Ford Mustang Mach-E Select review: taken to extremes

Turns out Kiwi Ford Mustang Mach-E buyers are mainly interested in the extremes. Reflecting the sales mix of the model to date, the revised Mach-E is now only available in the entry-level Select RWD and completely ballistic GT models. Nothing in between.

The flagship GT is not for everybody: it's terrifyingly fast and costs $116,990. But that's fine, because the updated $74,990 Select really could be. A car for everybody, we mean.

Ford has broadened the appeal of the cheapest Mach-E with extra EV-tech like a heat pump for the slightly enlarged battery (better charging, warmer cabin), interior changes such a column-mounted gear selector, active safety tweaks including Predictive Speed Assist to help with the adaptive cruise, and a boost in power to 212kW (previously 198kW).

On the outside: what are the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select's main design features?

There's not a huge amount to see on the outside of the Mach-E "facelift", although there are some great new colours (including our test car's Eruption Green) and a new design of alloy wheel.

The revised Mach-E is now only available in the entry-level Select RWD and ballistic GT models. Nothing in between.

The Select is still easily distinguishable from the GT thanks to a more EV-like closed front; the GT has a faux-grille, so it looks a bit more conventional.

The Mach-E shape is still quite interesting and still quite clever in some respects. It's got a coupe-like profile at first glance, but that's largely thanks to a visual trick: one section of the roof moulding is body colour and slopes down quite dramatically, but the roof itself is higher and finished in black, which means it doesn't catch the eye. Mach-E is a lot taller than it looks.

Don't be fooled by that fake exterior roofline: the Mach-E is a properly spacious 5-seat family car with a decent boot.

The other notable exterior feature is the placement of the electric door latches. There's a tiny (illuminated) button on the pillar of each door that releases the lock, and a small grab handle for the front openings. Curiously, there's another tiny touch-panel to lock the doors below the release button.

As an occasional user, it's easy to accidentally open the door again when you're trying to lock, until you get the hang of it. Or is it just us?

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select cabin like?

The Mach-E cabin has always had character, but it's been far from class-best in terms of ergonomics and quality. The new one is better, especially with the change from a rotary gear selector to a column-mounted wand; much more EV-appropriate and it's allowed Ford to tidy up the centre console, improving the look and storage space.

The Select isn't short of luxury touches. There are leather-accented seats, "accented" not being a bad thing because the suede-like Sensico inserts that you actually sit on are really nice. There's heating for the front chairs and steering wheel, plus a big panoramic sunroof.

Don't be fooled by that fake exterior roofline: the Mach-E is a properly spacious 5-seat family car with a decent boot. There's a frunk too, although it's been downsized from 130 to 80 litres to fit the new heat pump up front. It's still a useful size... and you can still use it as a wetbox if desired. Ice, ice baby in the front of the Mustang.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select like to drive?

The Select hasn't just benefited from a bit more power. The revised model also has redesigned suspension links, dampers and sway bars, which are small changes but have a substantial effect when you add them all together.

There's a real RWD feel to the Select chassis and the enhanced suspension soaks up Kiwi backroads at speed in a impressive way.

We've said it often with EVs and we'll say it again now: often the lower-powered model with RWD is the more enjoyable drive. The GT is a mighty machine and very accomplished, but for everyday driving the Select gives greater pleasure. Unless your only concept of driving pleasure is going crazy-fast.

There's a real RWD feel to the Select chassis and the enhanced suspension soaks up Kiwi backroads at speed in a impressive way. It still has a relatively firm ride (not unusual with EVs), but the revamped underpinnings do a nice job of keeping the car compliant as it reacts to mid-corner bumps.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select warranty and servicing situation?

Ford SUVs all get a 5 year/unlimited km warranty. As a BEV, the Mach-E also carries 8 years/160,000km on the electric drivetrain.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

On the whole: what do we think of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?

This size of family EV is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in terms of available models, after the firesale that happened around overstocking after the Clean Car Discount was dropped (Ford was as much a part of it as any brand). Familiar EVs that went on hiatus are now coming back in updated form, and at higher prices, but that's how it is: they're also more realistic prices.

The changes to the Mach-E Select are subtle, but they have resulted in a far superior car. It's a real contender and if you look at how it's priced and specified against the obvious competition, it's also a strong value proposition. Plus, we need more EVs with flair.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Select FAQs

What kind of car is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?

A medium-sized 5-door BEV-SUV.

Does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select have hybrid or EV technology?

It's pure electric.

What’s the energy efficiency of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?

Based on the WLTP range of 470km, it consumes 15.5kWh per 100km.

Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select safe?

The 5-star ANCAP rating for the pre-facelift model still applies to this one. It's valid until 2027.

What safety and assistance features does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select have?

What are the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select's main rivals?

• Kia EV6 Light ($83,070): Another just-updated RWD EV with idiosyncratic styling and a sporty character.
• Tesla Model Y Premium ($67,900): Tesla has really upped its game on quality and dynamics.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Series II Active ($79,990): Retro-style Ioniq 5 has returned and it still looks great.
• BYD Sealion 7 Premium ($67,990): As with the Mach-E, we reckon this RWD model is the pick.
• Skoda Enyaq Sportline ($89,000): More practical than sporty, but now with more power: 210kW.