Ford Mustang Mach-E: Tesla Model Y rival coming to Australia

Ford is bringing its rival for the Tesla Model Y to Australia this year.

The Blue Oval has confirmed the Mustang Mach-E will touch down in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2023, with three trim levels and two battery options.

As CarExpertreported last August, the electric SUV will join the Ford e-Transit in the brand’s electric car range, and forms part of a broader plan to bring five EVs to Australia by the end of 2024.

The e-Transit Custom is also bound for Australia, leaving two more slots to be filled in the electric range.

Anyway, the Mustang Mach-E. The shorter range option will be the entry-level Select, with a 71kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack mated with a 198kW and 430Nm electric motor on the rear axle. Expect a range of around 470km.

Moving up to the Mach-E Premium brings a 91kWh (usable) battery pack, mated with a 216kW and 430Nm battery pack on the rear axle for a claimed range nudging 600km. That makes it one of the longest-range cars in Australia, at least based on manufacturer claims.

Powering the range-topping GT are two motors making a combined 358kW and 860Nm. Claimed range is 490km, and thanks to that healthy torque figures and all-wheel drive traction, it’ll hit 100km/h in 3.7 seconds… with a one-foot rollout.

Maximum DC charge power is 115kW on models with the smaller battery and 150kW on those with the larger battery.

Pricing and final specifications haven’t been confirmed.

The range opens at US$45,995 (~$68,800) for the rear-wheel drive Select with the standard range battery, and tops out at $63,995 (~$95,750) for the GT which comes only with the larger battery in North America.

You can, however, spend an extra $6000 (~$9200) on a special GT Performance Pack in the car’s home market.

The car’s biggest rival will likely be the Tesla Model Y, which kicks off at $69,300 and extends to $95,300 before on-roads.

We do know the whole range will feature a 15.5-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-speaker B&O sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.

In terms of cargo space, Ford says there’s 402L behind the second row, 1420L with it folded, and an additional 81L under the bonnet. The rear load floor is adjustable.

In the USA, the three models coming to Australia feature the following equipment:

Mach-E Select highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED reflector headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger

Mach-E Premium adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED projector headlights
• Puddle lamps
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Panoramic fixed-glass roof
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver’s seat memory
• 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system

Mach-E GT adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Extended Range battery
• Multi-colour ambient lighting
• Front sports seats
• ActiveX upholstery
• Aluminium interior trim

The optional GT Performance Pack includes Ford Performance sports seats and MagneRide adaptive suspension.

Ford also offers a Nite Pony appearance package, while a special California Route 1 variant slots between the Premium and GT and offers only all-wheel drive and the extended range battery.

MORE: Ford Mustang Mach-E review