Unleashing the Rally Spirit: The 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally
Rally racing has always captivated the hearts of adventure-seeking drivers, pushing them to the limits of audacity. Ford recognizes this spirit and has tapped into the rally racing scene with the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally. While you may not be as daring as famous rally drivers like Michele Mouton or Sebastien Loeb, Ford offers you the opportunity to experience the thrill of off-road driving with their latest Mach-E trim.
To make the Mach-E GT dirt-worthy, Ford has made a few modifications for the Rally trim. It features a one-inch lift, skid plates to protect the front and rear motors, and a modified front splitter for a better approach angle. The Rally trim also boasts a front recovery hook, paint protector on the rocker panels to defend against gravel damage, a larger rear spoiler, and eye-catching 19-inch white rally-inspired wheels.
Under the hood, the Rally trim packs a punch. It is equipped with Ford’s Performance Upgrade, which boosts its two electric motors to produce an impressive 480 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of nearly instantaneous torque. The extended-range battery provides 91 kilowatt-hours of power, although the range on a full charge is slightly reduced compared to other trims, offering 265 miles compared to the GT’s 280 miles or the Premium trim’s 300 miles. Nevertheless, sacrificing a bit of range is well worth it when you consider the sheer fun this trim delivers.
Getting the chance to test drive the Mach-E Rally at the DirtFish Rally driving school near Seattle in the Pacific Northwest, I quickly realized that tires play a critical role in off-road performance. Ford has equipped the Rally trim with Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season tires, striking a balance between range and traction. While these tires get the job done, those looking for a more exhilarating dirt and gravel experience may want to consider rally-specific tires that are not DOT-compliant.
Starting off on a small course with the car in Unbridled mode, the sportiest street mode available, I found that the traction control kept oversteer in check on the slippery surface. However, the steering felt a bit loose, and the torque delivery wasn’t as instantaneous as desired. It was enjoyable, but not quite as thrilling as anticipated.
Moving to a larger track and selecting the new RallySport mode, the experience became more exhilarating. The steering became heftier, providing better feedback. RallySport mode allows for a more engaging driving experience, with less intervention from the traction control system. Notably, there is no lift-off throttle brake regeneration, meaning I had to rely on mechanical brakes to slow down before a turn.
While cornering in the Mach-E Rally, braking earlier than desired was necessary due to its weight. Slowing down and transferring weight to the front end helped prevent understeering. However, the real excitement happened on corner exit. RallySport mode allowed the torque to kick in quickly and consistently, thanks to the single-speed transmission. This meant continuous power delivery without any shifting or turbo lag, enabling me to accelerate out of turns with confidence. With a bit of countersteering and patience, I was able to keep the Mach-E from spinning out completely.
The MagneRide suspension system also deserves praise for its performance. These shocks utilize magnetic particles that can adjust the viscosity of the shock fluid within milliseconds. In RallySport mode, they even feature electronic bump stops to absorb high-impact events during extreme driving maneuvers. This technology allowed me to maintain stability even when encountering ruts mid-turn.
However, it’s important to note that the Mach-E Rally is not designed for desert racing. With a minimum running ground clearance of just 5.8 inches, it lacks the necessary ground clearance and suspension travel to handle challenging terrains. While it may be enjoyable on soft sand, it’s easy to get high-centered on dunes. Instead, the Mach-E Rally is perfect for those who want to take their daily driver to a rallycross event occasionally.
Driving the Mach-E Rally on pavement is best experienced in Unbridled mode, as RallySport mode’s heavier steering is better suited for off-road adventures. The all-season tires perform admirably on wet pavement, keeping the car planted and secure even during heavy rain. The standard heated front seats and steering wheel add a touch of comfort to the daily commute. Advanced drivers’ aids, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, make commuting easier and safer. Moreover, the Rally trim comes with a 90-day trial of Ford’s BlueCruise technology, allowing for hands-free driving and auto-lane changes with the driver’s indication.
Amidst the exhilaration of driving the Mach-E Rally on the DirtFish course, considering energy usage may not be a top priority. However, it’s worth noting that the Mach-E Rally can accept a DC fast charge of 150 kW, allowing for a charge from 10% to 80% in 36 minutes. For home charging, the 11.5-kW onboard charger is quick enough to fully charge the battery overnight.
In terms of competition, the Tesla Model Y is the Mach-E Rally’s closest rival. Tesla owners may be the only other drivers seeking adventure on rally tracks. However, with a set of rally tires, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N could provide an exciting race, and the upcoming Rivian R3 might also join the competition. An OEM electric rally race series would truly be a remarkable sight, but for now, we may just have to settle for the occasional Mustang Mach-E Rally with a full roll cage at events like the 100 Acre Wood Rally.
Starting at just under $62,000 including delivery, the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally offers a thrilling and accessible rally experience. With few optional add-ons, such as different paint colors and three years of BlueCruise, the Mach-E Rally provides a straightforward and enjoyable driving experience. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there’s no doubt that the Mach-E Rally will leave a permanent grin on their faces.
