Ford's new Mustang is an electric SUV
Ford unveiled an electric Mustang SUV called the Mach-E. With up to 300 miles of range, and a price tag that starts at $43,895 before incentives, the company’s first mass-market EV looks like it will be a popular premium electric option when it goes on sale in late 2020.
Called the Ford Mustang Mach-E, it's a fully electric crossover SUV that will wear the Mustang's chrome pony.
Ford has apparently learned from brands like Porsche, Lamborghini and Jeep that even ardent fans will forgive the use of a brand name on a once-unthinkable type of vehicle. That's as long as the new vehicle maintains some core aspects of the original and as long as the original vehicle that made the brand carries on as well.
For instance, Porsche fans were once outraged by the Cayenne SUV. But because Porsche still makes sports cars like the 911 and the Cayenne can credibly claim to be "the Porsche of SUVs," the brand remains strong. Likewise, Jeep has been able to make crossover SUVs that will rarely leave pavement as long as those crossovers are available in tough "Trail Rated" versions and Jeep keeps making the ultra-rugged Wrangler.
Much remains unknown about the Mustang Mach-E, but Ford could ease concerns over the choice of names by ensuring that it offers performance that lives up to the Mustang name.
"It's a risky move, as slapping the badge on a futuristic, emission-free, sport-utility vehicle is about the last thing that Mustang loyalists are expecting," said Michael Harley, executive editor at Kelley Blue Book. "If the vehicle is outstanding and well-received, Ford will win big. If it falls short, the company will have another Edsel on its hands."
There is no sign that Ford will stop producing the Mustang coupe, which is certainly the automaker's most iconic model worldwide. Ford recently introduced the Shelby GT500, a supercharged 760-horsepower Mustang that is the most powerful factory-produced car the company has ever made.
Once the Mustang Mach-E is revealed Sunday night, interested customers will be able to immediately log onto a website and place a refundable $500 deposit toward purchasing it. Ford will start taking actual orders for the crossover SUV next year.
Ford has apparently learned from brands like Porsche, Lamborghini and Jeep that even ardent fans will forgive the use of a brand name on a once-unthinkable type of vehicle. That's as long as the new vehicle maintains some core aspects of the original and as long as the original vehicle that made the brand carries on as well.
For instance, Porsche fans were once outraged by the Cayenne SUV. But because Porsche still makes sports cars like the 911 and the Cayenne can credibly claim to be "the Porsche of SUVs," the brand remains strong. Likewise, Jeep has been able to make crossover SUVs that will rarely leave pavement as long as those crossovers are available in tough "Trail Rated" versions and Jeep keeps making the ultra-rugged Wrangler.
Much remains unknown about the Mustang Mach-E, but Ford could ease concerns over the choice of names by ensuring that it offers performance that lives up to the Mustang name.
"It's a risky move, as slapping the badge on a futuristic, emission-free, sport-utility vehicle is about the last thing that Mustang loyalists are expecting," said Michael Harley, executive editor at Kelley Blue Book. "If the vehicle is outstanding and well-received, Ford will win big. If it falls short, the company will have another Edsel on its hands."
There is no sign that Ford will stop producing the Mustang coupe, which is certainly the automaker's most iconic model worldwide. Ford recently introduced the Shelby GT500, a supercharged 760-horsepower Mustang that is the most powerful factory-produced car the company has ever made.
Once the Mustang Mach-E is revealed Sunday night, interested customers will be able to immediately log onto a website and place a refundable $500 deposit toward purchasing it. Ford will start taking actual orders for the crossover SUV next year.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
