2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Review

Key Features:

• Sharp looks
• Blistering acceleration
• Drift-happy handling

Direct Competitors:

• Tesla Model Y Performance
• Jaguar I-Pace

If you’re offended by the Mustang name being slapped onto an electric SUV, that’s precisely the point. But Ford wasn’t trying to please older Mustang enthusiasts with this vehicle, but rather attract a new generation of potential owners. As controversial as the decision was, the Mach-E is paying off, with over 30,000 sold in the US and Canada alone during its first production year. 

And although this vehicle is very similar to a Tesla Model Y from a technical standpoint, it still manages to convey the Mustang spirit. In GT form, it might even convince some V8 fans to buy electric. If not, there’s always the naturally-aspirated, V8-powered Mustang Mach 1.

Mach-E GT pricing and rivals

Mustang Mach-E GT | Photo: Ford 

The Tesla Model Y is without question this electric pony’s most direct rival. More specifically, the Mach-E GT takes on the Model Y Performance, both from a pricing and from a performance standpoint. Ford’s latest stallion also sits halfway between mainstream and premium models, so we can also throw the Jaguar I-Pace in the mix as well.

The GT is the Mach-E’s quickest, but also most expensive version to date, with a starting price of $82,995. Our tester had almost $6,000 worth of options for an $88,685 final price, before freight. This is before any provincial EV rebates and incentives.

Inside the Mustang SUV’s cabin

Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y

The Mach-E’s interior stays in tune with other electric vehicles by having a clean, uncluttered dashboard design with mostly digital-only controls. Just like a Tesla Model Y, there’s an enormous central command screen to operate most of the vehicle’s controls. Ford positions the 15.5-inch tablet in a portrait layout. 

Mustang Mach-E GT | Photo: Ford 

The interface behind it is Ford’s Sync 4 software, which operates quickly and smoothly and does a wonderful job of informing its driver where its electricity went, but also how to consume less of it. 

Unlike Tesla which eliminates the entire dashboard, Ford leaves the traditional gauge pod intact, but turns it into a smaller, slimer screen that’s nestled behind the steering wheel. This uncluttered layout yields wonderful forward visibility and a sense of openness inside the Mach-E’s cabin.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of storage solutions, as well as an enormous center console that includes a wireless charging tray. Being an electric vehicle means there are no mechanical components to obstruct overall passenger space. Rear leg and head clearance is therefore generous in a Mach-E. 

Mustang Mach-E GT | Photo: Ford 

There’s also above-average cargo space considering its dimensions (like a compact crossover like a Honda CR-V), with up to 1,772 litres – including the front compartment – of available room once the rear seat is folded down. But while that’s considerably better than a Jaguar I-Pace (1,444 litres), the Mach-E is less spacious than its direct rival from Tesla (1,925 litres).

Mustang Mach-E GT performance and driving impressions

Underneath the Mach-E GT’s gracefully designed body sits an 88 kWh (usable) battery that powers two permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors nestled on each axle. Total combined output is rated at 358 kilowatts, or the equivalent of 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque. This allows the all-wheel drive Mustang to launch to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.7-seconds. That’s only 0.2 seconds behind the 760-horsepower Mustang Shelby GT500.

Since the GT utilizes the same battery pack as a standard Mustang Mach-E, but sucks more power out of it, range is compromised. You’ll therefore only travel up to 335 km with a GT, unlike the regular Mach-E which can easily go past the 400 km mark. Here’s our full article on the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s range & specs.

Mustang Mach-E GT | Photo: Ford 

Putting Ford’s new GT electric SUV to the test

The blistering acceleration comes with a wonderfully serene driving experience. Some may accuse the Mach-E GT of missing the traditional personality of high-performance machines due to its absolute lack of decibels, but there’s a silent but deadly feel to the way it performs that’s just as charming.

Punch the accelerator pedal at any speed, at any incline and at any temperature, and the Mach-E GT instantly catapults itself forward in absolute smoothness and effectiveness. Ford then makes sure to enhance the experience with a synthesized in cabin engine note. Yes, it’s all fake, but it gives this EV an endearing personality when put through its paces.

Swift accelerating and smoothness of operation are expected from electric vehicles. What we weren’t expecting was how well the Mach-E GT handles its way around a bend. Not only is it impeccably well planted on the road at high speeds, stabbing the throttle while exiting a corner with traction control off will lead to some well-mannered power slides. This GT isn’t only fun in a straight line. It also knows how to dance.

Verdict: is the Mach-E GT worth It?

We had a ton of fun driving Ford’s high-performance electric vehicle. There’s a lot to like about the Mach-E’s practicality and daily driveability as well. But we have trouble getting our heads around that high price tag. 

Mustang Mach-E GT | Photo: Ford 

Not only does this Ford sit uncomfortably close to much more luxurious premium models, its main competitor from Tesla, the Model Y Performance, sells for the same amount of money, offers the same kind of performance, but lodges more gear and will travel up to nearly 500 km on a single charge. 

Ford’s latest sports SUV is a fine machine alright, one that’s absolutely in with the time, but we don’t think it’s worth the nearly $100,000 price tag. 

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