Ford’s Uncanny Rally Takes The Mustang Mach-E In A Bold New Direction

The Mustang Mach-E has garnered plenty of attention for its unique blend of all-electric performance and style, but the introduction of an off-road trim might have caught some longtime Ford fans a little off-guard. While the new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally might seem to come straight out of left field, it actually makes a lot of sense when you consider Ford’s history of off-road performance. Ford is one of just three automakers currently competing in the World Rally Championship––commonly cited as the sport’s biggest stage––with the Ford Fiesta WRC powering French driver Sébastien Ogier to back-to-back driver’s championships in 2017 and 2018 and earning Ford a manufacturer’s championship in 2017.

Ford is now bringing that off-road expertise to the EV segment with the introduction of the Mach-E Rally, transforming the compact crossover into a well-rounded adventure vehicle inspired by iconic Ford rally cars like the Fiesta WRC and Focus RS WRC.

So what makes the Mustang Mach-E Rally such a notable addition to the lineup, and how sturdy is the new off-road-focused model? We’ll take a closer look at the Rally’s development, performance, and styling credentials and see if it can possibly live up to the hype.

A Dedication to Development

When the Ford Mustang Mach-E first debuted in 2021, it was the range-topping GT Performance Edition that generated the most excitement. Producing 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque in addition to speeding from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds thanks to its dual electric motor setup, the GT Performance Edition served to showcase the myriad advantages of the new EV approach. It’s this GT Performance Edition that serves as the base for the new Rally trim, though Ford has made some important upgrades that should make all the difference when venturing off-road. While the 2024 Rally delivers the same horsepower as the 2021 GT Performance Edition, Ford has tuned the engine to up the torque to 700 lb-ft. This should help the Mach-E power through loose surfaces and maximize traction, which are both important factors when it comes to off-road driving.

While making a few minor upgrades and slapping an “off-road” badge on crossover SUVs has become all the rage in today’s market, Ford put the Mach-E Rally through its paces by building a dedicated rallycross course at its Michigan Proving Grounds. Designed by a team of experienced rallycross drivers, the course simulates the real-world rigors of off-road driving in an effort to make sure the new Mach-E can live up to its Rally designation. The new course allowed Ford to subject the Rally to a 500-combined mile test drive, giving engineers and technicians a chance to gauge both the performance and durability of the off-road EV.

Off-Road Upgrades

The Rally’s souped-up powertrain is an essential addition to the formula, but it’s far from the only upgrade that makes this the most versatile member of the Mach-E lineup. With so much torque under the hood, stopping power becomes even more critical, which is why it’s so nice to see Ford outfit the Rally with 385mm front rotors and red Brembo brake calipers. The rotors are larger than those found on the standard Mach-E, but they’re just one of the components that can help bring the Rally to a complete stop. The SUV’s EV powertrain opens the door to a novel one-pedal driving mode that’s become increasingly popular on today’s all-electric vehicles. The system essentially allows drivers to use a single pedal to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle, with the electric motors kicking into reverse to provide brake-like resistance as soon as you lift your foot off the pedal. This feature should come in particularly handy when navigating obstacle-strewn off-road trails, stop-and-go traffic, or other scenarios where the road demands a little extra attention.

The importance of ground clearance can never be underestimated when it comes to an off-road vehicle, so it’s nice to see the Rally receive a 1-inch suspension lift along with a set of custom-tuned springs. MagneRide shocks create a comfortable ride no matter what kind of terrain you’re riding on by leveraging the power of magnets to tune the shock absorbers in as fast as twenty-thousandths of a second. Instead of employing traditional dampers, the MagneRide shocks use a magnetic fluid composed of a blend of iron particles and synthetic oil. When exposed to a magnetic field, this fluid can change viscosity, providing a stiffer ride or softening as needed.

If there was one performance-related feature to highlight on the Rally, it would have to be the EV’s exclusive RallySport drive mode. Making its debut on the 2024 Mach-E Rally, RallySport tweaks the SUV’s electronic control system to offer the ideal damping and handling for high-speed off-road use. RallySport should allow drivers to achieve longer, more aggressive slides by increasing yaw while adjusting the linear throttle response for more precise control. While this is sure to lead to all sorts of fun in off-road applications, early reviews say it’s just as useful when it comes to navigating slick, snowy, or icy roads.

