Profeprods
Member
- First Name
- Eric
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2021
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 46
- Location
- Seattle WA
- Vehicles
- 2021 Mach-E Select AWD
- Occupation
- College Professor
- Thread starter
- #1
This forum has been a valuable resource for me so I figured it's time for me to contribute something to the convo. I have had my Mach-E for 3 weeks now. Please allow me a moment to share my 1st impressions.
First, though, a quick look at my buying process:
So, when I located a Carbonized Gray AWD Select Trim at a local Ford Dealer, I was forced to reflect on what I really wanted from my Mustang Mach-E. I live in the Seattle area so AWD was a non-negotiable. But, what about the things I would be missing if I went "down" to the Select trim as opposed to Premium?
My 2014 Fusion was fully loaded (premium sound system, sunroof, heated seats, etc.) but I came to realized that I honestly didn't need all of that. So, I went to the dealer to check out the MME they had available. Man o man: I knew it was "the one" as soon as I laid eyes. Y'all know exactly what I am talking about!
(True story: I sent a pic of the MME to my wife and her text back to me was: "Oh my... That car is f*cking hott!").
Sold.
So, with the backstory now in place, here are my Mustang Mach-E observations after 3 weeks:
First, though, a quick look at my buying process:
- I test drove a Mustang Mach-E (MME) in late August 2021 and immediately decided to place an order.
- My vehicle at the time was a Carbonized Gray Titanium trim 2014 Ford Fusion Energi so I ordered the Premium MME--eAWD Extended Range Dark Matter Gray
- Concurrent to all of this, I had already secured a pre-approval from my bank, so I gave myself 30 days to search for a local, in-stock MME.
So, when I located a Carbonized Gray AWD Select Trim at a local Ford Dealer, I was forced to reflect on what I really wanted from my Mustang Mach-E. I live in the Seattle area so AWD was a non-negotiable. But, what about the things I would be missing if I went "down" to the Select trim as opposed to Premium?
My 2014 Fusion was fully loaded (premium sound system, sunroof, heated seats, etc.) but I came to realized that I honestly didn't need all of that. So, I went to the dealer to check out the MME they had available. Man o man: I knew it was "the one" as soon as I laid eyes. Y'all know exactly what I am talking about!
(True story: I sent a pic of the MME to my wife and her text back to me was: "Oh my... That car is f*cking hott!").
Sold.
So, with the backstory now in place, here are my Mustang Mach-E observations after 3 weeks:
- Select vs Premium, Part 1
For those debating between models, I would say this: I was used to the ambient lighting so initially there was a bit of culture shock. But, honestly, I bought a couple of ice blue mini LED (USB) plug-ins for $12 and got over it real quick. I never used the heated seats in my Fusion but my wife hates being cold so I just pre-condition the MME before we head out. Problem solved. The panoramic roof was never a deal-maker for me. It just wasn't. The black interior of the Select trim feels airy and roomy inside--and I am 6 feet tall. No issue at all not having a clear roof above me. Lastly, I honestly never think about the folding mirrors or automatic lift gate that I might have had with the Premium MME trim.
Oh, and by the way: The premium rims are pretty amazing and all, but I actually prefer the look of the aluminum wheels on the Select trim. Yes. Really.
Part of that is because my MME body color is carbonized gray--so it's a direct match to the color of the aluminum covers.
- Select vs Premium, Part 2
The biggest fear I had about going with the Select vs Premium involved two (2) key features: the 10 speaker B&O audio system and the Blue Cruise prep package.
So, are there differences in the stereos? Yes. But, to me it's not a deal-breaker by any stretch. The basic 6 speaker set up sounds great.
(Note: I experienced the 10 speaker set up when I did my test drive and I am an audiophile by design--Airpods Max headphones, Bose speakers at home, etc).
Sure, if you listen to a lot of bass heavy music, you will notice that absence of a subwoofer. But, if you listen to jazz or soul or rock, you will not be disappointed with the Select Trim. It's a nice sound profile. The highs are crisp and the separation is excellent. Enough bass response to fill the interior--NOT a booming reverberating thump but... it's fine at normal listening levels.
Apple Music via CarPlay is very good and the sound quality of Sirius XM Radio is way above average in the MME.
