The Ford Mustang Mach-E has captured attention as an exciting electric SUV, particularly the base trim with its appealing starting price. However, for those seeking more than just standard EV capabilities, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Edition emerges as a compelling option. This model prioritizes off-road performance and rally-inspired features, setting it apart in the electric vehicle landscape. Instead of experiencing the base model, we spent a week driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Edition to understand its unique strengths and weaknesses.
The specific model tested comes with a higher price tag, starting at $58,995 and reaching $64,490 for the exact configuration driven. While retaining the sporty essence of the standard Mach-E, the Rally Edition is specifically tailored for drivers who desire rally-style driving dynamics and aesthetics. It positions itself as a specialized vehicle, akin to performance-focused EVs, but with a distinct off-road flavor. This isn’t your everyday EV for the average commuter, yet it manages to blend daily driving practicality with an EPA-estimated combined 86 MPGe fuel economy and a range of 265 miles. After a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Edition, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide if this rally-ready EV aligns with your needs.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Key Specifications
For a quick overview, here’s a table summarizing the essential specifications of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.
| Feature | 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 91 kWh |
| Electric Motor Configuration | Dual eMotor |
| Estimated Driving Range | 265 miles |
| Power Output | 480 hp |
| Wheel Size | 19-inches |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $58,995 |
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Performance and Driving Impressions
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally touchscreen display showing testing summary.
To delve deeper into the off-road capabilities of the Mustang Mach-E Rally, our colleagues conducted rigorous testing at a dedicated rally school. However, our focus here is on providing insights relevant to the everyday driver, evaluating aspects that matter in daily use and typical driving scenarios.
In terms of performance, the Mach-E Rally mirrors the responsiveness and dynamic driving experience found in other performance-oriented EVs, such as the Acura ZDX Type S and BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe. It delivers an undeniably enjoyable and exhilarating drive, especially on highways where its power and agility are readily apparent.
However, when assessing efficiency, the Mach-E Rally fell short of expectations. During our week-long test, covering 187 miles, the vehicle achieved an average efficiency of 2.3 mi/kWh. This figure is below the preferred 3 mi/kWh benchmark for optimal EV efficiency. It’s clear that the Mach-E Rally prioritizes performance over maximizing energy conservation.
Charging speeds also presented some unexpected results. Level 1 charging, even at its maximum current setting, averaged a slow 0.6 kW. After 13.75 hours of Level 1 charging, the Mach-E Rally only gained 15 miles of range, translating to a recharge rate of approximately 1.09 miles per hour. Adding to the charging peculiarity, the battery level increased from 40% to 75% during this period, a 35% gain seemingly disproportionate to the added 15 miles of range.
Fortunately, accessing readily available Level 2 chargers mitigated some of the charging concerns, allowing for quicker replenishment of the battery range.
Key Driving and Charging Metrics:
- Total distance driven: 187 miles
- Average energy efficiency: 2.3 mi/kWh
- Range added via Level 1 charging (13.75 hours): 15 miles
- Battery charge increase during Level 1 charging: 40% to 75%
- Level 1 charging rate: 2.25 mi/hour
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Standout Features
Eye-Catching Neon Yellow Aesthetics
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally front headlights illuminated.
The “Grabber Yellow” paint immediately distinguishes the Mach-E Rally from the typical monochrome palette of many vehicles. While not a Bumblebee-esque bright yellow as initially perceived in promotional materials, it presents a distinctive ’90s neon yellow hue that commands attention.
This vibrant color significantly enhances the vehicle’s sporty appeal, complementing its aerodynamic contours and rear fin spoiler. The racecar-inspired taillights further solidify the Mach-E Rally’s performance-oriented identity, giving it a unique visual signature.
Unique Door Handle and Entry Design
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally door handle and entry button detail.
The door handle design on the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a notable departure from conventional EV designs. Positioned near the window frame, these handles incorporate an electronic button. Users must first press the button to unlock the door electronically before pulling the handle to open it. This electronically actuated system provides a novel and somewhat unexpected user experience.
Subtly Sized, Yet Functional Dashboard Cluster
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally interior dashboard and cluster at night.
