Road Trip: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Extended Range
Making the Case To Be Your Only Car
Clean Fleet Report recently ventured on a 1,796-mile, four-state road trip in an all-electric 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD Extended. Our previous opinions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E were confirmed, reinforcing our conclusion that, with its 300+ mile real world driving range, a case can be made the Mach-E could be the only car you need to own. This is our review of the car that made the trip.
Charging
The first question asked about a long trip in an EV is always charging. We’ve got that covered in great detail in a separate story HERE. Here’s an overview.
There are two ways to charge, with the most common plugging into either a home or public charger, the other is through regenerative motor braking. The Mach-E has a 91 kilowatt-hour (kWh) extended range battery, and a 10.5 kilowatt (kW) on-board charger that can charge up-to 115 KW when using either a 150 kW or 350 kW DC Fast Charger.
We exclusively used the Electrify America charging network accessed through the FordPass app that maps routes and finds chargers, and the BlueOval Charge Network where new Mach-E owners receive 250 kWh of complimentary charging (a number we blasted past on this long trip).
Our experience was free of issues of chargers not being operational or difficulty finding a minimum 150 kWh charger. The longest we spent charging at any location was one hour, with most being about 40 minutes. It takes a mind reset when driving an EV a long distance, beginning with route pre-planning that includes mapping-out the public chargers. Before setting out, based on your car’s all-electric driving range, having a realistic estimate of how often charging will be necessary and how much time should be allowed is important.
We could have eliminated one or two charging stops as our Mach-E Premium with the extended range battery was rated at 290 miles. However, for peace of mind and not running the battery below 30-percent, we were happy to take our time, relax a bit and make two extra stops.
Performance
The three driver-selectable drive modes of Whisper (Eco), Engage (Medium) and Unbridled (Sport) each offer a different driving experience. AWD models come with dual electric motors, one each for the front and rear wheels. We spent most of our time in Engage and Eco. However, Unbridled is where the fun is!
In Unbridled the performance numbers are impressive for the Mach-E Premium AWD. The 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque turned 0-60 times of 4.8 seconds which was plenty fast for merging onto freeways and will satisfy all driving needs. The instant, linear throttle response with all that wonderful torque available at any speed is what makes driving an EV so great.
The ride was smooth and quiet from the 225/55 Michelin Primacy all-season tires mounted on sharp looking high-gloss 19-inch wheels. While we didn’t seek-out any mountain twisties, we did encounter plenty of high-speed sweeping freeway curves. The 4,498 pounds handled pretty much anything we threw at it with the suspension smoothing-out road imperfections.
The weight balance, with the batteries placed low under the floor, makes for consistent and predictable cornering.
Smooth Silent Power and All-Electric Driving Range
The Mach-E comes in four models—Select, California Route 1, Premium and GT, with all-wheel drive (AWD) on all, and rear-wheel drive available in Select and Premium. Clean Fleet Report was in a Mach-E Premium AWD, with the Extended Range battery (a $7,000 option) that provided for a 300-mile all-electric range (AER).
The all-electric driving range for the Mach-E Premium AWD with the Extended Range battery is EPA rated at 290 miles. If opting for a rear-wheel drive model, the driving range increases to between 306 and 312 miles.
Hitting the Road
A trip of this length meant plenty of highway time, which allowed us to engage the BlueCruise intelligent and adaptive hands-free driving system. Ford tested BlueCruise on more than 110,000 miles of divided highway across North America, with their system utilizing a combination of road sensors and an infrared camera to track the driver’s head movements and eyes, even when wearing sunglasses.
When BlueCruise senses a lack of attention to the road, warnings tell the driver to refocus and take control of the steering wheel. BlueCruise centers the Mach-E between lane lines, and can bring the SUV to a complete stop and accelerate again, and even change lanes. We found it so reliable and relaxing we must have driven 80-percent of our 1,796-mile trip with hands off the wheel.
Recharging
One-pedal driving with regenerative motor braking converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. Lifting off the accelerator pedal slows and eventually brings the car to a stop. Ford’s system has no steering wheel-mounted paddles but uses a simple on/off choice in the center-mounted touchscreen. We were pleased with the braking force as it was as strong as when we are in an EV where the level can be set manually.
This system, unlike other EVs we have driven, lets the computer do the work. With the same amount of applied braking, regardless of which drive mode you are in, the one-pedal driving learning curve was quick. There were few times, as we drove through California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, where the brake pedal was applied.
