Were it not for two lighted pony emblems — front and rear — one would have to guess the identity of this hatchback SUV. And when you figure out it’s a Mustang, well, some head-scratching will follow.
Once that is digested, dwell on 700 lb-ft of torque, 480 horsepower, all-electric and all-wheel drive machine that will literally knock your socks off with thrust. It’s known as a top-of-the-line Mustang Mach-E Rally. While the Mach-E first launched in 2021, this year’s model makes a bold statement bringing true performance to the foreground.
Front and rear permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors send outrageous power, spinning the zero to 60 mile-per-hour clock to 3.3 seconds at our independent test track leaving some high-powered German imports in the dust. The one-speed automatic transmission does this quietly while some say it lacks the V8 powered exhaust rumble that throttle a lot of pony cars.
Being fully electric, the 91 kWh Extended Range Battery will run 265 miles, not so good up against a long-range Tesla and some others.
This is not a small vehicle. The Mach-E measurements are nearly identical to a BMW X3 SUV at 15.5 feet long, six-feet-wide with a wheelbase of nearly 10 feet. It weighs 850 pounds more than the Bimmer.
The Mach-E is available in five trim levels — Select, Premium, California Route 1, GT and the new Rally — with prices ranging from the low $40s to upper $60s. Power options vary starting with the standard range 70.0 kWh battery with rear wheel drive, a 91 kWh motor for Select and Premium models, dual motor all-wheel-drive for GT and GT Performance and the Mach-E Rally with dual motors and extended range battery.
Even with its new-found looks, the larger skin retains a certain sportiness with its distinctive exterior lines. The Rally edition also retains sequential rear turn signals — a mainstay of previous pony cars as well as Thunderbirds, Mercury Cougars and Shelby GT500.
As an off-road roamer, the Rally has some unique features including a one-inch suspension lift, raised front spoiler and a special body film across the sides to minimize gravel rash and the like.
Driving the Rally is as simple as depressing the accelerator. A little tap will convince those around that it can be tame. A trounce on the pedal results in full wheel grip, no slippage, little sound and solid movement to a government limited 128 miles per hour — quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 115 mph.
Step inside the Mach-E and be treated to a gigantic 15.5-inch Tesla-like vertical touchscreen that features easy to control climate, audio, navigation and apps. Back seat passengers are treated to a wide-opening door for easy entry and exit. All doors are controlled by an electronic push button and latch gear mounted flush with the doors. A simple rotary dial shifter is located at the center console behind massive cupholders. Although partially obscured by the steering wheel, a 10.2-inch digital screen displays engine vitals.
Aside from its jet-like propulsion, the Mach-E SUV has just under 60 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded.