A good part of the family electric car offering is SUVs. With a length close to 4.7 meters, the king of this category is, without a doubt, the Tesla Model Y, although there is a rival on the market that overshadows it.
In recent years, SUVs have become the star product on the market. With the growing offer of 100% electric models, this trend has grown, so that its popularity is present in all segments. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Tesla Model Y has managed to climb to the top of the sales charts, being the best-selling car in Europe in the first six months of 2023. Its price, lowered by Tesla during these months, also helps. Today, the access version costs €46,490.
But, that does not mean that no model overshadows it. Among those that could be mentioned that are, at least, comparable in size and performance are the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (€48,590), the Nissan Ariya (€47,700), the Toyota bZ4X (€48,650), the Kia EV6 (€51,509), the Volkswagen IDX.5 (€54,255), the BMW iX1 (€48,900), the Airways U6 (€48,190), the MG Marvel R, which offers the best price (€41,980), or the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, an iconic name for a very competent electric SUV
Electric family SUVs have become an attractive choice for those who want a spacious and comfortable vehicle that can handle all types of travel while reducing their carbon footprint and becoming less reliant on fossil fuels. These vehicles offer ample space for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for long trips, family outings, and outdoor activities.
Electric technology has advanced significantly in terms of range and fast charging capabilities, eliminating much of the range anxiety that used to be associated with electric vehicles. The trend towards electric family SUVs has also been driven by stricter carbon emissions regulations in many places around the world.
Although Ford entered the electric vehicle market with Focus Electric in 2011 (which was later refreshed in 2017), the Ford Mustang Mach-E represents a significant milestone by being the first electric vehicle the company conceived and developed from the ground up. This new model features a crossover-style body. It fits like a glove to a highly sought-after segment with a mythical name: Mustang. What for some is an aberration, for the brand it represents an advertising attraction, in addition to showing the benefits that can be achieved with electrical technology.
The electric SUV measures 4,712 mm long, 1,881 mm wide, 1,597 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,984 mm. It offers space for 5 passengers and there is no option for a third row, as the Tesla Model Y does (it can have a third row with two small child seats). The volume of the rear trunk is 402 liters (1,420 liters with the last row of seats folded down). Under the hood, there is another space, a second trunk with a capacity of 100 liters.
The most affordable Mustang Mach-E offers a power of 201 kW (269 HP), rear-wheel drive, and an approved range of 440 km. Its price is €49,205, which represents a considerable reduction since February when it cost more than €60,000.
To configure the Mustang Mach-E, the first step is to choose between rear-wheel drive (with one motor) or all-wheel drive (with two motors). You can then choose between the Standard Range battery, which has a capacity of 76 kWh (38 kWh usable), or the Extended Range battery, which has 99 kWh capacity (88 kWh usable). These choices result in four different versions of the vehicle:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD Standard Range: 201 kW (269 HP). 440 km of range.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended Range: 219 kW (294 HP). 600 km of range.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD Standard Range: 201 kW (269 HP). 400 km of range.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD Extended Range: 262 kW (351 HP). 550 km of range.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E GT AWD: 363 kW (487 HP). 490 km of range.
All Mustang Mach-E models include the following as standard: heated and electrically adjustable front seats, GPS navigation system, wireless mobile phone charging surface, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, headlights with LED technology, and mirrors with electric folding function.
The driver’s position is dominated by two screens: one for the instrumentation, behind the 10.2-inch panoramic steering wheel. It shows data such as range, battery level, proximity sensor information, speed, and gear selector position, as well as other details such as distance traveled and outside temperature. It also shows schematic prompts from the browser when a destination address is set.
The 15.5-inch vertical format center has SYNC 4 software and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Among its virtues, it stands out that the route calculation includes the charging stations and the time necessary to regain the necessary range.
The best rival to the Tesla Model Y?
The Mustang Mach-E is today, one of the rivals that is closest to the almighty Model Y. It measures 4,751 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm high. Its wheelbase is 2,890 mm. The interior offers space for 5 passengers. There is a third-row option that adds two more child seats.
It has two trunks, the rear one, according to the brand, has 971 liters, although they are not measured up to the horizontal curtain that closes it, but up to the top. Adds a second 117-liter front trunk.
It is available from €46,490. The three mechanical versions are:
- Model Y Rear-wheel drive: 223 kW (299 HP). 455 km of range.
- Model Y All-wheel drive Great range 274 kW (367 HP). 533 km of range.
- Model Y All-wheel drive Performance: 345 kW (462 HP). 514 km of range.
