regular ICE car has to wait for the gearbox to drop a few cogs and a turbo to spool, an electric motor simply unleashes full power the moment you touch the throttle. This year, we spent some time with a Mach-E in New York, which made us realize just how big a selling point instant power delivery is. If you only have a block to change lanes and need to get in front of the other guy, an EV is the way to go.

The Mach-E with a standard-range battery and RWD can achieve 110/96/103 MPGe city/highway/combined. It has a claimed range of 247 miles. Adding the AWD system lowers the gas mileage figures to 99/86/93 MPGe and the total range to 224 miles. With the extended range battery, RWD models have a range of around 306 miles, dropping to 290 with eAWD. MPGe figures for these two models are 104/90/97 MPGe and 97/84/91 MPGe, respectively.

The two top performers in the range have similar consumption figures. The standard GT's claimed EPA estimates are 90/77/84 MPGe and 270 miles of range, while the GT Performance can do 88/75/82 MPGe and 260 miles of range. The California Route 1 is built to offer the longest range. I'ts only available in eAWD at the time of writing, and earns EPA estimates of 105/91/98 MPGe. The California Route 1's 312-mile claimed range makes it the most practical trim. By comparison, the Tesla Model Y can manage 330 miles on a full charge. and the comparable Hyundai Ioniq 5 manages just 256.

Realistically, you also need a house in the suburbs if you want to run a Mach-E. The mobile charger can only add 20 miles of range from a 240V outlet. If you go for the Ford Connected Charging station, you can add 30 miles per hour. On the go, you can use 150-kW DC fast charging. According to Ford, you can charge it from 10 to 90 percent in 45 minutes.