Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies.

Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies. Driven Car Reviews · Jun 26, 2026

Annotations will appear as you listen

0:00

15:51

Car

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

This is Ford’s electric “Mustang” crossover, and the GT version is the faster one. It’s powered by electric motors (not a gas V8) and is tuned for sharper driving, not just commuting.

Term

all-wheel drive

All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. That usually helps it grip better, especially in rain or snow.

Car

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric pickup truck. It’s meant to do truck jobs like hauling and towing, but using an electric powertrain. The podcast brings it up when talking about how Ford’s electric truck plans have gone.

Car

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is a sporty car made by Ford. People talk about it a lot because it’s been around for a long time and is known for performance. It also gets mentioned when Ford discusses newer electric cars.

Car

Volkswagen Id4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV. It’s designed to be a practical, everyday EV option. The podcast mentions it because it’s compared with other electric SUVs in the same general class.

Car

Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric SUV from Hyundai. It’s designed to be practical for everyday driving while still being fully electric. The podcast brings it up because it’s compared with other electric SUVs you might shop for at the same time.

Car

Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV meant for everyday use. The podcast is also talking about the electric version, the Equinox EV. It’s compared to other electric SUVs that are similar in size and purpose.

Car

Tesla Model

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV. It’s built for regular driving and is known for having a lot of technology. The podcast mentions it because it’s often compared to other electric SUVs.

Car

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV. It’s made for normal daily driving, but it’s fully powered by electricity. The podcast includes it because it’s one of the EVs people compare when shopping for this type of car.

Term

dual-motor

Dual-motor means the EV has two electric motors working together. Often one handles the front wheels and one handles the rear, which helps with grip and quick launches.

Term

transmission selector

This is the lever or button you use to put the car in Drive, Reverse, or Park. On EVs, it’s not about shifting like a gas car—more about choosing what direction the car moves.

Term

heat pump HVAC system

A heat pump is a more efficient way to heat the cabin. In cold weather it can use less battery energy than simple electric heaters.

Term

frunk

A frunk is the storage compartment in the front of the car. It’s basically the EV’s “front trunk.”

Term

single speed

EVs often use a single-speed setup, meaning there aren’t multiple gear ratios like in a typical gas car. The motor’s power curve does the work that gears would normally handle.

Term

MagnaRide adaptive dampers

These are shocks that can adjust themselves while you drive. They help the car feel more controlled without being overly harsh.

Term

lithium-ion battery pack

This is the big rechargeable battery that powers the electric motors. A larger battery usually means more driving range.

Term

kilowatt hours

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) tell you how big the battery is. Bigger usually means you can drive farther, but weather and driving habits matter too.

Term

EPA estimated rated range

This is the government test estimate for how far the EV should go on a full charge. Your real range can be higher or lower depending on how you drive and the weather.

Car

Ford Mach-E GT

This is the electric “GT” version of the Ford Mach-E. It’s built to feel fast like a Mustang, but it uses electric motors instead of a gas V8. The host is saying it’s one of the quickest “Mustang” options you can buy without spending extreme money.

Car

Hyundai IONIQ 5N

This is Hyundai’s performance electric model, the IONIQ 5N. The host brings it up to compare how fast and how “fun” it feels versus the Ford Mach-E GT.

Car

Ford Mustang GTD

The Ford Mustang GTD is a very expensive, high-performance version of the Mustang. It’s built for maximum speed and track-style driving rather than everyday comfort. The podcast mentions it to show how much money the top Mustang can cost.

Term

0-60-dash

It’s a common speed test: how fast the car can go from standing still to 60 mph. The host is using it to show how quickly this electric Ford gets moving.

Term

low-end torque

Torque is the force that makes the car pull. “Low-end torque” means it feels strong right away when you start moving, which helps with quick launches.

Term

power reduction

Sometimes EVs slow down their power if things get too hot or the system needs protection. The host is saying the 2024 Mach-E GT reduces that “power gets dialed back” effect compared to earlier versions.

Term

extended mode

This is a driving mode meant to keep the car performing consistently for longer. Instead of giving you the absolute maximum power for a short time, it dials it back a little so it doesn’t fade.

