Ford’s Mustang Mach-E has been capturing attention in the EV market, especially the base trim with its appealing starting price of $39,995. However, instead of the standard model, I had the opportunity to test drive the Ford Mustang Mach-e Rally Edition – a version specifically engineered for off-road adventures.
This upgraded model comes with a significantly higher price tag of $64,490 (base model starting at $58,995). While it retains the sporty driving feel of the original Mach-E, the Rally Edition is designed for drivers who desire rally-inspired features and capabilities. It’s a niche vehicle, comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in its specialized appeal.
This Ford offering isn’t for the average commuter, yet it still functions effectively as a daily driver, boasting an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 86 MPGe and a range of 265 miles. After a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Edition, here are my detailed pros and cons.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 91 kWh |
| Motor | Dual eMotor |
| Range (EPA est.) | 265 miles |
| Horsepower | 480 hp |
| Wheels | 19-inch Alloy |
| MSRP (Starting) | $58,995 |
Real-World Testing of the Mustang Mach-E Rally
For a comprehensive rally-focused evaluation of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, my colleague Kate Kozuch put it to the test at a professional rally school. Her insights delve into the vehicle’s performance under rigorous rally conditions. My perspective here focuses on aspects relevant to the typical driver, assessing its everyday usability and on-road performance.
Unsurprisingly, the Mach-E Rally delivers the exhilarating performance and responsiveness characteristic of high-performance EVs, aligning with experiences in vehicles like the Acura ZDX Type S, BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It provides an undeniably fun and energetic driving experience, especially on highways.
However, from an efficiency standpoint, the Mach-E Rally fell short of expectations during my week-long test, covering 187 miles and achieving an average efficiency of 2.3 mi/kWh. This is below my preferred benchmark of 3 mi/kWh, indicating that efficiency is not a primary design focus for this model.
Charging speeds also presented some unexpected results. Level 1 charging, even at its maximum current setting, averaged only 0.6 kW. Over 13.75 hours of Level 1 charging, the Mach-E Rally gained just 15 miles of range, translating to a slow recharge rate of approximately 1.09 mi/hr. Adding to the peculiarity, the battery charge increased from 40% to 75% during this period, a 35% gain which seemed disproportionate to the 15 miles of range added.
Fortunately, access to complimentary Level 2 chargers nearby allowed for quicker replenishment of the battery range.
Key Test Drive Stats:
- Total Miles Driven: 187 miles
- Average Efficiency: 2.3 mi/kWh
- Level 1 Charging: 15 miles range added in 13.75 hours
- Charge Level Increase (Level 1): 40% to 75%
- Level 1 Recharge Rate: 2.25 mi/hour
What Impressed Me About the Mustang Mach-E Rally
Eye-Catching Neon Yellow Aesthetics
The “Grabber Yellow” paint is a welcome departure from the common grayscale palette of most vehicles. While not the Bumblebee yellow often depicted in promotional materials, it exudes a ’90s neon vibe that distinguishes it from other yellows.
This color choice significantly enhances the vehicle’s sporty appeal, complementing its aerodynamic rear fin spoiler and sculpted front end. The racecar-inspired taillights further solidify the Mach-E Rally’s performance-oriented identity as an electric vehicle.
Unique Door Handle and Button System
One of the most distinctive features of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is its innovative door handle design. Unlike any other EV I’ve encountered, the handles are positioned near the window frame and incorporate a button that must be pressed to unlock the door before pulling the handle to open it. This electronically controlled system was initially surprising but quickly became a favored unique touch.
Compact and Non-Distracting Dashboard Display
In contrast to the trend of large instrument cluster displays in EVs, Ford adopts a different approach with the Mach-E Rally. The 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Panel Cluster Screen appears small initially compared to competitors, yet its size is a strength. It minimizes distraction and avoids overwhelming the dashboard. This design choice maximizes windshield space, improving road visibility. The centrally located 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen provides a balanced and comprehensive display interface.
Fun and Comfortable Ride, Even on Bumpy Roads
The Mustang Mach-E Rally lives up to its name, offering a genuinely enjoyable driving experience powered by its 480 hp dual-motor system. Highway acceleration is swift and effortless, and the precise steering allows for confident cornering. Its performance rivals the Acura ZDX Type S, though it doesn’t quite match the agility of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe.
Thanks to its rally-tuned suspension, the Mach-E Rally adeptly handles uneven road surfaces. Testing it on a rocky beach parking area demonstrated its ability to absorb bumps and maintain composure, mitigating road imperfections effectively.
Exceptionally Quiet Cabin
Despite not being marketed as a luxury vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E Rally boasts impressive sound insulation. Wind noise at high speeds is minimal, an unexpected refinement for a vehicle in this category. Furthermore, external noises are effectively muted, especially when the audio system is playing at higher volumes, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Responsive Adaptive Cruise Control with BlueCruise
My previous brief experience with Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in the Ford F150 Lightning provided a glimpse of its capabilities. However, the Mustang Mach-E Rally offered a more thorough demonstration of BlueCruise’s effectiveness. Beyond maintaining set speeds, BlueCruise exhibits remarkable responsiveness.
In a notable instance, when a vehicle abruptly changed lanes in front of the Mach-E Rally set at 60 mph, BlueCruise reacted swiftly and smoothly applied gentle braking. This prompt response is superior to many other ACC systems, inspiring greater confidence in BlueCruise’s proactive safety features.
Drawbacks of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
Disappointing Energy Efficiency
The “Rally” designation clearly signals a focus on performance over energy conservation. Consequently, the Mach-E Rally prioritizes power and handling, which inherently impacts battery efficiency. Therefore, achieving an average of 2.3 mi/kWh wasn’t entirely unexpected.
At this efficiency rate, the Mach-E Rally’s real-world range would likely fall short of its EPA-estimated 265 miles, given its 91 kWh battery. Range isn’t the primary selling point of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. While acknowledging its performance focus, I had hoped for efficiency closer to the 2.7 mi/kWh achieved in the Acura ZDX Type-S.
Limited Trunk Capacity
Classified as a compact crossover SUV, the Mustang Mach-E Rally presents a tighter trunk space compared to other EVs in its segment. While accommodating my JackRabbit OG2 ebike, it required folding down the rear seats for a complete fit. The trunk’s shallower depth might restrict the carriage of larger items without utilizing the foldable seats.
Final Verdict: Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
It’s crucial to reiterate that the Mach-E Rally isn’t tailored for the average driver. Its premium price, rally-tuned characteristics, and compromised efficiency position the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally as a vehicle best suited for those who frequently venture off-road. Few EVs are specifically designed for this purpose, making it a unique option for buyers willing to prioritize off-road capability over optimal battery range. However, the Mach-E Rally retains numerous appealing attributes, such as the responsive BlueCruise system and its distinctive design.
For those considering an EV in this price range, the Acura ZDX Type-S offers a more luxurious and spacious alternative. The Lucid Air Pure, in a sedan format, presents another compelling option with exceptional efficiency and robust electric performance.
