First Look Review: 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is more than an all-roader

Update (April 10, 2024): Pricing and Specifications revised based on the latest information.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally reveals a new dimension of the Blue Oval’s first electric SUV, targeting drivers who prefer their fun on gravel and dirt roads instead of paved surfaces. The Mustang Mach-E Rally is not a one-off, as Ford has released the rally-inspired EV in the U.S. market, as the SUV’s top-line configuration. Recently, I got a preview of the new Mach-E variant from the nameplate’s MY2024 family, and here are my first impressions of it.

Design

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally has a number of styling and functional mods that make it more adventurous than the regular model. Firstly, there’s a new Grabber Yellow paint option for customers who prefer a bright and funky color, but the unit I saw was the new Glacier Gray color, which looks more attractive because of its subtle sophistication. But that’s just my opinion!

From the photos that were released a few months ago, the Mach-E Rally appeared to have a matt-finish faux grille, so I touched it at the show to confirm, and it was indeed a smooth surface. The most exclusive feature of the Mach-E Rally, in my opinion, is the rally-inspired fog lights built into this surface. I think that the rally-inspired aesthetic just wouldn’t be the same without these lights—just as crucial as the oversized rear spoiler, which takes a page from the Focus RS’s playbook.

I found the steel roof and the exclusion of a panoramic glass roof reassuring in case off-highway escapades go sideways and the car flips. Lastly, I felt the 0.78-inch higher ground clearance and the 19-inch rally-style alloy wheels of Rally trim endow it with a more rugged, SUV-like stance than any previous Mach-E variant I’ve seen.

Interior

I was expecting the ingress and sitting position to be more comfortable in the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally from the slightly raised ground clearance. After trying it out for myself, I can confirm that it indeed delivers on that front, but it’s not a significant difference. I was also curious to see if this adjustment would provide a more commanding view over the hood, and from my experience, it certainly did—offering a marginally clearer perspective of the way ahead.

I like the fact that Ford didn’t go overboard and make the interior styling gaudy. In my opinion, the understated revisions like the “Mach-E Rally” inscription on the performance seats and gloss white color on the seatbacks in the front, along with the gloss white accents on the dash and steering wheel, and the gloss white stitching on the doors give the cabin just the right amount of distinct flair.

Ford’s decision to maintain simplicity in the Mustang Mach-E Rally pays off beyond just aesthetics. It ensures the crossover is as practical for daily use as the standard Mustang Mach-E. They’ve wisely skipped adding a roll cage or removing the air conditioning, acknowledging that this car isn’t meant for professional racing tracks, but rather for everyday drivers who appreciate both performance and comfort. Sitting in the driver’s seat, I found the seats to be supportive and that the headroom was more than adequate. As for under-thigh support, it was adequate.

The Rally trim does have rear seats, meaning it’s good for five adults like every other Mustang Mach-E configuration. Being a six-foot tall person, the first thing that got my attention in the back seat was the headroom, which was ample. Legroom was in good supply, thanks to the car’s long wheelbase, while under-thigh support felt sufficient. Due to the installation of the battery under the floor, I did feel like I was sitting with my knees slightly up. I checked out the cargo area behind the rear seats to see if the space was compromised because of Rally-specific equipment, and I did not see any changes here.

Specifications

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is an AWD electric crossover with two motors that generate 480 horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque, taking the car from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The motors get their energy from a 91 kWh (net) battery pack, estimated to take about 36.2 minutes for a 10-80% DC charging session and the EPA-est. range is 265 miles.

The 19-inch gloss white wheels of the Mustang Mach-E Rally are wrapped in 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tires that give it an appropriate loose surface grip for driving on dirt roads. I noticed that the special tires have more sidewall than the tires of the street performance-focused Mustang Mach-E GT, ready for all the battering that a rally circuit can throw at it.

I also gave the door cladding and fender arches a close inspection, and on touching them, came to know that Ford has applied film to protect the paint from debris that usually comes with spirited driving.

There’s a lot that is expected from this configuration which is equipped with MagneRide Damping System and Brembo front brake calipers. In the special ‘RallySport’ drive mode that allows for increased yaw, enabling bigger slides, and also a linear throttle response to enhance control, as well as more aggressive damping to improve handling when navigating loose corners, this configuration promises to come alive once it leaves the road.

Price

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is priced at USD $59,995 (excl. $1,800 destination charges). It is the most expensive configuration of the 2024 Mach-E range which begins at $39,995 (excl. destination).

TopElectricSUV says

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a fun yet practical EV for customers who regularly drive off the tarmac and onto dirt or gravel roads. The Rally trim, with its modified suspension, additional ground clearance, and capable all-wheel drive, would also be an ideal choice for those who plan to use the Mustang Mach-E in areas where snow-covered terrain is the norm for much of the year.

The Mach-E Rally doesn’t have direct competitors at the moment, but recent spy shots reveal that Hyundai is testing and developing an ‘XRT’ variant for the Ioniq 5, which is expected to be part of the MY2025 family.

Also See: 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze Appearance Package looks distinct in person

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally FAQs