Ford Mustang Mach E AWD 1 (standard range)

THE WHOLE electric evolution moves at a pace and one of the standout vehicles on the road is Ford’s Mach E.

Ford’s first all-electric SUV has a beautifully sculpted design, innovative  technologies, and a maximum electric driving  range up to 293 – 372 mile range.

No more trips to the pump, reduced maintenance costs and emission zone benefits. The list of savings when you switch to an all-electric product is significant.

The Mustang Mach-E features an impressive array of connected technologies, designed to provide a driving experience that’s centred around you.

It’s available with either a 75 (standard range) or 98kWh (extended range) battery, and with either a single motor (rear-wheel drive), or twin motor (all-wheel drive) layout.

This huge vehicle is fun to drive despite its size and gets from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds

Claimed range is up to 372 miles, making it one of the longest-haul electric cars around. The entry-level car weighs just under two tonnes and has 265bhp, while the most potent GT version, capable of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, has 480bhp.

The most affordable model is the rear-wheel-drive Mach-E: 265bhp and £50,830. One step up is the 290bhp extended range at £59,830. That’s the one that can go furthest between charges. The extra power is needed to ensure it’s not slower than the 120kg-lighter base model. 

Then there is the dual motor AWD iteration. Where once you could pair this with the smaller battery and 265bhp for £49,650, you can currently only have the longer-range version with 346bhp, 351 miles of range and a price tag of £65,405.

This huge vehicle is fun to drive despite its size and gets from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Inside the cabin, standard equipment is generous, including features like adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, all-round parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a rear-view camera.

It’s possible to display wireless Apple Car Play or Android Auto on the central screen and there’s wireless smartphone charging.

Key features include privacy glass, heated driver and passenger seats, rear view mirror, dual zone electronic air temperature control and intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop/go and lane centering.

My additional Technology Pack gave me a bit more including a hands free tailgate, full panoramic roof and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm.

The Mustang Mach E scores positively in many areas and right at the top of the charts is practicality

Once you are comfy, and the seats make it easy to be so, your attention will be grabbed by the 15.5-inch portrait screen in the middle of the Mach-E. The American brand has even drawn on its Mustang heritage and included the twin humps in the dashboard first seen in the 1960s original.

The central screen is complemented by a 10.2-inch driver’s display behind the steering wheel, with sharp graphics that pops up sat nav instructions when relevant, and pertinent info at other times.

The Mustang Mach E scores positively in many areas and right at the top of the charts is practicality.

There’s a flat floor inside, improving space for backseat passengers, and even with a panoramic glass roof fitted it’s possible for six-footers to get comfortable in the rear.

You also get plenty of oddment trays and side-by-side cupholders for those in the front seat, along with neatly thought out spots for your smartphone.

The lack of a traditional gear lever or handbrake has freed up space for a double-decker tray beneath the dashboard, with USB charging ports and a grippy surface.

The boot is also a reasonable 402 litres to the parcel shelf (519 litres to the roof), not including the space beneath the floor where the charging cables are stored

Just so you know, buyers can upgrade from the standard Absolute Black body colour. The premium paint finishes start from around £800, with a range of exclusive finishes increasing the price tag to around £1,150 as was the case with my test drive vehicle.

The Mustang Mach E has been mentioned in the same breath as the appealing Tesla. OK it’s not as sleek but this Ford is sexy in its own way and provides food for thought should you wish to spend over £50k.

Test drive: £61, 230(with exclusive body colour – Rapid Red)