The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been capturing attention in the EV market, especially the base model with its appealing starting price around $40,000. However, for those seeking more adventure, Ford offers the Mustang Mach-e Rally Edition, a version specifically designed with off-road capabilities in mind. While I initially considered testing the base model, I ended up spending a week with the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally to see if its rally-inspired features justify the higher price tag, starting at $58,995 and reaching $64,490 for the exact model tested. This isn’t your average electric vehicle; it’s built for drivers who want a blend of sporty performance and rugged versatility. But does it deliver? And is it a practical daily driver despite its off-road focus? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Specifications
| Feature | 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally |
|---|---|
| Battery | 91 kWh |
| Motor | Dual eMotor |
| Range (EPA est.) | 265 miles |
| Horsepower | 480 hp |
| Wheels | 19-inches |
| MSRP (Starting) | $58,995 |
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Rally-Inspired Performance on and off the Road
To truly understand the off-road prowess of the Mustang Mach-E Rally, my colleague Kate Kozuch put it to the test at a professional rally school. You can read about her experience to get a rally-focused perspective. My week with the Mach-E Rally, however, centered on evaluating its everyday usability and appeal to a broader audience, beyond just rally enthusiasts.
In terms of performance, the Mach-E Rally lives up to the standards set by other performance-oriented EVs I’ve driven, such as the Acura ZDX Type S, BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It offers an engaging and exhilarating driving experience, especially on highways, with quick acceleration and responsive handling.
However, when it comes to efficiency, the Mustang Mach-E Rally fell short of expectations. During my week of testing, covering 187 miles, the vehicle averaged a 2.3 mi/kWh efficiency. This is below the 3 mi/kWh benchmark I typically aim for, although understandable given the performance focus of this model. Efficiency is clearly not the priority here.
Charging speeds also presented some surprises. Level 1 charging, even at the maximum current setting, was slow, averaging only 0.6 kW. After 13.75 hours of Level 1 charging, the Mach-E Rally only gained 15 miles of range, translating to a sluggish recharge rate of approximately 1.09 miles per hour. Adding to the confusion, this charging period increased the battery percentage from 40% to 75%, a 35% gain for just 15 miles of range, which seems disproportionate.
Fortunately, I was able to utilize free Level 2 chargers available nearby to replenish the battery more quickly.
Key Testing Metrics:
- Total Miles Driven: 187 miles
- Average Efficiency: 2.3 mi/kWh
- Level 1 Charging: 15 miles of range added in 13.75 hours
- Charge Level Increase (Level 1): 40% to 75%
- Level 1 Recharge Rate: 2.25 mi/hour
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Standout Features We Appreciated
Vibrant “Grabber Yellow” Paint and Sporty Design Language
The “Grabber Yellow” paint is undeniably the first thing that catches your eye. In a sea of white, black, and gray vehicles, this bold color is a welcome change. It’s not quite the Bumblebee yellow you might expect from online configurators or press photos, but rather a more retro, 90s-inspired neon yellow that truly makes it stand out.
This striking color perfectly complements the Mustang Mach-E Rally’s sporty aesthetic. The vehicle boasts a rear fin spoiler, a dynamically sculpted front end, and racecar-inspired brake lights, all contributing to its performance-oriented identity.
Unique Door Handles and Electronic Entry
Ford has taken a distinctive approach to door handle design on the Mustang Mach-E Rally, setting it apart from other EVs. The handles are positioned high, near the window frame, and feature a button that must be pressed to unlock the door before you can pull the handle to open it. This fully electronic operation is unlike anything I’ve encountered before and initially took some getting used to.
Minimalist Dashboard Cluster, Maximum Visibility
In contrast to the trend of oversized digital instrument clusters in many new EVs, the Mustang Mach-E Rally opts for a more compact approach. The 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Panel Cluster Screen might seem small at first glance, but its size is actually a benefit. It’s less distracting and doesn’t dominate the dashboard, allowing for a larger windshield and improved forward visibility. This design choice means you spend less time glancing down and more time focused on the road ahead. The 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen in the center console provides ample display area for infotainment and vehicle controls, striking a good balance.
Engaging Drive and Smooth Handling Over Bumps
The Mustang Mach-E Rally delivers a fun and engaging driving experience, thanks to its 480 horsepower dual-motor setup. Acceleration is brisk, allowing for quick merging and confident highway cruising. The steering is precise and responsive, making cornering enjoyable. In terms of performance feel, it’s comparable to the Acura ZDX Type S, though it doesn’t quite match the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe in outright sportiness.
True to its Rally name, this Mach-E variant handles rough roads and uneven surfaces remarkably well. I even tested it in a rocky beach parking lot, and the suspension effectively absorbed bumps and vibrations, providing a surprisingly smooth ride.
Exceptionally Quiet Cabin at Speed
Despite not being marketed as a luxury EV, the Mustang Mach-E Rally boasts impressive sound insulation. Wind noise, typically noticeable at higher speeds, is minimal in this vehicle. Furthermore, external noises are effectively muted, even at higher music volumes, contributing to a serene and comfortable driving environment.
Responsive Assisted Cruise Control with BlueCruise
Having previously experienced Ford’s assisted cruise control (ACC) system briefly in the F-150 Lightning, I had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate BlueCruise in the Mustang Mach-E Rally. Beyond maintaining a set speed and distance, BlueCruise demonstrates exceptional responsiveness. It reacts quickly and smoothly to changes in traffic flow, applying braking and acceleration as needed. In one instance, when a car abruptly merged into my lane at 60 mph, BlueCruise reacted promptly with gentle braking, preventing a potentially unsafe situation. This level of responsiveness inspires greater confidence compared to some other ACC systems I’ve tested, which can sometimes feel delayed in their reactions.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Areas for Improvement
Subpar Battery Efficiency
The “Rally” designation clearly signals a focus on performance over outright efficiency, and the Mustang Mach-E Rally lives up to this expectation. While performance is commendable, the 2.3 mi/kWh average efficiency is undeniably disappointing. This figure suggests that achieving the EPA-estimated 265 miles of range with its 91 kWh battery in real-world driving might be challenging. If range is a primary concern, the Mustang Mach-E Rally might not be the ideal choice. Even compared to the Acura ZDX Type-S, which I tested at 2.7 mi/kWh, the Rally falls short.
Limited Cargo Capacity in the Trunk
Classified as a compact crossover SUV, the Mustang Mach-E Rally offers less trunk space than some of its similarly sized EV competitors. While I could fit my JackRabbit OG2 ebike in the trunk, it required folding down the rear seats to accommodate it fully. The trunk depth is shallower compared to other EVs in this segment, potentially limiting its ability to handle larger cargo loads without utilizing the folding rear seats.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: The Verdict
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is definitively not designed for the average EV buyer. Its premium price point, rally-tuned suspension, and less-than-stellar efficiency cater to a specific niche: drivers who prioritize off-road capability and rally-inspired driving dynamics. If you’re looking for an EV primarily for daily commuting and maximizing range, this likely isn’t the best fit.
However, for those seeking an electric vehicle with genuine off-road aspirations, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is a compelling option. There are very few EVs on the market engineered for this purpose, making it stand out in a unique segment. If you’re willing to accept the trade-offs in efficiency for its distinctive character and rugged capabilities, the Mach-E Rally has undeniable appeal. Its responsive BlueCruise system and striking design are further points in its favor.
For EV buyers in this price range considering alternatives, the Acura ZDX Type-S offers a more luxurious and spacious experience. Alternatively, the Lucid Air Pure sedan stands out with exceptional efficiency and potent electric motors. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally carves out a distinct space for itself as an adventurous and capable electric SUV.
