2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Test Drive

It’s big news that Ford is introducing its first all-electric crossover SUV. Even more ground-breaking is that the company is branding it as a Mustang. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-Ehits Ford showrooms this December with a wide range of trims and propulsion options.

Including the $1,100 destination charge, Mach-E prices start at $43,995 for the base Select, $48,100 for the midlevel Premium, $50,900 for the California Route 1 and $59,400 for the now sold-out First Edition model. In late summer 2021, a performance-oriented GT model priced at $61,600 will join the lineup.

Rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor is standard and all-wheel drive with one motor each at the front and rear axles is optional. There are two lithium-ion battery choices as well: a standard-range one in the Select and Premium with 68 kWh of usable capacity and an upgrade extended-range one in the Premium, California Route 1 and GT with 88 kWh of usable juice.

Output varies by trim, starting with 266 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque in the standard-range, rear-drive Select and topping out with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft in the extended-range, all-wheel-drive Premium. Later in the 2021 model year, the GT extended-range AWD debuts with 480 hp and 600 lb-ft and the same horsepower with 634 lb-ft of torque in the GT Performance Edition. The EPA-estimated driving range varies between 211 and 305 miles depending on battery selection and whether the Mach-E has a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.

The Mach-E is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, something no longer available for Tesla EVs because that automaker has already reached the 200,000-unit threshold.

For this report, J.D. Power tested a 2021 Mustang Mach-E with all-wheel drive and Premium trim over 110 miles of Los Angeles city streets and freeways as well as the twisty canyon roads inland from Malibu. Including the $1,100 destination charge, $5,000 extended-range battery and 346-hp/428 lb-ft dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, the Iconic Silver Mach-E Premium stickered at $55,800. That’s not including the potential $7,500 federal tax credit and not bad for a 5-door electric crossover sport-utility that wouldn’t look totally out of place at a Mustang family reunion.