Ace of Base: Ford Mustang Mach-E Select

How much content can we milk out of the new Mustang Mach-E? Plenty, as it turns out.

When this EV hits the streets next year, it’ll be offered in several different trims. By definition, there must be a base model, right? Absolutely. And, in this case, it is called the Select (cue raging Lincoln loyalists). This post isn’t to acquit the Mach-E or Ford’s decision to call the thing a Mustang. Rather, it’s to see if the cheapest version has enough equipment to warrant a look when it shows up in a few months.

The entry-level Select currently has an MSRP of $43,895. We say currently not simply because we cannot pass up an electricity-related joke but also because that price may waffle a bit between now and the car’s introduction. Note well: the more expensive models will appear first, with this Select trim not showing up until early 2021. Why? Because profits, of course.

It’s not as if the Select is wanting for features. Like its more expensive brothers, it comes with the Tesla-esque 15.5-inch jumbotron touchscreen, giant 10.2-inch digital cluster, and all manner of driving aids in the form of Ford’s CoPilot 360. And in a move certain to enrage Luddites across the nation, the company’s Phone As A Key functionality is standard, as well.

Its standard-range battery is estimated to provide 230 miles of range, short of the much-touted and Tesla-competitive 300 miles, but still more than enough to handle the commute of most drivers. Power is estimated to be in the 255 horsepower range, allowing the Mach-E Select to scamper to 60 mph from rest in about 6.3 seconds. At this price, all power is funnelled through the rear wheels; all-wheel drive is a $2,700 proposition here.

Henry Ford would be proud, as any color off the greyscale is an extra charge item. Shadow Black is shown here. Rapid Red and Infinite Blue are $400, while a metallic white adds $600 to the note. There is no panoramic fixed-glass roof on the Select, which is fine by your author. The absence of power folding mirrors and memory functions for the power seats is an oddity.

Bumping up to other trims brings more power and range, depending on one’s selection. The high-po GT that’s getting all the press (thanks to its estimated sub-four second 0-60 time) is listed at $60,500. The long-range California Route 1 trim delivers the magic 300 mile number but will start at $52,400.

It’s worth noting that a perusal of Ford’s other wares reveals a mid-level Explorer Limited bearing a sticker of $48,130 yet devoid of big touchscreens and other features in comparison (a base rear-drive, cloth-trimmed Explorer XLT is $36,675). Someone will surely point out that the gas-powered Explorer’s range is much more than 230 miles.

Regardless of what one thinks of Ford’s naming conventions, there’s an argument to be made that the entry-level Mach-E might very well be the best steed of the breed. We won’t know until we try one next year.

[Images: Ford]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments and feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and priced in American Dollars. Your dealer may sell for less.