Term

autocrossing

Autocross is a timed driving event on a course made of cones. It’s less about top speed and more about how quickly the car can accelerate and change direction.

Term

stability and traction control

These are the car’s “assist” systems. Traction control reduces wheelspin, and stability control helps keep the car from sliding out when you push it—especially on slippery surfaces.

Term

summer performance tires

These tires are made for warm weather and usually grip better when it’s hot. The host is saying the car he’s in has all-season tires instead of the warmer-weather summer performance kind.

Term

low center of gravity

This is about how high (or low) the car’s weight sits. When it’s lower, the car tends to feel steadier and less “tippy” in turns.

Term

MagneRide suspension

This is a suspension system that can adjust how firm or soft the ride feels. The host is saying it helps the car stay controlled over bumps without feeling harsh.

Term

performance tone

Because EVs are so quiet, some cars add fake engine or driving sounds. The host is talking about how much sound the car makes to feel more “performance-like.”

Term

simulated gearbox dynamics

Since EVs don’t shift like gas cars, some of them add fake shift behavior and sounds. The host is saying Hyundai simulates that feeling in a more detailed way than just pretending the car is shifting.

Car

Ford Mach-E GT

The Ford Mach-E GT is an electric Ford that’s meant to feel like a Mustang, but it’s not gas—it’s battery-powered. Here they’re talking about how far it can drive on a charge, how that changes in colder weather, and how the car slows down using electricity.

Term

EPA rates

The EPA is a U.S. agency that tests cars in a standardized way to estimate how far they can go on a charge. Your real range can be different, especially in colder weather or if you drive faster.

Term

recuperation

In an EV, the car can slow down using the motor instead of only using the brake pads. That slowing process also helps put some energy back into the battery.

Brand

Brembo calipers

Brembo makes performance brake parts. Saying it has Brembo calipers usually means the brakes are designed to feel stronger and handle harder stops better than cheaper brake setups.

Term

regen drag

When regen is turned up, the car slows down more even when you’re not pressing the brake. That extra slowing can feel like drag, and some people like it while others prefer a lighter touch.

Term

one pedal driving

One-pedal driving means you can slow the car mostly by lifting your foot off the accelerator. It can feel smooth for some people, but it can also make the car slow more abruptly than you expect.

Brand

Blue Cruise

Blue Cruise is Ford’s system that helps you drive on certain highways with steering and lane keeping. You still need to follow the rules, but it can reduce how much you have to do while driving.

Brand

supercruise

Super Cruise is GM’s driver-assistance feature that can help on highways. The point of mentioning it here is to compare how capable it is compared with Ford’s Blue Cruise.

Brand

Tesla's full self-driving supervised

Tesla has a driver-assistance software package that’s meant to help, but it still expects the driver to stay alert and supervise. Here they’re saying Tesla changed how you pay for it—now it’s a monthly subscription.

Term

plug-in charge

Plug-in charge means you plug the car in and it can start charging automatically. Instead of tapping a card or using an app, the car and charger communicate to begin.

Company

Electrify America

Electrify America runs public fast-charging stations for EVs. The host is saying Ford’s charging network can work with stations from Electrify America too.

Term

NAX adapter

An adapter is used so the car can plug into a charger type it doesn’t directly support. Here, they’re saying you need an adapter to use Tesla’s charging stations.

Term

DC fast charging

DC fast charging is the quickest way to charge most EVs at public stations. It’s great when you’re traveling, but the host says home charging is easier and often costs less.

Term

150 kW

150 kW is how powerful the fast charger can be. More power usually means you can add more charge faster, but the exact time still depends on conditions.

Term

240 volt level 2

Level 2 charging is the typical EV charger you install at home. It uses 240 volts, so it charges faster than a regular outlet and is usually good for overnight charging.

Term

rotary dial

A rotary dial is a round knob you turn to control the car’s screen and settings. The host is saying the new layout is easier to use because that knob isn’t there anymore.

Term

active X material

Active X is a type of seat covering Ford uses instead of real leather. The host is saying it’s not leather, but it still feels supportive.

Term

Sync 4A

Sync 4A is Ford’s in-car screen system that runs apps and controls like music and navigation. The host says it’s easy to use and even has karaoke.