As for BlueCruise et al... I am super curious about self-driving options in cars but, I am not one who would really ever use that feature very much. The adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance in the MME are exceptional. The MME gives you a gentle nudge to keep you centered, whereas my wife's car (2020 Hyundai Tucson Sport) jerks you back to center abruptly. All of the other safety features in the MME work great as well. In sum, "only" having Ford Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 in my Select trim is actually more than enough. If you really want BlueCruise and Active Park Assist 2.0, then, yeah, you will need to jump to another MME model.
- Home Charging
I am only using Level 1 charging (i.e. a standard 120V AC plug) with my Mach-E. I am in a townhouse built in such a way that structural limitations prevent us from upgrading to a 240V Level 2 charging option at this time. The good news is that topping off the Mach-E at night has been easy with just Level 1. Part of that is because the AWD Select Trim only has a standard range battery. My current range estimate is 232 miles--and that is with Fordpass set at 90% Max Charge Level. So, "only" is kinda a misnomer. I am very happy with the range I am getting with the standard battery. And, if you are like me, the cost difference between standard and extended range was something that I thought long and hard about. Real world results so far have been better than the EPA estimate. - Public Charging
Level 1 charging at home works for me because my commute is only 10 miles each way and I have Level 2 chargers there at work if needed. My current routine though is to find a DC Fast Charger once I am down below 60% charge. As an example, yesterday it took 23min to go from 58% to 80% (57 miles added). After 80% the DC Charger slows down significantly so I unplugged from EVgo and headed home to plug into my garage (Level 1)... 22hrs later, my MME is topped off (63 miles added). All good. Full Charge and ready to go! - Issues and Quirks
The only noticeable issue I had was the 15.5 screen going haywire on me one night last week. It reminded me of my iPhone flipping out so I figured it just needed a reset. I found instructions here online and things have been great since I did a hard reset. Quirks? Well, the FordPass app is a little bit buggy--meaning you have to do a pull-down refresh or exit the app altogether in order to get up to date charging data, etc. It's relatively new software on a 1st generation EV from Ford so I fully expected some tech glitches here and there. We are early adopters, folks. It comes with this.
- Random Thoughts
Accessories: As noted above, I bought some LED lights to add on demand ambient color to the cabin at night. Additionally, I found some custom fit rubberized cargo and floor mats online for $115 and $138 respectively. They add protection from rain/snow/dirt while also bumping up the Mach-E branding. The generic floor mats that come with the MME are just ok so I wanted to upgrade a bit.
Driving Modes: Whisper is great for slippery roads; Engage feels like "normal" driving; and, Unbridled is fast and fun! (Tighter steering in Unbridled). One pedal driving took a little getting used to but I am a pro at it now! It's second nature at this point. And I leave it on full time.
Apple CarPlay: works seamlessly and wirelessly. You will instantly feel safer not having to look down or otherwise pick up your phone to read or respond to a text. Siri just reads it to you. It's awesome.
Positive public reaction: People love this car!!! It really stands out. Be ready for the head turns and being delayed in the parking lot: Folks have lots of questions or just want to take a peek inside.
Other public reactions: I live in and amongst a sea of Teslas ? so EV cars are embraced here in my circle of everyday life. I haven't had any negative "that ain't a real Mustang" encounters but I understand that some folks here in this forum are dealing with petty people. Not cool. Sorry you have to deal with that BS.
My AWD Select trim is 0-60 in 5.2secs or so, right? Well, it sure is fast like a "real Mustang." And, having owned a (base model, 5 speed) 1995 Mustang back in the day, I can say with confidence that it handles like a Mustang and is hella fun to drive--like a Mustang!
In closing... I think the MME is a perfect option for active people like me who want to throw their baseball gear or golf clubs into the cargo area of a sporty and downright handsome vehicle. It's super quick off the line and fast when you need to merge or pass people on the freeway. The Mach-E is definitely a Mustang in my opinion, but I understand the purists. The MME is not for everyone. I get it.
But, for me, personally, the Mustang Mach-E is easily the best car I have ever owned. No doubt. Better than expected (so far)--and I held unreasonably high hopes coming into this journey! ?
Last edited: