Although the new Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition is, by any measure, an impressive crossover, Car and Driver testing has found that the electric vehicle’s performance disappoints somewhat in the real world as compared to Ford claims.
In acceleration tests, the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition failed to hit Ford’s estimate of 3.5 seconds to 60 mph (96 km/h). The outlet only managed 3.7 seconds in the sprint, which it points out is closer to the standard Mustang Mach-E GT’s estimate of 3.8 seconds.
Through the quarter-mile, meanwhile, the Performance Edition managed a time of 12.7 seconds at 101 mph (162 km/h). Although that’s 0.9 seconds faster than a non-GT Mustang Mach-E, the outlet found that the non-GT model reached a higher speed over the line than the GT Performance Edition.
Read Also: The 480 HP Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Is Super Fast, But Is It Exciting?
The magazine also states that these figures put the crossover behind the Tesla Model Y Performance, with which it competes. That model runs to 60mph 0.1 seconds faster, gets through the quarter-mile 0.6 seconds faster, and is traveling 12 mph (19 km/h) faster when it crosses the line.
It’s all because it limits power at 80mph
Why the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition struggles with high speeds was answered by Car and Driver’s digital power and regen gauge, which it had attached to the car. It showed that the EV started to limit power at 80 mph (129 km/h).
Asked by the outlet why that would be, a Ford spokesperson answered that the “GT was designed around everyday usable performance for fun, not drag-strip duels or lap times.” As a vehicle with a drive mode that is labeled as being for track use only, that seems an odd choice.
The final disappointment came in the real-world range test. Although the Mach-E GT Performance Edition is rated at 260 miles (418 km) by the EPA, Car and Driver managed just 220 miles (354 km) in its 75 mph (121 km/h) highway test—though that’s closer to Ford’s initial estimates of 235 miles (378 km).
The Mach-E GT Performance Edition is the highest-power Mach-E currently on sale. Its electric motors work together to generate 480 hp (487 PS/358 kW) and 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) of torque.
