A Closer Look at the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s GT Trims and Rally Edition

Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, the Ford Mustang Mache-E has quickly become one of the most thrilling SUVs on the road. Given the compact crossover’s Mustang-inspired styling and heritage, this probably comes as little surprise, with the Mach-E offering the sort of edge-of-your-seat thrills that are sure to make its muscle car namesake proud. The SUV’s entry-level Select trim is a notable bargain at less than $46,000, and the Premium trim offers substantial value that injects a little luxury while staying below the $50,000 mark, but value isn’t usually the first factor drivers consider when they’re searching for a new Mach-E at their local Ford EV dealership in Hudson Valley, NY.^[a]

Those seeking the SUV’s sportiest guise should find an excuse to test drive the 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT. The GT, along with the Rally and GT Performance Edition, represent the Mach-E’s most alluring trim offerings for 2024, allowing drivers to enjoy the sort of performance that defies the model’s modest price and SUV designation. So what’s so special about the GT trim, and what sort of surprises can drivers expect to find behind the wheel? Read on as we explore the 2024 Mustang Mach-E’s GT trims and the new Rally model that brings a little off-road fun into the equation.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

There’s no doubting the Mach-E’s performance credentials, but the entry-level models might leave something to be desired for those seeking that true Mustang feeling. As we said, the SUV’s Select and Premium trims are surprisingly affordable, but the Standard Range battery limits their output to just 266 hp. That number jumps to 290 when opting for the Premium Extended Range pack, but the GT blows both options out of the water with a range-topping 480 hp.

That sort of power allows the GT to speed from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds, though performance does tend to plateau after the first five seconds of hard acceleration. Luckily, Ford has already come up with a unique workaround. To counter the shortfall, the automaker has included an Unbridle mode. In addition to tweaking the SUV’s handling and responsiveness, Unbridle mode also ups acceleration while increasing the EV’s cooling and limiting the motor’s peak output to provide more power over a longer period.

This feature allows drivers to put the pedal to the metal and really put the Mach-E through its paces, but it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the myriad performance benefits, Unbridled Extend mode also comes with a few novel audio-visual features that help to transform the cockpit with ambient orange lights and instrument cluster graphics and a boost to the Mach-E’s simulated engine noise.

Unbridled Extend mode might represent the Mach-E’s most exciting mode, but it’s far from the only offering. Ford has also packed the Mach-E with Whisper mode, which tones down some of the EV’s antics for a slightly more incognito driving experience. Those looking for a middle ground between Whisper and Unbridled Extend will be happy to discover the Mach-E’s Engage mode, which splits the difference with a balanced ride that doesn’t stray too far to either extreme. Like many EVs, the Mach-E also ships with a One Pedal Drive mode, allowing owners to forgo the brake pedal. Simply release the accelerator, and the SUV’s electric motor will flip into reverse, creating enough resistance to slow the vehicle to a complete stop while using the capture power to top off the battery.

In addition to being one of the most powerful Mach-Es on offer, the AWD GT provides a great range with an EPA-estimated 270 miles per charge. All Mach-E models from the Premium trim are equipped with Ford’s new dual-motor eAWD system, an improvement over previous iterations that see the Mach-E outfitted with a primary motor on the rear axle and a supplementary rotor on the front axle. The GT’s eAWD system boasts a larger secondary motor, which goes a long way towards explaining why the trim is so much more powerful than some of the lower offerings, with 134 more hp and an additional 206 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the Mach-E to maintain traction through the corners and maximize its off-the-line acceleration, especially considering the instant torque afforded by the SUV’s all-electric setup.

Naturally, the GT also comes with its fair share of appearance-related upgrades, starting with a dark grille that replaces the featureless front fascia of the standard model with a simulated grille design. Sure, it might not add much in the way of functionality, but it does add a sense of Mustang heritage to the all-electric SUV. 20-inch wheel wrapped in Continental Cross Contact 245/45 all-season tires are paired with red-painted brake calipers for a racy look, while body-colored wheel arch moldings tie the exterior together.

The design-related upgrades also extended to the Mach-E’s interior, where drivers will enjoy Ford’s ActiveX artificial leather seats with Miko-simulated suede inserts and copper accents infusing the SUV’s stitching, stereo speakers, and seat piping. A premium ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and panoramic fixed-glass roof round out the GT’s interior flourishes, setting the flashy apart from the rest of the 2024 Mach-E lineup and making it the perfect pairing for a Sunday drive up to Rhinebeck to check out a local Hudson Valley winery.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition

If the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s GT trim isn’t enough to get your blood pumping, Ford offers an even more souped-up version in the GT Performance Edition. The range-topping package comes with a number of notable upgrades, including an upgraded electric motor that sees the Performance Edition pump out 34 more lb-ft of torque than the GT. With 634 total lb-ft of torque, the Mach-E is a beast off the starting line, at least compared to other SUVs. Given this upgrade, it’s little surprise that the GT Performance Edition is the Mach-E’s speediest iteration, with a 3.5-second zero-to-60-mph time that makes it 0.3 seconds faster than the GT.

