Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Review: The Electric Mustang That Finally Plays Dirty
- Marc Gonzalez
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Ford expands the Mustang Mach-E lineup with its most off-road-inspired and performance-focused variant yet: the Mach-E Rally. This is our first in-depth look at the model since 2021, and one thing is clear: the design has aged exceptionally well. So, what does the Rally edition bring to the table, and is it worth the premium? Priced starting at $74,995, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is assembled at Ford's Cuautitlán plant in Mexico.
The Mustang Mach-E does not share the new Mustang two-seater platform; instead, it rides on a dedicated EV architecture. It targets families seeking an electrified daily driver with an extra punch. Visually, the overall design remains essentially unchanged from its debut, with the Rally trim standing out through unique touches such as 19-inch high-gloss white wheels, the signature Grabber Yellow paint with black center stripes, and a prominent rear spoiler. Interestingly, it is the only Mach-E variant equipped with fog lights. Beyond these additions, familiar elements remain, including the headlights and taillights, button-activated door releases, and pony badges front and rear. It's a design that has aged gracefully, and the Rally treatment gives it an even more aggressive presence.
The interior of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally has embraced a minimalist approach from the start, centred around a large, vertically 15.5-inch infotainment display. This tablet-like screen controls the majority of vehicle functions, from energy consumption and drive modes to features such as Park Assist, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate settings, and more. We'll return to the screen shortly; beyond it, the cabin layout is refreshingly straightforward.
The driver is greeted by a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster that displays essential information, including battery level and range, speed, selected gear, odometer readings, posted speed limits, and lighting status. While the absence of a head-up display could have been a drawback, the clarity and accessibility of this information make it a non-issue. Rally-branded seats provide secure support without feeling overly firm, striking a comfortable balance for daily driving. Rear passengers benefit from a reasonable amount of space, with easily accessible ISOFIX anchors. At the same time, the trunk offers a generous 850 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, making the Mach-E Rally well-suited for family duties.
The central display in the Mustang Mach-E does so much that it merits its own discussion. From top to bottom, the screen provides access to a wide range of functions, including vehicle settings, camera views, shortcuts to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and Alexa integration. Roughly 60 percent of the display can be dedicated to a large navigation map, trip data, connected devices, multimedia, and other key information.
Rather than a traditional home screen, the interface relies on a persistent row of shortcuts that makes it easy to jump between different menus and features. Climate controls are positioned at the bottom of the display, which remains one of the Mach-E's main ergonomic drawbacks. Adjusting temperature or seat heating requires looking away from the road, something that can be less than ideal at highway speeds. On a more positive note, the oversized physical volume knob stands out as a welcome and practical touch.
From a performance standpoint, the Ford Mustang Mach-E lineup offers a wide range of configurations designed to appeal to different types of buyers. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Ford provides two battery options, rear-wheel drive or electric all-wheel drive, seven range estimates, and three distinct power outputs. Sitting at the top of the range, the Mach-E Rally combines dual electric motors with the largest available 91 kWh battery pack, delivering a class-leading 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds. The Rally also benefits from several performance-focused upgrades, including front Brembo brakes, revised electric motors, a Rallycross-tuned MagneRide® damping system, and Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season performance tires. While tire choice is not always highlighted, Ford's decision here is deliberate, as these tires play a key role in shaping the overall driving experience.
On paved roads, the Mustang Mach-E Rally behaves much like a modern EV should, particularly in its default Engage mode. It is comfortable and composed for everyday driving, with ample power on tap, precise steering, and confident handling. The updated suspension contributes to ride comfort, while braking performance remains strong and reassuring. The Mach-E Rally truly comes into its own in Unbridled mode with RallySport engaged, especially on slightly wet gravel surfaces. In these conditions, the car feels playful yet controlled, allowing for progressive slides while maintaining a strong sense of confidence. Its low center of gravity plays a significant role, but credit is also due to Ford's engineering team for the calibration of RallySport mode. With the mode disengaged, stability control intervenes quickly, keeping the vehicle firmly in check. Overall, the Mach-E Rally demonstrates that electric cars are not only quick in a straight line but can also deliver engaging performance across a variety of driving environments.
A brief note on charging and range: when connected to a Level 2 charger, the Mustang Mach-E Rally requires just over 17 hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent. During our testing, we completed a full day of driving before plugging into a 100 kW DC fast charger, where the battery went from 2 to 44 percent in 35 minutes, with an average charging rate of 71 kW. At that state of charge, the vehicle indicated roughly 180 km (112.5 miles) of remaining range, which should be sufficient when you're nearing your destination. In terms of real-world range, a full day of predominantly highway driving resulted in 432 km (270 miles), slightly exceeding the official estimate of 426 km. Over the course of the week, we recorded an average consumption of 20 kWh/100 km, translating to a practical range of approximately 455 km (284 miles). Given the Mach-E Rally's performance-oriented focus, these figures are entirely reasonable for an EV of this nature.
While the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally doesn't reach the extremes of icons like the mid-1990s Ford Escort Cosworth, it offers a compelling and entertaining take on Ford's electric crossover. With the Rally trim, the Mustang Mach-E leans more convincingly into the performance image Ford is aiming to establish, pairing vibrant paintwork, distinctive wheels, and a prominent rear spoiler with a spacious and practical interior. The result is a version of the Mach-E that blends everyday usability with a clear sporting character, making the Rally trim the most engaging (and likely the best way) to experience the model.
Disclaimer: Ford has lent us the vehicle as a press loan. We have no affiliation with Ford Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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