Ford Mustang Mach-E - Who says lightning doesn't strike twice?

Background
It's difficult to think of a much less environmentally-friendly automotive model line than that of the Ford Mustang. Yet this is the nameplate Ford has chosen for the all-electric cars it will make in the coming era, this being the first of them, the Mustang Mach-E. This sporting SUV model is, we're told, about fast, fun freedom and it aims to please a whole new generation of Mustang owners. The 'Mach' name was apparently inspired by the 'Mach 1' variant of the first generation Mustang and fits with the remit given to the car's creators, Ford's 'Team Edison', who were tasked with creating 'an EV with soul'. Is that what we've got here? You might wonder. After all, this model's supposedly all-new 'GE1' ('Global Electrified 1') platform is actually a revised version of the C2 chassis used in the brand's current Focus and Kuga models. But the product itself couldn't be more different from those conventional cars. As we're about to find out.
Driving Experience
There's a bit more bite to the drive dynamics than is common in this class, with well-bridled body control and keen grip through the turns. All mainstream versions have a top speed limited to 111mph. And there's a single toggle switch for regenerative braking called 'One-Pedal Mode'. The line-up kicks off with two rear-driven models, one using the 'Standard Range' 75kWh battery (70kWh usable), which puts out 269PS and can take you up to 273 miles. The other uses an 'Extended Range' 98kWh (91kWh usable) battery pack, which ups power to 294PS and increases the car's potential driving distance between charges to 372 miles in rear-driven form. There are also two all-wheel drive versions, both using the bigger 'Extended Range' battery, which feature an electric motor at each end of the car, with torque applied independently to each axle. The standard 98kWh AWD model puts out 351PS, 565Nm of torque, will get you to 62mph in 6.2 seconds and has a 341 mile WLTP range. If you want more, there's a performance-orientated Mustang Mach-E GT model, which uses the larger battery and AWD, puts out 487PS and 830Nm of torque and makes 62mph from rest in just 4.1 seconds on the way to 124mph. That top version goes 304 miles between charges and comes with MagneRide adaptive damping. As with most EVs of this size, kerb weight is substantial, in this case between 1,993 and 2,218kgs depending on variant. Whatever your variant of choice, the Mach-E road experience is dependent quite a bit on your choice between the three drive modes Ford offers here - laid back 'Whisper' (with its super-light steering), all-out 'Untamed' (with its sharper throttle and rumbly propulsion sound) and the compromise 'Active' setting you'll probably use most of the time. There's also a '1-Pedal Drive' feature, which as on other rival EVs, ramps up the regenerative braking to the point where you hardly ever need to use the brake pedal. Recent changes include a towing upgrade for the 98kWh version - to 1.5-tonnes. Plus the standard fitment of Ford's 'Intelligent Automated Cruise Control 2.0' package, which can use information from the navigation system and forward-facing camera to automatically adjust vehicle speed not only according to speed limit signs but also to upcoming curves, turns and roundabouts.
Design and Build
In terms of size, this Mexican-built model is 4,712mm long, 1,881mm wide and 1,597mm high, which places it size-wise somewhere between a Jaguar I-PACE and a Mercedes EQC. Clever styling tricks mean it doesn't actually look that big on first acquaintance, but it is immediately recognisable as a Mustang, thanks to signature elements like its long, powerful bonnet, distinctive rear haunches, aggressive headlights and trademark tri-bar tail lamps. Neat design and engineering deliver surprising rear seat roominess and ample cargo space. There are no conventional door handles: just buttons that pop open the doors. It's possible to use your smartphone as an entry key: or you can use a keypad built into the B-pillar. Inside, there's an interior nothing like anything you'll have previously seen on a Ford, dominated by a Tesla-like portrait-style 15.5-inch centre free-standing infotainment touchscreen incorporating a lower rotary dial. This works using Ford's latest SYNC 4 operating system that is able to accept over-the-air updates and can quickly learn your preferences. There's also a further 10.2-inch screen in front of the steering wheel for all the main driving gauges. A floating, flip-up armrest doubles as a place to store purses or bags. Two adults can be comfortably accommodated in the back. And there's a 402-litre boot (extendable to 1,420-litres if you fold the rear bench). Plus there's a further 81-litre space beneath the bonnet, which is provided in the form of a drainable compartment which would be good for wet or muddy clothing or footwear.