The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a smashing success by almost every metric, so much so that it allowed the V8 Mustang to live on for another generation. We love the first Mach-E we drove last year, but there were a few early teething issues that Ford needed to rectify. CarBuzz recently had a chance to spend a week with the more powerful Mach-E GT, and we can confidently say that many of the concerns from the early build models have been addressed. But is it enough?
The Mach-E GT improves on the recipe with more power, improved handling, and a few visual tweaks. This is among the quickest EVs available for under $100,000, but a recent price increase might make it a tougher sell than when it first launched.
Hot Styling
We've said it before, and we'll say it again; the Mustang Mach-E is a gorgeous SUV. The Mustang design elements have been integrated perfectly onto an SUV shape, perhaps more effectively than Lamborghini applied its supercar styling to the Urus. You can spot a GT via its black grille insert, unique 20-inch wheels, and GT trunk badge. The Performance Edition gets different wheels with a completely different spoke pattern than the standard GT, but we happen to prefer the base car.
This is a car that can look great no matter the color, as evidenced by the stunning Iconic Silver on last year's test car, contrasted by the eye-catching Cyber Orange on this GT model. Say what you want about an SUV not being a "real" Mustang, but it certainly attracts attention like the original pony car does. And yes, we do feel like the Mach-E is a "proper" Mustang. If you have a problem with that, take it up with Ford.
Holy Moly Performance
The most powerful standard Mach-E is the Extended Range AWD model, which delivers 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft. With a 0-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds, we feel this level of performance is more than adequate for most drivers. Stepping up to the GT adds a larger rear motor, culminating in 480 hp and 600 lb-ft. This gets the GT up to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. If that's somehow not quick enough, the GT Performance Package ups the torque to 634 lb-ft and drops the 0-60 time to 3.5 seconds (the same as a Shelby GT500). The compromise is that it also drops the Mach-E's range from 270 to 260 miles.
For $6,000, the package also bundles grippier Pirelli summer tires, MagneRide suspension, and Brembo brake calipers. The MagneRide does wonders for the Mach-E's ride, improving the handling while also smoothing out the ride over rough roads. Perhaps even more than the performance bumps, the suspension might be the number one reason to opt for the GT Performance Edition. The base Mach-E was a nice car to drive, but the GT transforms it into something that can genuinely put a grin on your face. This car isn't just exhilarating in a straight line; it thrills in the corners too.
A Premium-Ish Interior
Very little is changed on the interior going from a base Mach-E to the GT. The GT gets copper accents, which add a splash of color to the cabin, but the seats are barely distinguishable from the standard model. Stepping up to the GT Performance Edition adds bolstered sports seats that hug you more tightly and look great doing so. Unfortunately, the GT Performance drops the copper interior trim for a monotone aluminum that's less visually noticeable.
The Mach-E GT interior is an airy space with plenty of light let in from the glass roof that's now standard for 2023. This is a premium cabin (for a Mustang), but we aren't sure if feels special at this price point.
We loved the 15.5-inch touchscreen when we last drove this car, and it's improved since then with over-the-air updates that include a larger Apple CarPlay setup and various bug fixes. Ford has also added its hands-free BlueCruise technology, which felt like it has some catching up to do with GM's Super Cruise.
The Practical Stang
Mustang diehards may hate that the famous nameplate is attached to an SUV, but that just means more people can enjoy this car with their family and luggage. There is 29.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk, which increases to 59.7 cubes with the rear seats folded. On Performance Edition models, this is slightly less, at 59.5 cubes. If you need more space for small items, the frunk accommodates 4.7 cubic feet. Inside, the open center console has plenty of room for your phone, wallet keys, or even a small bag.
Worth It After The Price Increase?
Now we get to the unfortunate part of our Mach-E GT review - the recent price hike. Ford has struggled to keep production costs level for its EV models, meaning the 2023 Mach-E GT sees a nearly $8,000 price increase compared to last year's model.The base GT now costs $69,895, making it more expensive than the BMW i4 M50, which starts at $67,300 and delivers 536 hp. Opting for the GT Performance Package adds another $6,000 to the price, putting the Mach-E just a few thousand dollars short of the supercharged Shelby GT500. It's a performer, but not at that level.
The $7,500 federal tax credit softens the blow a bit, but nearly $76,000 seems like a lot to spend on an EV without a luxury badge. Ford's most direct competition will come from the Kia EV6 GT, which charges faster and produces more power, but won't come with the tax credit for 2023 or match the Mach-E's range.
More worryingly, the price increase now puts the Mach-E GT within spitting distance of the Tesla Model Y, which should regain its tax credit next year and offers over 300 miles of range. We enjoyed driving the Mach-E GT, but it's now a bit too expensive to recommend. Stick with the regular Mach-E; it's great value for money.