Test: Mustang Mach-E GT

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is a sporty, electric SUV. Words that don't go well together, but that Mustang brought together around this original proposal. It arrives alongside a Mustang GT V8, imported since 2015 and still in the catalog despite a penalty of 30 euros. However, while waiting for the arrival of a plug-in hybrid version, which will push it towards the exit, the Mustang GT V000 should see its penalty drop. According to the new regulations which come into force on 8^er January, the penalty will be capped at 50% of the price of the vehicle. A measure accompanied by a maximum amount, the penalty not being able to exceed 40 euros. Thus the entry level of the Mustang GT being set at 000 euros, its penalty will no longer be “only” 49 euros… But the immediate future of Mustang is electric, and moreover through of a 900×24. The Mach-E GT is priced from 950 euros. It's 4 euros more expensive than the AWD version with a large battery, and also more expensive than a Mustang GT including penalties... On the other hand, it does not incur any eco-tax, does not consume the slightest drop of oil while It displays a power of 4 hp for 77 Nm of torque.

The 15,5-inch screen brightens up a somewhat bland interior.

After having produced respectably powerful versions of the Mach-E (5"8 for 0 to 100 km/h for the best price, four-wheel drive and large battery), Ford wants to honor Mustang's sporting DNA with this GT livery . Still no V8 noise, but performances announced as astonishing, with a nice 4”4 on the exercise from 0 to 100 km/h. Stylistically, this version is differentiated by a black polycarbonate grille, a redesigned front bumper and 20-inch rims. The car also offers two exclusive, quite striking colors, one blue and the other orange, for a price ranging from 1000 to 1300 euros. This will be the only option available.

20-inch rims equip this version of the Mach-E GT.

When settling into the cabin, it should be recognized that the finish is better than on board other versions, and rather good for an American car. But the atmosphere is sad, and even the large 15,5-inch Tesla-style screen fails to brighten up the whole thing. Easy to use, this touch screen is uniquely equipped with a wheel which is not essential, but which has the merit of existing. Once underway, you immediately notice the firm, but relatively comfortable nature of the MagneRide controlled suspension. The seats, well designed, but not really enveloping, are comfortable in normal driving, but lack lateral support when you pick up the pace.

Pleasant to drive

Dans ce genre d’essai, le premier temps fort, c’est bien entendu la première grosse accélération, et si possible départ-arrêté. En calant le système sur le mode Untamed (le plus sportif), la puissance et le couple sont renvoyés jusqu’à 70 % sur les roues arrière. Sur les premières dizaines de mètres, c’est franchement impressionnant. Bien sûr, c’est une sensation moins forte qu’à bord d’une Porsche Taycan Turbo S, mais le fait d’être en hauteur modifie les repères. L’autre compartiment du jeu où nous attendions cette version GT, c’était la tenue de route et le dynamisme. Car avec 2300 kg à mouvoir, même une motorisation de bon niveau et un châssis bien réglé peuvent avoir du mal à être démonstratifs. Il n’en est rien. Le Mach-E GT n’est pas une ballerine, néanmoins le réglage de ses suspensions et de son système antiroulis couplés à sa disponibilité mécanique lui permettent d’enchaîner les virages avec aisance. En revanche, Ford a calibré le système informatique de la voiture afin de préserver les batteries en cas d’utilisation intensive. Aussi, après quelques accélérations sans doute un peu trop musclées au goût de la machine, le système ôte de la puissance le temps que les cellules refroidissent. Les gros freins Brembo (disques de 385 mm à l’avant et de 316 mm à l’arrière) participent à la fête, et calment les ardeurs de cette lourde voiture avec efficacité. Mais là aussi, il ne faudra pas les solliciter avec force trop souvent.

Moving from the rear, depending on the driving modes, the car can generate the beginnings of a drift, which is pleasant and allows you to put everything under the accelerator. However, it is important not to get carried away, because mass transfers are important. Managing its traction very well and offering a lot of lateral grip, the Mach-E GT is very pleasant and can go quite far in terms of dynamism. But its dimensions and weight characteristics prevent it from going too close to the limits, because the laws of physics remain sovereign. From a consumption point of view, our average was established at 25,5 kWh/100 km by mixing moments of classic driving with more sporty phases. The 500 km promised by the WLTP approval seems very difficult to achieve, but 400 km seems to us to be a realistic figure. Capable of recharging at 150 kWh, the car can go from 10 to 80% battery in 45 minutes at a fast terminal. It's a decent average, however everyone will have to progress very quickly on this subject.

VERDICT

The Mustang Mach-E GT is very powerful, but not all the time. She brakes very hard, but not for too long. With this sassy version, we reach the limits of what an electric car can do in terms of sportiness, especially when it is an SUV. Nevertheless it is a beautiful object which has the merit of existing.