2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally : Just For Laughs!
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Earlier this month, The Car Guide drove the Mustang Mach-E’s GT version, a model that has received a number of technical and aesthetic improvements for 2024, including a new electric motor at the rear, light aesthetic iterations and software updates.
The spirit seems to be one of adventure in the industry, and manufacturers are trying to charm by launching “robust” variants, even on the most unusual vehicles. Ford is once again playing the game, now with an electric flavour, with the Mustang Mach-E Rally. We're not talking about a numbered limited edition, or a car made for off-road use exclusively, but rather a package of options that allows the Mach-E - insofar as possible - to stand out when it comes to driving on unpaved surfaces.
The Car Guide was able to put this Mustang Mach-E Rally to the test on the grounds of the DirtFish rally school in Washington State.
What is the Rally Package?
The Rally Package is based on the GT version of the Mach-E, which is armed with two electric motors - one at the front and one at the rear - powered by a 91 kWh battery. Combined power comes to 480 hp and no less than 700 lb-ft of torque thanks to the included Performance Package. The MagneRide adaptive suspension, standard on the GT model, is raised by 25 mm for the occasion to provide additional underbody clearance. There’s also a vehicle-specific driving mode that adapts its various systems for better control on loose gravel. Under-vehicle skid plates to protect vital organs, a plastic rear spoiler, fog lights and a specific set of wheels are also part of the deal.
Inside, the Mach-E Rally retains all its habitability and versatility, apart from the addition of model-specific front seats.
A Highly Entertaining and Pleasantly Predictable Ride
The Mach-E Rally tips the scales at 4,979 lbs. That's only 27 pounds more than the GT model, but the weight is considerable and hard to ignore behind the wheel. What's more, the Mach-E Rally consumes more energy than every other Mach-E, with a rating of 24.5 kWh/100 km. It also loses 25 kilometers of range on the 451 kilometers offered by the GT model. Note that all Mach-E models are now compatible with Tesla Superchargers for fast charging, thanks to an included adapter.
On the road, the Mach-E Rally's raised ground clearance barely accentuates the body roll. And you can't get enough of its blistering acceleration, which enables it to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in 3.4 seconds, compared with 3.3 seconds for the GT equipped with the Performance Package. We particularly appreciated the precise steering and docile on-road character of the vehicle, which is undoubtedly suitable for everyday driving. The Mach-E Rally's weight could be a disadvantage off-road, but it seems strategically distributed to strike a good balance, making it easier to position the car for pivoting. This, combined with astronomical low-end torque, contributes to a surprising responsiveness and predictability on loose gravel.
What's more, the RallyCross mode offered exclusively on the model makes the various control systems and “nannies” more tolerant, allowing the driver to break the rear of the vehicle at high speed and undertake maneuvers such as pendulum turns with ease.
We can't help but believe that this Rally variant could shine in our Canadian winters, with its raised ground clearance, fog lights and ample torque to extricate itself from the snowbanks. On the other hand, the Mach-E still doesn't offer a heat pump on its equipment list. Engineers claim to have improved its resistance heating system, but a winter test drive will be needed to find out whether the problems of cabin heating in very cold weather have been resolved.
Original, explosive and oh-so fun to drive, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is a big toy whose relevance can certainly be questioned. However, the concept is original, and will undoubtedly charm a few enthusiasts. The Rally package is priced at $5,000, which must be added to the GT's base price of $69,995 for a total of $74,995. Delivery and preparation costs are extra, at $2,595.