Term

wireless Apple CarPlay

Wireless Apple CarPlay is how you connect your iPhone to the car so you can use apps on the car’s screen without a USB cable. The host is listing it as a convenience feature.

Brand

Bang and Olufsen

Bang and Olufsen makes high-end car audio systems. The host is saying the Mach-E’s 10-speaker setup sounds strong, but not perfect.

Car

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that many people use for everyday driving. The podcast mentions it as a reference point for typical SUV space. If you’re comparing vehicles, it helps you understand what “normal SUV room” usually means.

Car

Honda Crv

CR-V is a common Honda SUV used here as a comparison. The host is basically saying the Mach-E doesn’t have the same roomy back-seat feel.

Term

hatchback

A hatchback is a car where the back door lifts up and opens the cargo area. The host thinks the Mach-E fits that idea better than a typical SUV.

Term

travel charge cord

This is the portable charging cable the car includes so you can plug in to charge. The host is saying it’s stored under the floor and calling out what else is or isn’t included.

Term

tire inflator in sealant kit

Instead of a spare tire, the car may come with a kit that can inflate the tire and add sealant to help you get going after a puncture. The host is noting that this kit costs money and replaces the spare.

Term

cubic feet

Cubic feet is a way to measure how much stuff a space can hold. The host is using it to compare cargo room in the Mach-E with the seats up and down.

Place

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky is where Ford plans to build a future electric vehicle. The host is mentioning it to explain what EVs Ford is making in the U.S. right now versus later.

Term

V8

A V8 is a type of gas engine with eight cylinders. The host is emphasizing that this car is fast and performance-focused even though it doesn’t use a V8 engine.

Term

max take rate

Max take rate is how fast your electric car can pull power from a fast charger. If the charger is capable of more than the car can accept, you won’t charge as quickly as you might expect.

Term

DC fast charge

DC fast charging is the quickest way to recharge an electric car at public stations. It uses a special kind of electricity so the car can take in power faster than at home.

LIVE

Welcome to the fun-filled, sun-filled Pacific Northwest. Perfect weather for testing a powerful

performance all-wheel-drive electric vehicle, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. Watch these on

your big screen. You can see the raindrops on the lens.

Ford's electric vehicle strategy hasn't gone as planned with the F-150 Lightning being 86

and all, but Mustang Mach-E keeps on keeping on. Purists may sniff that it's not a real Mustang,

but Mach-E outsold the classic coupe by a healthy margin in 2024 and 2025, just saying. In general,

this goes up against Chevy Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID4, and Tesla Model Y.

Mach-E is available in many flavors. This GT is the on-pavement performance choice. It runs with

standard dual-motor all-wheel drive, real enthusiast-grade equipment, and seats that hug-like

mom. It's been a number of years since I've profiled to Mach-E, and in that time, Ford has made

some meaningful changes. It's not resting on its laurels. I'm curious, is this an EV still worth considering?

For 2025, it got a new nose. Plus, the GT's schnaz can now be added to the premium trim, albeit for

$3,000. The transmission selector moves to here, adding utility to the center console. The driver's

display gets graphics changes, and all Mach-E's get a heat pump HVAC system. This is a 2025.

2026's remain much the same, though this molten magenta paint is no longer a thing,

and the frunk becomes a $495 option? That's a pricey plastic bin. This car stickers for $59,500

as tested, including shipping from the plant in Mexico. A 2026 version retails for around

$64,000, but it seems there are always incentives. Haggle hard. GT and rally get the most go power.

Normally, this twin-motor setup makes 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet. As equipped with the $995

performance upgrade, torque rises to 700. Recuperation drag is set in the menu. GT has a

performance tone, though it's subtle. Like most EVs, the transmission is single speed.

The least potent whisper drive mode has plenty of giddy up for everyday motoring. Engage and

unbridled sharpen the driving experience across the board, including the MagnaRide adaptive dampers

that are now part of a $3,500 performance and handling package in 2026. GT gets Mach-E's largest

lithium-ion battery pack, rated at 91 kilowatt hours. GT's EPA estimated rated range is 280 miles,

compared to Hyundai IONIQ 5N's 221. Unless you have over $300,000 laying around for a Mustang GTD,

this is the fastest Mustang money can buy. Sorry, traditionalists. This will do the 0-60-dash

in 3.3 seconds, according to Ford.