One would also assume that the trim’s extra torque would take a toll on the range, and while they’d be correct, it’s not nearly as much as you might think, with the Performance Edition only losing 10 miles when compared to the GT. It can be tough to get a true taste of the SUV’s raw power on public roads, but if you’re looking for an excuse to truly unleash the GT Performance Edition’s potential, we’d recommend signing up for an open track day at Monticello Motor Club or any other local race course.

Elsewhere, Pirelli summer tires give the GT Performance Edition unsurpassed grip, while red Brembo brake calipers help to keep the EV’s considerable power in check. That said, the Performance Edition’s most notable equipment-related upgrade would probably have to be MagneRide. First introduced in the early 2000s in luxury models like the Cadillac Seville, the MagneRide dampers are powered by a magnetic fluid that can change its density quicker than the blink of an eye. This approach allows the Mach-E to offer the best of both worlds regarding ride comfort and handling, rapidly shifting between a soft, relaxing ride and a stiffer setup that’s perfect for cornering.

Of course, the Performance Edition also comes with a few design tweaks that set it apart from the basic GT, including 20-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with high-gloss ebony black-painted pockets, race-inspired fixed-position front row head restraints and an instrument panel with trim-specific aluminum applique. With an MSRP of around $67,000, the Performance Edition manages to thoroughly kit out the Mach-E without putting the SUV outside of most drivers’ price range.^[a]

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Edition

The GT trims might excel when it comes to navigating New York City streets and or cruising upstate along I-87, but given the model’s power and SUV design, there’s no reason to limit the Mach-E to paved surfaces. The EV pairs a powerful all-electric powertrain with the increased ground clearance of an SUV, making it well-suited for a little off-road adventure. Ford has seized on this opportunity for 2024, introducing a new Rally trim for the Mach-E that sees the EV infused with the sort of rugged, athletic performance features that wouldn’t be out of place rounding a World Rally Championship (WRC) track.

With a reported 480 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Rally is actually the most powerful Mach-E on offer for 2024, besting the GT and GT Performance Edition torque ratings by more than 15 lb-ft. Like the GT and GT Performance Edition, this brawny output comes courtesy of two 200-plus hp electric motors mounted on the front and rear axle, which give the Rally the sort of all-wheel drive performance that can make all the difference when you’re navigating the challenging terrain of Ellenville’s 75-acre Northeast Off-Road Adventures (NORA) trails.

While torque is an important factor in any off-road scenario, the Mach-E Rally is no one-trick pony. The off-road SUV also features a number of enhancements to the suspension, including Ford’s MagneRide shocks, off-road-specific springs, and a 0.8-inch lift that gives the model enough ground clearance to tackle obstacle-strewn trails without worry. If your confidence is still a little shaky, have no fear: Ford has also given the Mach-E Rally plenty of underbody protection to protect the drivetrain.

The trim features a full complement of rally-inspired flourishes, including a redesigned front fascia, black-painted roof, contrast stripes, and a rear spoiler that recalls Ford’s retired rally star in the Focus RS. The Mach-E also boasts a number of upgrades designed to keep the SUV looking showroom-fresh no matter how many trails you tackle, including mud flaps and a protective film on the wheel arches and door cladding that goes a long way towards preventing chipped paint from all unavoidable flying rocks, dirt, and debris.

The Rally’s upsized brakes and a front recovery point are par for the course for an off-road model, but Ford has made one unique addition with the inclusion of the all-new RallySport Drive Mode. The system dramatically changes the profile of the SUV’s electronic traction control system, enabling a more aggressive driving style that’ll put WRC-like slides well within the reach of the average driver. Ford took the Rally’s development seriously, going as far as building a dedicated rally course at its Michigan Proving Ground. Designed by rallycross pros, the course was home to extensive testing that saw Mach-E Rally prototypes subjected to grueling 500-mile endurance tests.

Experience the Next Step in the Mustang’s Evolution

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E might be a departure from its muscle car-inspired namesake, but that’s not necessarily a negative. The original Mustang has achieved legendary status over its 50-plus years on the market — and inspired the creation of the entire pony car segment in the process — but its limited cargo space and price means it’s not always the most sensible option. With the Mustang Mach-E SUV, Ford has struck the perfect balance between performance and practicality, especially when it comes to the high-octane GT and GT Performance Edition models.

Maxing out the EV’s powertrain with two hefty electric motors, the GT models put a little more pep into an already fun ride, giving drivers the chance to get a taste of Mustang performance on every ride. The new Rally trim is another welcomed addition to the Mach-E lineup, giving those with a penchant for off-road fun a new option that’s sure to look good as it comes drifting around the bend.

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.