2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance: First Drive (TechCrunch)
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance offers unbridled and pricey fun. Finally, a Mach-E name that makes sense.
Let’s not discuss the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s name. Not the Mach-E portion, the other part — the lineage of the pony car slapped onto an electric SUV. Those arguments are over. People have picked sides. The question of whether the Mach-E is a Mustang is irrelevant. A far more pressing query is upon us: Is the Mach-E GT worthy of the GT badge?
Without reservation, both the Mach-E GT (Starting at $59,900) and Mach-E GT Performance Edition (starting at $64,900) are worthy of Ford’s Grand Touring badging. This is accomplished thanks to significant power boosts on both trim levels versus the regular Mach-E, a new track mode and, in the case of the Performance Edition, an upgraded suspension system.
Unbridled
The base-level Mach-E is already quick thanks to its EV powertrain. For the GT and GT Performance Edition, the acceleration and throttle response have been increased to deliver impressive bursts of speed. The GT ships with 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque and hits 60 miles-per-hour from a dead stop in 3.8 seconds. To increase speed, Ford upgraded the front motor and, while the battery pack is the same, at 88 kWh, the wiring and tuning of the pack have been enhanced.
For those with larger budgets and a desire to hit 60 even quicker, the GT Performance Edition sports 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque for a zero to 60 run of 3.5 seconds. Like the GT, it’s also received a battery wiring and tuning upgrade and an enhanced front motor.
Both vehicles ship with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, which helps deliver all the EV torque to the road, but that power isn’t as well maintained as it should be. During multiple launches, the front wheels of both vehicles slipped either right at launch or before hitting 30 miles per hour. I also experienced momentary torque steer on the GT Performance Edition when I stomped on the accelerator from a dead stop.
(photo credit: Roberto Baldwin - TechCrunch)