Gobs of low-end torque, that's what EVs do really, really well. And dual-motor all-wheel drive,

nice bite off the line.

2024 Mach-E's got a new rear motor that significantly lowers the power reduction that used to happen

over 60 miles an hour. There's an unbridled extended mode that reduces peak power, a smidge,

but delivers more consistent motor performance over longer periods of time. Good for autocrossing.

It also backs off stability and traction control.

Not useful in sloppy stuff like this. GT is available with summer performance tires.

Happy this is wearing all seasons on a day like today. I'll assume the car that did this wasn't.

GT might weigh 5,000 pounds or 2,265 kilos, but it feels as light as 2.5 tons can.

The GT is fun to drive, though I wouldn't say there's tons of feedback coming up through the wheel.

This is an EV, so heavy battery pack in the floor, low center of gravity,

nice, nice, nice. Lots of fun. The MagneRide suspension really keeps this thing buttoned down.

You hit a bump and it just settles down right away. There is a little bit of a springy feel

to the suspension. Not bad, it's just a little bit different.

Many EVs feel the need to reinvent the entire automotive experience, not mocky. The way it

looks, drives, and operates should be familiar to anyone sliding behind the wheel, other than the

sounds that it doesn't make. There's a performance tone. I'm not really hearing much. This is pretty

quiet on the inside. More importantly, it's quiet on the outside, which means it's really

stealthy. You can have a lot of fun. You're not calling attention to yourself. I know people

miss the sound of V8, but there are advantages to silence. Ioniq 5N offers up a variety of

performance tones and simulated gearbox dynamics that go far beyond fake shift points. Quite frankly,

the Hyundai would be speed racer's choice, but its rated range is lower than GTs by 59 miles,

according to Uncle Sam. The EPA rates the GT's range at 280 miles, which I think is a little

optimistic. It's been in the low 40s this week. The trip computer has been saying 220.

20. That's a little pessimistic. I'm seeing an average of around 240, 245 miles before I feel

the need to juice up. Single motor mockies are rated as high as 320 miles. In premium trim,

the standard all-wheel drive is graded at 300. The brake pedal travel feels natural as it transitions

from recuperation to using the highly effective Brembo calipers. Some might appreciate one additional

level of regen drag. I tend to avoid one pedal driving for better control, and it avoids carsick

passengers. On the way out here on the highway, I tested Ford's semi-autonomous driving tech called

Blue Cruise. It's similar to GM's supercruise in that it's truly hands-free, no nannying or

anything like that. It does stuff like automated lane changes now. It's really pretty good. It

does require a subscription, however, Ford does offer you the option of paying for it once,

and it's good for the life of the car. And I like that. You may have heard Tesla's full self-driving

supervised, as it's now known, can't be bought anymore. It's strictly subscription-based now,

99 bucks a month. Ford's Blue Oval Charge Network is a group of providers that supports plug-in

charge, meaning you can pull up to many, like Electrify America, and skip the credit card or

aptedium. Just plug in the terminal handshakes with the vehicle, and juicing commences. No fuss,

no must. This includes Tesla superchargers, though a NAX adapter is needed. It works.

Maki's max commercial DC fast charge rate is 150 kW. That's around 10% to 80% in some 30 minutes.

On the slower side, but kind of a non-issue for those that don't use these often. Plug-in charge

is terrific, but DC fast charging should really be reserved for road tripping, because charging at

home is much more convenient and a lot less expensive. Also, if you can't charge where you

sleep, maybe go with a regular gas car or a hybrid, because EVs aren't for everyone yet.

The real convenience electric vehicles offer is fueling at home. Using 240 volt level 2,

a full charge should take seven to eight hours, you know, overnight.

Theoretically, it means GT can conservatively cover 82,000 miles annually, if charged once

each night, and no oil changes. And it's one of the least efficient Maki's.

