2024 Ford Mustang Mach E Rally: Ultimate In-Depth Guide

Many critics, consumers, and automotive enthusiasts lobbied substantial skepticism at Ford’s decision to release an all-electric crossover SUV under the Mustang nameplate in the fall of 2020. Officially dubbed the Mustang Mach E, this curious crossover served as Ford’s most ambitious attempt at entering the green market to date, at the time of its release.

Though often ridiculed, at least initially, for its use of the “Mustang” moniker, the Mach E has garnered its fair share of popularity over the past couple of years, even coming to compete with the likes of Tesla. Now, in an even less predictable move, Ford has issued a high-performance rally-inspired Mach E, capable of powering through terrain not yet conquered by any hybrid or electric vehicle.

The 2024 Mustang Mach E Rally has certainly left many scratching their heads, in an odd state of impressed bewilderment. After all 480 horsepower is no less impressive, just because it comes from an all-electric rally wagon that few could have predicted. As such, many are left wondering if this is Ford’s ultimate way of flexing their all-powerful, yet admittedly greener muscle.

Via Top Gear

Background & History

Ford, like many domestic automakers, has pledged its dedication toward an all-electric future, and continual shift toward the use of greener technologies. After watching billions of dollars worth of EV battery plants spring up around the country on Ford’s behalf, this is a mission that few could argue that Ford is not passionate about.

However, perhaps the most significant sign of Ford’s dedication toward a greener future came in 2019, when the company first debuted their all-electric concept, known simply as the Mustang Mach E. The Mach E would eventually enter production in December of 2020, as the 2021 model, before being renewed for ongoing production ever since.

Since its inception, the Mach E has undergone little in the way of major modification or revision. Instead, it appears that Ford has placed most of its time and attention into engineering the ultimate proof of concept for its EV program. In a somewhat perplexing turn of events, Ford announced the impending release of an off-road capable EV known as the Mach E Rally at the July 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Now officially in production, the Mustang Mach E Rally, sports noticeable rally-esque features, such as a moderate lift, and roof-mounted spoiler. Even more noteworthy, is the Rally’s performance metrics, which are largely impressive across the board. With 480 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque on tap, there is plenty for the avid performance junky to find favor in.

Via Ford

Build Details & Features

The Mustang Mach-E Rally proves to be a capable beast, intent upon dominating rather unconventional terrain for an EV. The Rally exhibits an equal mix of upgraded performance and ruggedized features, making Ford’s latest creation impressively capable under a wide array of conditions. The all-electric rally wagon even features a RallySport drive mode, so chosen to enhance off-road performance.

The Mach E utilizes an upgraded rear motor, making additional performance gains possible over prior GT production. In total, the Mach E Rally churns out 480 horsepower, and 650 lb-ft of torque between its front and rear drive motors. Maximum power limitations have also been lifted in lew of Rally production, allowing maximum power delivery from the vehicle’s 91-kWh battery to be sustained for longer than the 5-second interval previously specified during earlier production.

All considered, the Mach-E Rally is quite quick, especially off the line, achieving output rivaling anything currently offered within the Mustang stable. In fact, the Mach E Rally posts a 0-60 MPH time of just 3.5 seconds, due in large part to its unequivocal torque values.

The Mach E Rally also features a host of additional tech, aimed at making it trail-worthy. Some of the most notable of these include the addition of a 0.8” lift, and the implementation of reinforced under-cladding intended to weather significant abuse. The Mach E Rally also comes equipped with production-specific springs and MagneRide adaptive shocks, to provide a more Rally-worthy ride.

Via Car Buzz

A stickler for fine detail, Ford spared no expense when engineering the Mach E Rally, even when determining the best possible choice of tire. In the end, the automaker decided upon the use of Michelin’s CrossClimate2 tires, specifically designed to provide excellent all-weather handling characteristics. These tires are mounted to a set of 19-inch gloss-white alloy wheels, with high-performance Brembo disk brakes inset.

Externally, the Mach E Rally showcases a host of sporty trim, intended to convey its trail-rich persona. Aggressively skirted body panels are in full play here, as is a rear-mounted spoiler reminiscent of that featured on the earlier Focus RS. The addition of fully functional inset fog lights and over-the-top racing stripes round out the Mach E Rally’s look.

A Mission To Silence Skepticism?

Via Electrified

While Ford’s execution at producing a rally-worthy EV is not in question, its purpose for feeling compelled to do so certainly is. Why earmark such a lofty array of resources for building a battery-powered Rally wagon, especially under the “Mustang” moniker? Is Ford attempting to justify its EV prowess, or simply move away from using straightline performance as the metric by which its performance vehicles are measured?

To be fair, this is not Ford’s first foray into the Rally scene, though it still serves as a relatively new ground for Ford vehicles to carry the Mustang nameplate. The automaker has delved headlong into the rally scene during past endeavors, most notably including a number of rally-derived Focus spin-offs. Therefore, one can see how the Mach-E found its way into this sub-genre, as the model itself has historically had little in common with its Mustang namesake, and more to do with next-gen EV-inspired performance.

Touching on the matter, Mach E Chief Engineer, Donna Dickson had the following to say. “Just a year ago, this was merely an idea, and what you see today is a testament to the passion and intense creativity of our Model E team. We have always explored new areas of performance, and the combination of a rally-tuned suspension, dual motor electric powertrain, and wicked styling makes the Mustang Mach-E Rally a different kind of performance vehicle that will excite customers chasing their next adventure.”

With this in mind, one can most likely conclude that the Mustang Mach E serves as the teenage equivalent of a production vehicle, searching frantically for its identity. Whether or not this particular attempt at forging an identity all its own is yet to be seen. However, most would agree that the byproduct of such efforts is relatively intriguing and newsworthy nonetheless.

2024 Mustang Mach E Rally Specs At a Glance

Horsepower	480 horsepower
Torque	650 lb-ft of torque
Range	250 miles
0-60 MPH	3.5 seconds
Top Speed	Estimated 124 mph
Weight	4,920 lbs
Base Price	Starting at approximately $65,000.00