Unlike many modern EVs that boast expansive digital instrument clusters, the Mach-E Rally adopts a more restrained approach. The 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Panel Cluster Screen might initially appear small in comparison to larger displays, but its size is strategically chosen. This smaller cluster minimizes driver distraction and prevents the dashboard from feeling overwhelming. By opting for a smaller panel, Ford maximizes the windshield area, improving forward visibility. This design choice is balanced by the inclusion of a central 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, offering ample display real estate where needed.
Engaging Drive with Smooth Bump Handling
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally front bumper and rally-inspired design elements.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally delivers a genuinely fun driving experience, fueled by its 480 horsepower dual-motor powertrain. Highway acceleration is rapid and effortless, while the precise steering allows for confident cornering. Performance is comparable to the Acura ZDX Type S, though it doesn’t quite match the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe in outright sportiness.
Benefiting from its rally-inspired suspension tuning, the Mach-E Rally adeptly absorbs road imperfections. Even on uneven surfaces, the suspension effectively mitigates bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride. We even tested it on a rocky beach parking lot, where the shocks impressively smoothed out the uneven terrain.
Exceptionally Quiet Cabin
Despite not being classified as a luxury vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E Rally exhibits remarkable sound isolation. Wind noise, typically noticeable at higher speeds, is minimal, an unexpected refinement for a vehicle in this category. Furthermore, external noise intrusion is effectively suppressed, especially when the audio system is played at moderate to higher volumes.
Responsive Adaptive Cruise Control with BlueCruise
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally steering wheel and driver assistance controls.
Having previously experienced Ford’s adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, the Mustang Mach-E Rally provided an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the BlueCruise system. Beyond maintaining a set cruise speed through gentle acceleration and braking, BlueCruise demonstrates exceptional responsiveness compared to other ACC systems.
In a specific scenario, a vehicle abruptly merged into our lane at highway speed while the Mach-E Rally was set to 60 mph. BlueCruise promptly detected the merging vehicle and initiated gentle braking, reacting noticeably faster than many other ACC systems we’ve tested. This enhanced responsiveness inspires greater confidence in the system’s ability to react safely and effectively in dynamic traffic situations.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Drawbacks
Subpar Energy Efficiency
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally interior shifter and console detail.
The “Rally” designation clearly signals a focus on performance and dynamic driving, suggesting that energy efficiency might not be a primary design objective. With power directed towards robust performance, the observed average efficiency of 2.3 mi/kWh was not entirely surprising.
At this efficiency rate, the Mach-E Rally is unlikely to achieve its EPA-estimated 265-mile range, given its 91 kWh battery capacity. Range maximization is evidently not the primary selling point of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. While hoping for efficiency closer to the Acura ZDX Type-S’s 2.7 mi/kWh, the Rally Edition prioritizes performance over range.
Limited Trunk Capacity
Despite being classified as a compact crossover SUV, the Mustang Mach-E Rally presents a trunk space that is less generous than other EVs in the same vehicle class. While capable of accommodating a compact ebike like the JackRabbit OG2, it required folding down the rear seats to fit it entirely. The trunk’s depth is shallower compared to some competitors, potentially limiting its capacity for larger cargo without utilizing the folding rear seats.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Final Verdict
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally side profile in motion.
The Mach-E Rally is definitively not designed for the average driver seeking maximum efficiency or affordability. Its premium price, rally-tuned characteristics, and less-than-ideal energy consumption position the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally as a vehicle tailored for a specific niche: drivers who prioritize off-road adventures and rally-inspired driving dynamics. For those with such inclinations, and a willingness to accept compromised battery efficiency, the Mach-E Rally stands out as a unique EV offering in a market with limited off-road focused electric vehicles. However, it’s important to acknowledge the Mach-E Rally’s appealing attributes, including the highly responsive BlueCruise system and its distinctive design elements.
For buyers considering an EV in this price range, alternatives like the Acura ZDX Type-S, offering enhanced luxury and spaciousness, or the Lucid Air Pure sedan, known for its exceptional efficiency and potent electric motor, warrant consideration depending on individual priorities.
