Exploring the Adventure-Ready 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally
The 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally embodies Ford’s commitment to innovation and performance, mirroring the adventurous spirit found in desert racing vehicles like the F-150 Raptor. Rally driving is a high-octane sport, dominated by audacious individuals who navigate challenging paths at breakneck speeds, relying on their navigators for critical, split-second decisions. While you might lack the experience of rally legends like Michele Mouton or Sebastien Loeb, Ford’s new Mach-E Rally trim allows you to channel some of that adrenaline to the off-road terrain.
Built for Off-Road Adventure
The Mach-E Rally is essentially an enhanced version of the Mach-E GT, featuring modifications designed to improve its performance on dirt and gravel. The car stands taller with a one-inch lift and is fitted with skid plates to shield the front and rear motors. For a better approach angle, the front splitter is subtly modified. Rocker panels come with paint protectors to resist gravel damage, and front recovery hooks are added for those potential off-road mishaps. The large rear spoiler and the striking white rally-inspired 19-inch wheels complete its rugged look.
Impressive Performance Specs
Powering the Mach-E Rally are two electric motors that benefit from Ford’s performance tuning, delivering an impressive 480 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of near-instant torque. Equipped with a 91-kilowatt-hour extended-range battery, the Mach-E Rally offers a range of 265 miles on a full charge—slightly less than the GT’s 280 miles and the Premium trim’s 300 miles. Despite this minor drop, the added capabilities for off-road fun make it a worthwhile trade-off.
On the Track at DirtFish Rally School
Testing the Mach-E Rally at the DirtFish Rally Driving School near Seattle was an exhilarating experience. The Pacific Northwest’s rainy conditions created a slick and challenging course, perfect for putting the vehicle’s features through their paces. Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season tires, while not rally-specific, performed well enough, but serious rally enthusiasts may want to consider specialized non-DOT compliant options for better grip.
Delving into Driving Modes
Initially tackling a small track in Unbridled mode, the sportiest street setting, highlighted the vehicle’s handling on slippery surfaces. Whisper and Engage modes exist but could benefit from more intuitive names—perhaps something straightforward like Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Unbridled mode, while fun, engages traction control a bit too early to curb oversteer, resulting in a slightly restrained experience.
Switching to the larger track and selecting the new RallySport mode revealed the car’s true potential. This mode significantly enhances steering weight and feedback, making it easier to gauge the tires’ grip limits. The traction control is less intrusive, and throttle response is brisk, utilizing mechanical brakes to manage the Mach-E Rally’s considerable 5,000-pound weight before entering a curve.
High-Tech Suspension for Smooth Handling
The MagneRide suspension system is notably impressive. Utilizing magnetic particles that adjust the shock fluid’s viscosity, it stiffens or softens the shock absorbers almost instantaneously. Electronic bump stops further enhance stability by absorbing impacts during intense driving conditions. These features ensure that the Mach-E Rally maintains composure even when navigating ruts or uneven terrain mid-curve.
Realistic Expectations
While the Mach-E Rally is adventure-ready, it shouldn’t be mistaken for a desert race car. Its 5.8-inch ground clearance and suspension travel are better suited for rallycross events and not extreme off-road conditions like desert dunes. It excels in environments where moderate off-roading is necessary and adds significant versatility to an everyday vehicle.
Everyday Comfort and Advanced Tech
For daily commutes, Unbridled mode on pavement is ideal, offering responsive handling without the excessive steering heft of RallySport mode. Standard features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and advanced driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience. A 90-day trial of Ford’s BlueCruise for hands-free driving is also included.
Efficient Charging
The Rally trim supports 150 kW DC fast charging, which can top up the battery from 10% to 80% in about 36 minutes. Home charging is facilitated by an 11.5 kW onboard charger, making overnight charging convenient and efficient.
Market Competitiveness
In a market saturated with electric SUVs, the Mach-E Rally faces stiff competition, most notably from the Tesla Model Y. However, its unique rally-inspired design and off-road capabilities help it stand out. Future competitors like a rally-ready Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or an adventurous Rivian R3 might also inject fresh excitement into this niche.
Starting at just under $62,000, the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally offers a unique blend of everyday utility and off-road excitement. Basic add-ons like paint colors and an extended BlueCruise subscription keep configurations straightforward, making it easy to hit the trails without extensive modifications.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
