Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition: Electric Power, Mustang Soul

Words and Photos by Jennifer Jensen

Say hello to Ford’s latest in the world of all-electric performance…the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition. If you’re wondering, this one’s packed with more power and sport-focused updates, and it’s made for those who crave a blend of Mustang heritage and the electric future Ford’s aiming for. But is it still Mustang at heart? Let’s find out.

Under the Hood… Kind of

With EVs, there’s no warm-up, no oil to circulate; you just get in, press start, and you’re ready to roll. In this Performance Edition, Ford’s taken the standard Mach-E GT’s 91 kWh battery and all-wheel drive dual-motor setup and added some muscle. You’re looking at a punchy 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque here — a boost from the regular GT’s already strong 600 lb-ft. Ford claims a time of 3.5 seconds to 60.

But, there’s a catch. You get full power and torque for the first five seconds when you floor it. After that, Ford scales power back to manage heat and battery health. So while it’s exhilarating off the line, don’t expect to keep that muscle flexing all day — it’s a power spurt, not a sprint marathon.

Style and Design

Ford’s put effort into making the Mach-E look distinctly “Mustang” with signature elements like tri-bar headlights, athletic styling, and, in this GT Performance Edition, unique touches like 20-inch machined wheels, red-painted Brembo brake calipers, and an illuminated pony logo that’s a nice bit of flair at night. The body kit’s got a sporty, aerodynamic look that suits the Mach-E’s aim, and the black accents along the lower trim help disguise its large size giving the Mach-E an hourglass shape. There’s a different front splitter, air curtains, and a different rear diffuser.

Inside, Ford’s gone with minimalism but kept a little Mustang heritage. Performance seats offer extra bolstering — they’re grippy and comfortable, but don’t expect loads of thigh support. For those who like a high-tech cabin, you’ll love the 15.5-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4A and Ford’s BlueCruise for hands-free driving on compatible highways. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The tech works well. but I still find taking your eyes off the road to fiddle with settings can be distracting. That’s a problem when so many things are done through the tablet-sized screen sitting in the center console.

Driving Modes and Performance

There are three driving modes that adjust steering, throttle, braking and suspension: Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled. Whisper is the softest and laziest mode. Engage ramps things up slightly and it probably where you’d spend most of your driving time. But Unbridled? That’s where it gets interesting. In Unbridled mode, you get max performance settings with tighter steering, firmer suspension (thanks to MagneRide dampers), and quicker throttle response. Ford’s dampers do adjust with each driving mode, but there’s no custom setting to fine-tune each aspect separately. That is frustrating as you might prefer a softer ride with tighter steering and so on.

Still, throw it into a corner, and for a nearly 5,000-pound SUV, it stays impressively flat. That weight distribution, thanks to the battery, keeps the center of gravity low. While it doesn’t have the raw growl of a traditional Mustang, Ford’s added a synthetic propulsion sound that hums along, giving a sense of acceleration. Gimmicky? Yes. But sound is such an important facet in performance cars I am glad they recognized the need for something other than wind noise.

Range and Charging

Let’s talk practicality. Ford rates the Mach-E GT Performance Edition for 260 miles on a full charge, down a bit from the standard GT’s 270 miles. But real-world range can drop quickly, especially in cold weather or if you’re pushing the performance frequently. Charging on a 150 kW fast charger will take you from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes — quick enough, but it’s not Tesla fast. For daily driving and commuting, it’s more than sufficient, but if you’re planning a long road trip, be prepared to map out those charging stops.

Practicality and Interior Space

The Mach-E might wear a Mustang badge, but Ford’s given it SUV practicality. There’s plenty of room in the back, enough for adults, and that panoramic roof makes the cabin feel even more airy. Cargo space is generous, with 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 60 cubic feet with them folded down. The frunk adds an extra 4.7 cubic feet and even has a drain plug — perfect for all those tailgate parties.

The seats are comfortable enough

Safety Tech and Ford BlueCruise

Safety-wise, Ford’s included the latest driver-assistance tech, including BlueCruise, their hands-free highway driving feature that’s available on mapped roads. It works well, keeping you centered and adjusting speed with traffic. However, if there is snow on the road, or even heavy rain, the system can be thrown off. There’s also a camera that monitors your eyes to make sure you’re paying attention — Ford says this is for safety and with today’s drivers lack of attention it’s probably a good thing. But I’m not a fan of the car watching me watch the road. Thanks Big Brother, but no thanks.

Is It Mustang Enough?

Now, here’s the big question: does the Mach-E GT Performance Edition feel like a Mustang? Purists might argue that the electric SUV misses the point. EV enthusiasts would argue that it’s certainly thrilling in its own way. There’s immediate torque, punchy acceleration, and surprisingly good handling for an EV SUV. However, if you’re after the classic Mustang growl and a feeling of connection with a powerful V8, this isn’t going to hit the same notes. For what it is, though, Ford’s done a solid job creating an engaging, high-performance EV that could appeal to both newcomers and traditional Mustang fans looking to dip their toes in the electric car market.

Final Thoughts

The Mach-E GT Performance Edition is a solid entry into the performance EV market. It’s fast, fun to drive, and offers that Mustang flair in a whole new package. However, the premium price and limited range might give some buyers pause, especially with other options in the EV space. But if you’re looking for an electric SUV that doesn’t sacrifice style or spirit, this could be your next ride.

Would I recommend it? If you’re ready to embrace the electric era but don’t want to abandon all the Mustang attitude, why not? But if the roar of a traditional Mustang V8 still tugs at your heart, then I’ll see you at the gas pumps.