2022 Ford Mustang Mach-e Gt Review: Is It Worth The Hype?
Imagine a Mustang that roars with electric power, offering thrilling performance and cutting-edge technology. The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is not your average electric crossover; it’s a bold statement from Ford, blending the iconic Mustang heritage with the future of electric driving. This review is for those seeking an electric vehicle that delivers both performance and practicality, and for those curious about whether the Mach-E GT truly lives up to the Mustang legacy. We’ll delve into the Mach-E GT’s performance, range, charging capabilities, interior features, and overall value, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Performance: Electrifying the Mustang Spirit
Powertrain and Acceleration
At the core of the Mach-E GT lies a robust dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that is nothing short of exhilarating. This electric powerhouse generates a remarkable 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Mach-E GT to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. If you opt for the Performance Edition, that time drops to an astonishing 3.5 seconds with a torque output of 634 lb-ft. The Mach-E GT’s instant torque delivery and smooth acceleration provide a thrilling driving experience that surpasses many traditional gasoline-powered sports cars.
The Mach-E GT’s design is a bold departure from the traditional Mustang silhouette, embracing a more modern and aerodynamic aesthetic. This approach reflects the evolution of the Mustang brand, adapting to the changing demands of the automotive landscape. The distinctive black faux grille is a striking design element that evokes the iconic Mustang grille, albeit in a modern interpretation. This design choice signifies the Mach-E GT’s connection to the Mustang lineage while acknowledging its electric powertrain.
Drive Modes
The 2022 Mach-E GT offers several driving modes that tailor the driving experience to your preferences. Whisper mode provides a serene driving experience with minimal throttle response and optimized regenerative braking, while Engage increases throttle response and regenerative braking for a more spirited drive. Unbridled mode unleashes full throttle response, maximum regenerative braking, and even simulates the roar of a classic Mustang engine, adding a touch of nostalgia for enthusiasts. For track enthusiasts, Unbridled Extend mode limits power to prevent battery overheating during extended performance sessions.
The aggressive front bumper, with its prominent “GT” badging, further emphasizes the Mach-E GT’s performance credentials. It serves as a visual cue to other drivers, signaling the vehicle’s sporty nature. The optional Pirelli P-Zero summer tires provide exceptional grip and handling, enhancing the Mach-E GT’s driving dynamics. These tires are specifically engineered for high-performance driving, offering superior cornering and braking capabilities.
Range and Charging: Keeping the Mustang Moving
Battery and Range
The Mach-E GT is equipped with an Extended Range battery pack that boasts an 88 kWh usable capacity. The standard model achieves an impressive EPA-estimated range of 270 miles, while the Performance Edition offers a slightly lower range of 260 miles. The lower stance of the Mach-E GT compared to the standard model contributes to its athletic appearance, improving handling and stability. Future software updates could potentially expand the battery capacity to 91 kWh, further increasing the Mach-E GT’s driving range.
Charging Options
Charging the Mach-E GT is both convenient and efficient. Using a standard home charger, you can add up to 30 miles of range per hour with Level 2 AC charging. For a quick top-up, the Mach-E GT can recharge 80% of its battery in just 45 minutes with a 150 kW DC fast charger. The red-painted Brembo brakes not only add a visual touch of sportiness but also provide superior braking performance, handling the increased stopping power required for the Mach-E GT’s exhilarating acceleration. New Mach-E owners can also take advantage of complimentary DC fast charging at participating public stations through the Ford BlueOval Network.
The Mach-E GT’s impressive range of 270 miles (standard model) and 260 miles (Performance Edition) is comparable to other high-performance electric crossovers, providing ample driving capability for daily commutes and weekend adventures. The availability of DC fast charging allows for quick and convenient recharging, reducing range anxiety. With a 150 kW DC fast charger, the Mach-E GT can recharge 80% of its battery in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for long road trips.
Technology and Features: A Modern Mustang
Driver-Assistance Technologies
The Mach-E GT comes loaded with advanced driver-assistance features to enhance safety and convenience. The Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0 suite includes lane-centering steering, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision automatic emergency braking. Ford’s hands-free highway driving assistant, BlueCruise, allows for a more relaxed driving experience on compatible highways, though it does have limitations. For those seeking even more advanced features, the optional Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0 package adds a 360-degree surround view camera system and Active Parking Assist.
The Mach-E GT’s advanced driver-assistance technologies, including Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0 and BlueCruise, enhance safety and convenience for drivers. These features provide an added layer of protection and assist drivers in navigating various driving scenarios. BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving assistant, allows for a more relaxed driving experience on compatible highways. However, it’s important to note that BlueCruise is a driver-assistance system, and drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle at all times.
