Mustang Mach E – electric flag-bearer

MERE mention of the name Mustang traditionally conjures up images of snarling V8 muscle cars pumping out a seismic 450bhp of thrust.

But these days the famous Mustang pony badge means way more than a 5.0-litre coupe – and it’s a hugely important development for Ford.

Not that you will find the Blue Oval badge anywhere on the Mach-E, the first fully electric car from Ford and one which will pave the way for many more zero emission products from the brand.

Lifestyle versatile is probably an apt way to describe the Mach-E, which comes with a choice of either 75kWh standard range or 98kWh extended range battery and with rear or all-wheel drive, the latter coming with a twin rather than single motor.

Prices start at just north of £50K and for those wanting something more akin to time-honoured Mustang performance there’s also a flagship GT version that can hit 62mph in 3.7 seconds and will set you back a few bob short of £75,000.

Our tested model was the 290bhp rear-wheel drive extended range car at £59,380, a tab that topped the £60K mark with the addition of Grabber Blue metallic paint as a £1,150 option – the name sounds odd but the effect is eye-catching.

This variant offers an official range of up to 372 miles, though our mix of motorway driving and cold weather urban journeys resulted in a figure closer to 320 miles.

So far as crossover vehicles stand out, the Mach-E has more presence than just about anything else in the category, looking every inch the Californian sports SUV.

And there are some trademark Mustang touches that enhance its appeal, like the galloping pony puddles lamps that shine at night, the zig-zag rear lights, the 18-inch wheels and distinctive grille and tailgate badges.

As for practicality the Mach-E was designed from day one as an electric car, so with no engine to accommodate or transmission tunnel there’s plenty of extra passenger space, ample for three adults sitting across the back.

While the split level boot is best described as adequate rather than cavernous at 402 litres it can be extended to a more generous 1,420 litres with the seats folded and the lack of an engine allows for a 100-litre trunk – big enough for several shopping bags – up front.

The cabin is dominated by a huge portrait-style touchscreen operated via touch, pinch and swipe, though there’s also a proper knob for volume. That’s in addition to the traditional screen ahead of the driver for speed and other essential info.

More unusual is the way the doors open. From the outside a light touch on a small button opens the car door, while on the inside there are small levers instead of handles. Definitely a novel idea that works well.

The cabin materials, however, are a mix of classy, as in the leather upholstery, and average as in some of the cubbie and stowage plastics.

It’s also worth noting that the front seats are manually adjusted – surprising for a car costing ion the region of £60,000.

Hit the high road and the Mach-E is a joy to drive with plenty of punch, though without the noise – don’t expect it to drive like a Mustang and you won’t be disappointed.

Drivers can also switch between the drive modes of Active, Whisper and Untamed which alter the car’s steering, brakes and throttle.

It’s a top drawer electric SUV, and one that can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 38 minutes at a 150kW fast charger, though most owners will have already taken the sensible step of having a home wallbox installed.