October car of the month: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance

by Michael Chen

posted on October 31, 2022

Ford’s flagship EV gets a top trim with extra kick

The Ford Mustang Mach-E marked a hard left for an American automotive icon, but ultimately made good on its promise of electrified excitement. While it may have the body of an SUV, the proof is in the performance. And now, there’s an appropriately-named trim designed to get your heart racing even faster. Here’s Derek’s Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, our car of the month for October.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Performance

The differences between the Mach-E GT Performance and other trims may seem subtle, especially to the untrained eye. But once you see that pony badge light up on its carbonized grille, you’ll realize this Mach-E is anything but garden variety. Ford’s strong-selling electric SUV has met critical and commercial success in its first couple years, and for 2022 they’ve brought in the GT Performance as the model’s top trim.

Derek’s Mach-E comes painted in Grabber Blue Metallic, which is one of three trim-exclusive colors. Other eye-catching equipment like 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, as well as a full set of red performance brake calipers. And although it isn’t an off-road vehicle, every GT Performance comes standard with all-wheel drive. Perfect for camping trips, road trips, or any other trip that sees inclement weather or a patch of rough terrain.

The main attraction is the upgraded secondary electric motor, which helps the Mach-E GT Performance produce a total of 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque. You’ll go from zero to 60 in just 3.5 seconds. For those keeping score at home, that’s over two seconds faster than the base model Mach-E, and equal to the Tesla Model Y Performance. Either way, you won’t have any trouble merging onto a highway onramp.

Range is always top of mind for any electric vehicle, and this Mustang aims to balance power with efficiency. It’s rated at 260 miles of range, which is above average compared to new EVs rolling off the assembly line today. Other variants of the Mach-E manage between 224 and 314 miles of range, depending on the drivetrain and battery configuration.

As fun as it can be to drive, there’s no mistaking the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance for a purpose-built sports car. This is a crossover through and through. But if you happen to drive one through a twisty road, you may be surprised at how agile it can be. Handling is noticeably improved compared to lower trims, thanks to a stickier set of summer tires and an independent suspension system that can adjust each damper independently. And that’s even with the hefty battery in tow, which puts the GT Performance’s weight at nearly 5,000 pounds. That’s more than most F-150s.

Inside, you’ll find that the Mach-E GT Performance is largely the same as its other variants. The cabin has plenty of room for five, and can fit plenty of cargo with the rear seats folded down. You can also store a few things in the frunk, where the engine would normally be in a gas-powered Mustang. It may not be as cavernous as a three-row SUV, but you shouldn’t be strapped for space here.

Some EVs feature over-the-top styling, but this Mustang goes for an understated approach inside and out. The interior includes a few tasteful additions such as extra comfy seats with sporty copper stitching and accents. You can also treat your ears to the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which looks a lot like a soundbar from a home theater.

When it comes to technology, you can expect many of the usual connective features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Either will allow you to access music or navigation from your device, displayed on a sizable 15.5-inch touchscreen. But even without a phone or tablet connected, you can interact with the Mach-E GT Performance using natural voice commands. Just don’t ask it to open the pod bay doors.

There are lots of SUVs out there, and the Mach-E GT Performance is perfect for the driving enthusiast who hasn’t thrown practicality out the window. It’s spicier than its base model counterpart and a fine alternative to the Tesla Model Y Performance, which should make it easier to find in a crowded parking lot. If you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area, be sure to check out Derek’s Mustang Mach-E GT Performance.

*Daily price is subject to change

Michael Chen

Michael has spent most of his career writing about cars. His passions all start with the letter S. That includes his Honda S2000, sustainability, and sushi.

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