Not a whole bunch has changed inside. There are some subtle trim updates and the console's

more usable with the rotary dial gone from here. My opinion, GT's suede materials and aluminum

accents make for the best look in Maki's stable. Personally, I would spring for the $1,900 full

glass roof to brighten up the cabin. Seattle can be dreary. Maki is one of the few EVs offering a

plus this kind of utility down the center. And really, all around the cockpit, there's plenty

of places to stash. Airpods, sunglasses, and anything else needed. Unlike some cars these

days, the door releases work naturally. GT's heated seats covered in active X material,

not real leather, yet extra lateral torso support, the cushions, not as much.

Skinny pilots might have too much wiggle room. These are American sized. Maki runs Ford's

Sync 4A interface. It's pretty straightforward and includes karaoke now. You don't want me

demoing that. A $745 connectivity package adds data for, and I quote, a minimum of seven years.

My issue with large portrait-oriented screens is that functions down low take eyes off the road,

and the voice commands are average, not as good as, say, Android Assistant. There are some hard

buttons. I will always ask for more. Cheap phone charging is a thing, so is wireless Apple CarPlay

and Android Auto. The 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen system is good with punchy sound,

just not awesome. Unlike the Mustang Coupe, Maki is pretty easy to press into family duty,

though the roof line is a little bit low. You have to kind of duck to get into the back seat.

If you're often hauling adults, I am five foot nine. Headroom is decent. Knee and leg room are

adequate. My inseam is 32 inches. Footroom for my size 11's a little bit tight. The cushions

are a smidge low. Thigh support is average, and the door openings don't open, particularly why

getting out is a little cumbersome. Not too bad, though. One thing I'll point out,

this never gets schmutz on it because the door covers it. It always stays clean, and so do your

Levi's. There's storage here, but not on the seat backs. Dang, no separate climate zone back here,

but there are adjustable vents and two charge ports for phones. These are the only cup holders in

back if hydration is important to your clan. The floor is flat, good for footroom, but I would

keep this bench to two passengers, even though there are belts for three. It's usable back here.

Just don't expect the room of a traditional SUV, like RAV4 or CR-V. If you're trying to sell this

to your pragmatic significant other for a performance vehicle, the Maki is pretty darn

practical. Ford calls this an SUV. I call it a hatchback. A detail I like, the security cover,

easy to remove, easy to store. More should be like this. Under here, you'll find the $500

travel charge cord. The Nax adapter is $200. No spare tire, and in salt to injury, the tire

inflator in sealant kit is $145. Starting with 26.6 cubic feet, this would swallow a half dozen

packs of Costco TP. If I were doing that test, no remote releases, it's best to go around the doors

to drop the backs. That opens a respectable 55 cubic feet. No ski pass through for long items,

though. And remember, the now optional frunk could take on a small suitcase.

Until Ford's universal electric vehicle, scheduled to be built in Louisville, Kentucky,

arrives, this is the only EV the company is assembling for the U.S. now. A shame if this

went the way of lightning. I like Maki's design. That's Mustang coupe adjacent. The muscular lines

flow organically over the body. Looking like this was sculpted from clay, not conjured directly

off a digital workstation screen. These might look odd, but darned if they don't work well.

Better than pop out latches. The back is less successful, but hey, most people drive alone,

right? And a shout out to Ford for the rear wiper. Worked great during a very wet week.

GT is also available in California special trim with a navy interior colorway. Oh,

and like Mustang coupe, many don't realize that there's no blue Ford oval on the Maki.

The logo's there, one in monochrome. Lots and lots of ponies, though.

Summing this up, pros. The GT is fast and fun to drive. Like all Maki's, it looks great and

it's practical. The user interface is above average, and there's a normalcy about the Maki

that most EVs don't have. Of course, no car is perfect, and I find the back seat a little bit

tight. With the GT's extra performance means a loss of range, of course. And if you travel a lot

in DC fast charge, 150 kilowatts max take rate, that's a bit on the low side these days. Also,

I strongly suggest looking at the Ioniq 5N from Hyundai. It's a blast to drive, or a used Porsche

Tycon can be had for about the same price as a new Mustang Maki GT. I know this from experience.

I'm on all the major social media platforms. Check me out there. And if you have a question,

leave it in the comments, okay? Because I am very good about answering the legitimate one.

Also, my followers are quite good too. They answer questions. Check it out. It's a great community.

Really. That's Driven. I'm Tom Volk.

0:00

15:51

Ford Mach-E GT

Ford Mach-E GT

Original notes