Yes, the iconic Mustang nameplate is now associated with a crossover. Stop whining. What’s done is done, and it’s probably cooler than you think. Ford knew that breeding its most beloved coupe into an electric beast would inevitably bark at the Tesla. In many respects, Tesla and the Mach-E are so similar that they might break hearts of buyers who try to choose between them. Tesla loyalists will certainly scoff at such statements we make in this article, but it wouldn’t be right to provide opinions without backing them up with the facts, so ladies and gentleman, hold onto your hats. It’s gonna be a rough one.
Forbes surveyed just over 1,000 people, and just over half opted for a Mach-E over any Tesla. Why? A few reasons:
- Prefer/trust Ford more
- The Mach-E’s exterior styling
- Ford’s established dealer and service network
- The Mach-E’s expected reliability
- Concerns about Tesla’s future
And on top of that, Ford is observing the times and the high-demand for crossovers/SUV’s. With that being said, they’re giving the ax to its compact models like the Focus, Fusion, Taurus, and Fiesta. It only made sense to attach the sole surviving model (Mustang) to a likely future-proof electric crossover. Perhaps Ford wants to assure us that the Mustang name will love on once gas-guzzlers get the ax too.
Inevitable, one of the most exciting elements have to be the enthusiast-oriented range-toppers for each model. We’re talking GT spec for the Mach-E, which will be exclusively available in all-wheel drive with the 98.8-kW-hr battery pack. It will be rated at about 459 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0-60 mph in the mid-three-second range on a charge good for about 235 miles. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance again features an approximately 75-kW-hr battery pack, resulting in 450 hp and 471 lb-ft. MotorTrend tested at a 60 mph in a scant 3.2 seconds, rating its range at 310 miles. The Model Y Dual Motor Performance should reach 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, and cover about 280 miles on a charge.
In terms of recharging, the Mach-E’s basic trim will support up to 115 kW DC fast-charging capabilities, while all other trims can take up to 150 kW. According to Ford, that’s good for 47 miles of range in 10 minutes on extended-range rear-wheel-drive models. Meanwhile, Tesla’s V3 Superchargers can peak at 250 kW of charging power, theoretically good for about 170 miles in 15 minutes on Model 3 and Model Y.
While some consumers may appreciate Tesla’s status as an upstart industry disruptor; others will gravitate towards Ford’s proven legacy as a manufacturer. It depends if you’re into sleek and clean or bold muscle. Either way, it’s fair to assume that we all will be enamored by the fuel-free lifestyle and electrifying performance any might offer.
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