Infotainment System
The infotainment experience in the Mach-E GT is equally impressive. The centerpiece is a large 15.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen that offers an intuitive Sync 4A interface. Enjoy seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and rest assured that the system is designed to stay current with connected features and regular over-the-air updates.
The Mach-E GT’s infotainment system, powered by Sync 4A, offers a user-friendly interface with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. This intuitive system provides easy access to various features, including navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows for seamless connectivity between the Mach-E GT and smartphones, enhancing the overall driving experience and providing a convenient and personalized connection to the driver’s digital world. Over-the-air updates ensure that the Mach-E GT’s software remains current, adding new features and improving functionality over time.
Interior and Comfort: A Refined Mustang
Interior Design
The Mach-E GT’s interior is a blend of sportiness and comfort, creating a refined and welcoming cabin environment. The use of premium materials, such as soft-touch surfaces and stylish accents, elevates the overall ambiance, making the interior feel luxurious and inviting. The Ford Performance seats offer exceptional support and comfort during spirited driving, with additional bolstering to keep the driver comfortably in place. The Performance Edition further enhances the interior with synthetic leather trim, perforated inserts, and metallic stitching.
The Mach-E GT’s interior is thoughtfully designed with premium materials that elevate the cabin ambiance. The Ford Performance seats feature additional bolstering for a sporty experience, ensuring comfort during spirited driving. The Performance Edition’s synthetic leather trim with perforated inserts and metallic stitching adds a touch of sophistication and exclusivity to the interior, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Cargo Space
Practicality is not overlooked in the Mach-E GT. With 29.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, there’s ample room for luggage and gear. Fold the seats down, and you can expand that to an impressive 59.7 cubic feet. The Mach-E GT’s front trunk, or “frunk,” adds even more versatility and is designed for easy cleaning and drainage.
The Mach-E GT’s generous cargo space behind the rear seats provides ample room for luggage and gear, making it a practical choice for families and individuals who need to transport belongings. The folding rear seats further expand cargo capacity, providing even more versatility for larger items. The front trunk, or “frunk,” is a unique feature that adds to the Mach-E GT’s practicality, offering additional space for smaller items and enhancing the overall cargo-carrying capabilities of the vehicle.
Price and Competition: The Mach-E GT’s Place in the Market
Pricing
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is competitively priced, with a starting price of $63,095 for the standard GT and $69,095 for the Performance Edition. Adding features such as the Rapid Red premium paint and the Co-Pilot 360 Active package can push the price closer to $72,990.
The Mach-E GT’s pricing is competitive within the electric crossover segment, offering a compelling value proposition for buyers seeking a high-performance electric vehicle. The starting price of $63,095 for the standard GT and $69,095 for the Performance Edition makes it a viable option for a wide range of buyers.
Competition
In the electric crossover market, the Mach-E GT faces several worthy competitors, including the Audi E-Tron Sportback, Jaguar I-Pace, Kia EV6 GT-Line, and Tesla Model Y Performance. While the Audi and Jaguar models provide a more premium experience, the Mach-E GT offers a more attractive price point while delivering comparable performance. The Tesla Model Y Performance remains a strong contender, boasting a slightly longer range and a more sophisticated driver-assistance suite.
While the Audi E-Tron Sportback and Jaguar I-Pace offer a more premium experience, the Mach-E GT provides comparable performance at a more attractive price point. The Kia EV6 GT-Line is a strong competitor, offering similar performance and features at a slightly lower price. The Tesla Model Y Performance remains a formidable contender in the electric crossover market, boasting a slightly longer range and a more sophisticated driver-assistance suite. However, the Mach-E GT offers a more refined and luxurious interior, along with a strong connection to the iconic Mustang brand.
Conclusion
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT represents a significant step forward for the Mustang brand, demonstrating its commitment to embracing the future of electric mobility. Its impressive performance, advanced technology, and connection to the Mustang heritage make it a compelling option for drivers seeking a thrilling and technologically advanced driving experience.
While the Mach-E GT may not provide the same visceral driving experience as a traditional Mustang, it compensates with exceptional capabilities, spacious cargo options, and a wealth of modern features. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the Mach-E GT is poised to become a significant player in the high-performance crossover segment, offering a unique blend of performance, practicality, and style.
Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang enthusiast or a newcomer to the electric vehicle scene, the Mach-E GT is worth a test drive. Its combination of performance, range, and technology make it a worthy contender in the electric crossover market, and with Ford’s ongoing commitment to innovation, the Mach-E GT’s capabilities are sure to continue evolving.