The Rally might boast an impressive off-road arsenal, but Ford has been realistic about the fact that the crossover will probably spend most of its time navigating paved surfaces rather than rutted backwoods trails. This has led Ford to carefully toe the line between comfort and off-road performance, as illustrated by the Rally’s choice of tires. The rugged Mach-E has been paired with a set of 19-inch Oxford White Wheels with Michelin CrossClimate2 A/S Performance Tires, which are designed to adapt to a variety of terrains and road conditions with extra-tall sidewalls that provide increased comfort and impact protection. They might not be the knobby, deep-treaded tires you’ll find on some dedicated off-road models like the Raptor or Tremor trims for the F-150, Bronco, and Ranger, but they strike a great balance that will let drivers confidently navigate their local trails while maximizing comfort and efficiency on the asphalt.

Ford has also outfitted the Rally with an extended-range 91-kWh battery, which can attain an EPA-estimated range of 265 miles on a single charge. Speaking of charging, the Rally does it faster than most. The crossover can fast-charge at a rate of up to 150kW and bring the battery from 10 to 80 percent in a little over 36 minutes––a modest but much-appreciated improvement over the standard-range Mach-E’s 45 minutes. If you feel like sitting back and letting someone else take the wheel, the Rally comes standard with a 90-day trial of Ford’s BlueCruise’s hands-free driver assistant system, complete with lane-change assistance and lane repositioning.

Rally-Ready Looks

Not only does the Rally have all the heavy-duty off-road equipment needed to succeed on the road less traveled, but it also looks the part. The EV takes its design inspiration from the Focus RS, sporting a full suite of sporty components that wouldn’t look out of place at a WRC event. It all starts at the front with an overhauled fascia with round, rally-inspired fog lights. A new front splitter will improve the EV’s handling and stability, while a rear wing serves as the Rally’s clearest homage to the Focus RS. The crossover’s black-painted roof and contrast stripes set the Rally apart from the rest of the Mach-E lineup, though it does mean that the trim misses out on the panoramic glass roof found on other higher-end models.

While these design flourishes go a long way towards distinguishing the Rally as a decidedly different take on the Mach-E, the EV’s unmistakable 19-inch wheels are the clearest indication you’re not dealing with a garden-variety model. The gloss white alloy wheels are sure to turn some heads, especially for any WRC fans who are sure to be reminded of the wheels sported by rally legend Colin McRae’s Focus WRC. Then, there are the features that are more focused on function over form. The Rally is built with a full complement of skid plates to protect the two electric motors, as well as robust cladding for the wheel arches and available mud flaps that should help reduce the small dings and chips that can come with off-road use.

The Rally is just as sporty on the inside as on the exterior, with a cabin that includes gloss-white dashboard accents and doors with eye-catching contrast stitching. The driver’s seat has been specially designed by Ford’s performance division and is seamlessly linked to the rest of the interior by gloss white seatbacks and Mach-E Rally embossing. Drivers can opt for more subtle exterior hues like Shadow Black, Star White Metallic, and the new Glacier Gray Metallic or immediately set their ride apart by opting for one of the sportier options like Grabber Blue Metallic, Eruption Green Metallic, and Grabber Yellow.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally represents a bold new take on an already enterprising model. Boasting nearly 500 hp, upsized brake rotors, and a vital suspension lift, the new trim allows the crossover to carve through off-road trails while still serving as a comfortable, reliable daily driver. The EV’s new RallySport drive mode ups the fun factor by a considerable margin, allowing drivers to enjoy some dirt-slinging off-road antics ripped straight from a WRC poster.

The EV’s 265-mile range makes the Mach-E a practical choice, but those investing in the range-topping trim are probably more focused on performance and styling. The Rally certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to these two categories, setting itself apart from the rest of the Mach-E lineup with some bold styling choices, color schemes, and rally-inspired wheels. If you’re the type of driver who prioritizes the pure driving experience and you’re seeking a steadfast off-road companion, stop by Kings Ford and test drive the new 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally today.