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2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Electrifying the Dirt Track

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Electrifying the Dirt Track 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Electrifying the Dirt Track

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, an electric SUV inspired by the legendary Mustang performance car, is expanding its lineup. Introduced in 2021, the Mach-E faces increasing competition from rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Chevrolet Blazer EV. For 2024, Ford’s answer isn’t a redesign, but a thrilling new variant: the Rally, built for dirt-road adventures. With a raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and a powerful dual-motor powertrain, the Mach-E Rally aims to blend suburban practicality with off-road capability, starting at just over $60,000.

Design and Off-Road Readiness

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally front view.2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally front view.

The Mach-E’s Mustang-inspired styling translates surprisingly well to the Rally, despite the Mustang’s on-road heritage. While Ford boasts a rich rallying history with models like the Escort, Focus, and RS200, the Mustang is known for pavement performance. However, the Mach-E Rally embraces its off-road persona with integrated fog lights, distinctive white 19-inch wheels, a prominent front splitter, rear spoiler, and racing stripes. Beyond aesthetics, Ford has equipped the Rally with underbody shielding for motor protection, a one-inch raised ride height, and Michelin CrossClimate2 tires for enhanced traction on loose surfaces.

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2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally driving on dirt.2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally driving on dirt.

While retaining the Mach-E’s sleek profile, the Rally offers competitive headroom and legroom, along with a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk, slightly larger than the Tesla Model Y’s. The interior adopts a minimalist EV aesthetic, highlighted by a large infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Material quality appears commensurate with the price point.

Technology and Infotainment

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally interior.2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally interior.

The 2024 Mach-E continues with the Sync 4A infotainment system, featuring a 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The prominent touchscreen, while visually striking, offers user-friendly functionality, with most tasks achievable through minimal menu navigation. Ford has continuously refined the system through over-the-air (OTA) updates, addressing Bluetooth connectivity and expanding the functionality of the integrated analog knob.

Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Ford’s hands-free highway driving system, BlueCruise 1.3, is available via subscription after a 90-day trial. This updated version focuses on refining system behavior for maximized hands-free driving, with recalibrated software for improved performance on curves and in narrow lanes.

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Performance and Driving Dynamics

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally rear three quarter view.2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally rear three quarter view.

The Mach-E Rally shares its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with the Mach-E GT Performance Upgrade, boasting 480 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, matching the Tesla Model Y Performance.

The Rally Sport drive mode sets this Mach-E apart. Designed for loose surfaces, it relaxes the electronic stability control, allowing for controlled slides and drifts. The mode also provides linear accelerator response for precise control and sportier damping. This playful driving experience is currently unmatched in the EV segment except by the considerably more expensive Rivian.

Range, Charging, and Warranty

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally profile view.2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally profile view.

The Mach-E Rally utilizes a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing an estimated range of 265 miles. While lower than other Mach-E variants, DC fast charging at 150 kilowatts enables a 10% to 80% charge in 32 minutes. Level 2 AC charging takes approximately 10 hours. Ford is enhancing charging convenience with Tesla Supercharger adapters and integrated Intelligent Range route planning with charging stop integration. Apple Maps EV routing is currently supported, with Google Maps integration planned.

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The Mach-E Rally comes with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Conclusion: A Unique Offering in the EV Landscape

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally front three quarter view.2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally front three quarter view.

While the Mach-E Rally’s price point positions it above the base Select and Premium trims, and slightly above the similarly performing Mach-E GT Performance Upgrade, its unique rally-focused driving dynamics offer a distinct experience. Compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y Performance and Kia EV6 GT, the Mach-E Rally carves its own niche. It demonstrates that EVs can be both practical and exhilarating, pushing the boundaries of performance beyond paved roads. The Mach-E Rally not only adds another compelling EV to the market, but also highlights the need for more spaces where drivers can fully explore its capabilities.

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