The Ford Mustang is an iconic name in the automotive world, synonymous with muscle cars, performance, and style. But in recent years, Ford has been expanding the Mustang family to include new and different models, such as the Mustang Mach-E, an electric crossover that aims to combine the spirit of the pony car with the practicality and efficiency of an SUV.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been well received by critics and customers alike, offering a range of models and trims to suit different tastes and needs. But Ford is not done yet. The Blue Oval has just unveiled a new variant of the Mach-E that is unlike anything else on the market: the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.
The Mach-E Rally is Ford’s first rally-inspired electric vehicle, a crossover that is designed to handle both on-road and off-road driving with ease and fun. It is based on the Ford Mach-E GT Performance, the most powerful version of the electric SUV, but adds a number of upgrades and enhancements to make it more capable and adventurous.
What Makes the Mach-E Rally Different?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is not just a regular Mach-E with some cosmetic changes. It has a number of features and modifications that set it apart from its siblings and make it more suitable for rough terrain and challenging conditions.
One of the most noticeable differences is the exterior design. The Mach-E Rally has a distinctive front fascia with built-in fog lights inspired by rally race cars, a dramatic rear spoiler, unique contrasting accents, and a bespoke front splitter. It also has a black-painted steel roof, upper and lower body cladding, protective film on the doors and fender arches, available mud flaps, and underside shielding for the front and rear motors.
The Mach-E Rally also rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires that provide better grip and traction on various surfaces. The suspension system has been tuned to offer more ground clearance, travel, and damping, while the brakes have been upgraded with larger rotors and calipers for improved stopping power.
The powertrain of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is another area where it differs from the regular Mach-E. It uses the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 23-hp electric motor as the GT Performance but with an updated rear motor that increases the total torque output to 650 lb-ft. The peak horsepower remains at 480 hp, but it can be delivered for longer than the five seconds allowed in the GT Performance. This means that the Mach-E Rally can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, matching some of the fastest sports cars on the road.
The battery capacity of the Mach-E Rally is also the same as the GT Performance, at 91 kWh. However, the range is slightly reduced from 260 miles to 250 miles due to a deliberate choice by Ford to optimize performance over efficiency. Ford says that most Mach-E owners drive around 30 miles per day on average, so they won’t notice much difference in their daily driving. The battery can still be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just over 36 minutes using a 170-kW DC fast charger.
What Is It Like Inside?
The interior of the Mach-E Rally is similar to that of the other Mach-E models but with some exclusive touches that reflect its rally-inspired character. The seats are upholstered in black leather with red stitching and piping, as well as embroidered Rally logos on the headrests. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather with red stitching and features a red center marker for better orientation.
The dashboard is dominated by a 15.5-inch touchscreen that runs Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates and voice control. The system also includes a special Rally mode that displays performance data such as speed, acceleration, battery level, tire pressure, and temperature.
The instrument cluster is a 10.2-inch digital display that shows relevant information such as speed, range, navigation, and driver assistance features. The Mach-E Rally also comes with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer for enhanced audio quality.
The cabin of the Mach-E Rally offers plenty of space and comfort for up to five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The cargo capacity is also impressive, with 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with them folded down. There is also a front trunk or frunk that adds another 4.8 cubic feet of storage space.
How Safe Is It?
The Mach-E Rally inherits the same safety features and ratings as the other Mach-E models, which have earned top marks from both NHTSA and IIHS. The electric SUV comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that includes:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic high beams
- Rearview camera
- Post-collision braking
The Mach-E Rally also offers some optional safety features, such as:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering
- Evasive steering assist
- Intersection assist
- Reverse brake assist
- Active park assist 2.0
When and How Much?
The new Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is expected to go on sale in early 2024, with deliveries starting shortly after. The targeted MSRP for the US market is $65,000, which makes it the most expensive Mach-E model available. However, it is still eligible for the federal tax credit of $7,500 and any state or local incentives that may apply.
The Mach-E Rally will face little direct competition in the market, as no other rally-inspired electric SUVs are currently available or announced. The closest rivals may be the Subaru WRX and the Ford Ranger Raptor, but they are not electric and have different body styles and skill sets.
Is It Worth It?
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a unique and exciting addition to the Mustang family and the electric vehicle segment. It offers a blend of performance, capability, and fun that is hard to find in other vehicles. It is also a testament to Ford’s innovation and vision, as it pushes the boundaries of what an electric SUV can do.
The Mach-E Rally may only be for some, as it sacrifices some range and efficiency for more power and versatility. It is also quite pricey compared to other Mach-E models and electric SUVs in general. But for those who are looking for something different and adventurous, the Mach-E Rally may be just what they need.
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is the electric SUV that wants to get dirty, and we can’t wait to see it in action.
Country