Mach-E: In and Out
Ford designed the Mach-E interior to be a familiar place for car buyers, not a futuristic cockpit, but one that is modern and uncluttered. The power and heated seats are supportive and comfortable, with the heated steering wheel having a good, solid thickness. The center armrest is deep for storing purses and bags, and the panoramic sunroof is large, opening the cabin for front and rear seat occupants.
The horizontal 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster provides vehicle operational information, including the all-important notifications when safely in BlueCruise. The 15.5-inch, vertical touchscreen handles the Sync 4 connectivity system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and Waze navigation. The Mach-E Premium comes with an upgraded 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system that sounded great. There is no head-up display on the Mach-E.
The Mach-E has room for five, two for shorter distances. The cargo space measures 29.7 cubic-feet with the back seat up, but with it folded, cargo space jumps to 59.7 cubic feet. But that isn’t the only place to store stuff. Under the hood is a front trunk (“frunk”) that can hold a carry-on sized bag and has been cleverly designed with a drain to hold wet or dirty items, or even be packed with ice for beverages, and then cleaned out.
The distinctive Mustang exterior design heritage continues onto the Mach-E, including a long hood and three LED tail lights, sequential as turn signals, that look oh-so-classic Mustang. LED projector headlights and daytime running lamps frame the nose with the iconic Mustang pony badge. To complete the exterior there is a power lift gate, heated power-folding outside mirrors that project Mustang pony puddle lamps and the fixed glass panoramic roof.
One note on the glass roof. Even though it is tinted and UV treated, we still got a sunburn sitting under it for 6-to-8 hours driving through the desert. So, pack a hat! The sleek, smooth Mach-E is nearly devoid of badging, save for the nose and tailgate, and the lower front doors.
Technology
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E is available with advanced driver assist technology (ADAS) of Co-Pilot360 2.0, which has features that help make driving safer and more confident. These include automatic emergency braking, blind spot and active lane control monitoring, post impact braking and evasive steering assist, plus adaptive cruise control.
FordPass Connect is standard, offering a 4G LTE Wi-Fi that can handle mobile devises and allows for over-the-air software updates. This is also where electric charging can be managed, including charging and payment, through the Blue Oval Charge Network, the largest such network in North America with more than 19,500 charging stations. The big news, beginning in January 2024, all Ford EVs will be able to use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter. With 1,790 chargers in the United States and more than 45,000 worldwide, Ford owners will have more options to stay charged.
Pricing and Warranty
The all-electric 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E comes in six models, ranging in price including the mandatory $1,300 destination and delivery fee. Note: EV pricing has been fluid during 2023, so check with your Ford dealer for the current pricing and financing offers.
Select RWD Standard Range $47,295
Select eAWD Standard Range $50,295
California Route 1 eAWD Extended Range $59,295
Premium RWD Standard Range $52,295
Premium eAWD Standard Range $55,295
GT Extended Range $65,295
Optional Packages
Extended Range Battery $7,000
GT Performance $6,000
Nite Pony Appearance $ 800
Clean Fleet Report was driving the Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD with a base price of $53,995. Add-in $7,000 for the extended range battery, $800 for the Nite Pony Appearance Package and the $1,300 destination and delivery fee, the total MSRP came to $63,095. Federal and state tax credits could reduce your final price, and it should qualify for a HOV sticker.
The Mustang Mach-E comes with these warranties:
Bumper-To-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles
Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
Battery – Eight years/ 100,000 miles
Roadside Assist – Five years/60,000 miles
Observations: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD, Extended Range
Ford gives Mustang Mach-E owners every opportunity to express themselves, whether with rear or all-wheel drive or starting with the base Mach-E and adding performance and range.
The instant acceleration is only the beginning as its every day practicality comes through very quickly. With ample passenger and cargo space, interior comfort features, and a smooth and quiet ride, the Mach-E is sure to replace many a gasoline powered crossover SUV in garages everywhere. Our 1,796-mile road trip proved it can be driven confidently long range.
The Mach-E compares well to any EV, so visit your local Ford dealer to check it out.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Ford.
[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]
Other Road Trips
Tale of Two 2,000-mile EV Road Tests
Road Trip: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Road Trip: 2021 Polestar 2
Road Trip: 2021 Lexus N300h Hybrid
Road Trip: 2018 Ford EcoSport
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
The post Road Trip: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Extended Range first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
