Ford unveils all-electric Mustang Mach-E crossover

FORD has ripped the covers off its highly anticipated all-electric production SUV dubbed the Mustang Mach-E, which will offer supercar-like performance and SUV practicality ahead of a global launch late next year.

The company’s Australian arm says it has no specific local news to share about the Mach-E, suggesting any possible debut Down Under is at best some years off.

Ford is calling its new five-seat electric SUV a member of the Mustang sportscar family, and the Mach-E looks the part with the design clearly borrowed from its coupe and convertible counterparts.

The Mach-E features slim LED headlights and a long bonnet reminiscent of the Mustang, while the muscular rear haunches and signature tri-bar tail-lights further emphasise the connection with the famous pony car nameplate.

Built on Ford’s dedicated all-electric platform, the Mach-E will be offered with rear and all-wheel drive, with the zero-emissions drivetrain to be built with varying power outputs and battery packs.

All-paw versions will be able to apply torque independently to the front and rear axle, and has been calibrated by Ford engineers to provide optional traction in less-than-ideal conditions.

Standard-range versions will be built with a 75.7kWh lithium-ion battery, while extended-range versions up capacity to 98.8kWh, and will have a targeted driving range of around 480km when paired with rear-wheel drive.

In standard versions, power output will range from 190kW to 248kW depending on the battery pack and driveline, while torque figures will start from 415Nm and push north to 565Nm.

Two hi-po versions will also be offered, topped by the GT Performance Edition which boosts power to an estimated 342kW/830Nm and will devour the sprint from standstill to 60mph (97km/h) in around 3.5 seconds.

Aiding stopping power is optionally available Brembo aluminium brake callipers, which Ford says maintains the functionality of a fixed calliper while being designed with the dimensions of a floating calliper.

Top-spec GT Performance grades will also feature Ford’s MagneRide adaptive damping system, for an enhanced blend of comfort and dynamics.

As many as five variants will be offered across the range, including a First Edition grade that differentiates itself with red-painted brake callipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching and a scuff plate with First Edition lettering.

Using a DC fast-charging station, the standard-range, rear-drive Mach-E can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in around 38 minutes, while Ford is offering a Ford Connected Charging station for home use, which adds around 51km of driving range per hour of charge on a 240V outlet.

The electric platform, which stores its batteries under the vehicle floor, allows for a rear storage volume of 821 litres, up to 1688L with the rear seats folded.

Furthermore, 136L of storage is available at the front of the car under the hood, which features a waterproof and drainable compartment that can be filled with ice and used to store drinks.

Inside, the Mach-E debuts the latest iteration of Ford’s Sync infotainment system – likely to be dubbed Sync4 – which is projected onto a large portrait-style 15.5-inch tablet which Ford says is easier to use with smartphone-style touch, swipe and pinch controls.

The new system also uses machine learning, and adapts to the user’s daily routine to suggest typical activities like going to the gym on certain days of the week.

Ford’s ‘Phone as a Key’ system also debuts in the Mach-E, which allows for keyless entry by having the user’s phone in close proximity to the car.

Other interior features include a sleek digital instrument cluster, and optional Bang & Olufsen sound system and fixed panoramic glass roof.