If you're looking for an electric SUV that goes fast but can take you off road, Ford's new Mustang Mach-E Rally might fit the bill.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a rally-tuned variant of the company's Mustang Mach-E SUV. In practical terms, it rides a little higher, won't mind some off-roading, and has power to spare. It's also looking...well, like a rally car, with a massive rear spoiler that makes us think of the Ford Focus RS, racing stripes on the hood, and a striking Grabber Yellow color (Grabber Blue, Shadow Black, and Eruption Green are the other free options, while Star White and Glacier Gray come at an extra cost).
The Mach-E Rally shares the powertrain with the most powerful vehicle in the series, the Mustang Mach-E GT, with 480 horsepower, but has been tuned for an output of 660 lb.-ft of torque. The suspension has been raised 20 millimeters and equipped with fancier springs, shocks, and brake rotors, and there's protective shielding for the front and rear motors on the car's underside.
Other technicalities aren't that far from the Mach-E GT. The 91kWh battery is good for an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles (20 less than the GT), but you get quicker 0-60mph time (3.5 vs. 3.8 seconds on the GT). Charging is faster, though: You'll go from 10-80 percent in 36.5 minutes on a DC fast charger, Ford says.
Yes, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a bit of a niche car, but it's nevertheless an interesting addition to the fast-evolving EV market, currently dominated by sedans, SUVs and (increasingly) pickups.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally should go into production early next year, with a target price of $65,000. Yes, that's $5,000 more than Ford's asking price for the GT, but if you're really into off-road racing, the choice is clear.
Topics Cars
