By Kamil Kaluski
Ford making a pseudo-rally car out of the electric Mustang Mach-E was something I didn’t expect. Automakers have for years made faster and more powerful versions of their sports cars, but those typically end up lower to the ground, with bigger wings, and with stickier tires. But Ford went the opposite way here, and it’s refreshing, and it makes a lot of sense.
Ford increased the ride height and softened (I think?) the suspension. They did add a little more power, but really, they just made the optional Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Upgrade standard on the Rally trim. 480hp and 700lb.-ft. of torque is nothing to sneeze at, even if the car weights 5000 pounds. AWD traction puts all that torque down with authority. For those still measuring, foot-actuated-electronic-device-to-plush-carpet brings 0-60MPH in under four seconds.
The Mach-E Rally rides and drives really well; smooth, quiet, and composed. The handling is great, too, in terms of predictability and traction. But the steering can be best described as videogame-like, and I say this with respect to the pricey direct-drive simulator wheels. But like most EVs, there doesn’t seem to be much feedback. And that’s the problem.
So many cars these days do so many things well on paper. This Mach-E is no exception. But it is difficult, at least for me, to be truly excited about it. It’s a great car, it’s fun, it looks cool, but in the end it is missing that undefined X factor that makes great cars into amazing cars.