Ford has been busy with incremental updates to its popular Mustang Mach-E and they showed off the 2025 version to journalists this week. Here’s what we saw:
Ford invited us out to Monticello speedway in New York to see the 2025 Mustang Mach-E and drive the Mach-E Rally edition through the dirt (more on that later).
We didn’t get to drive the 2025 Mustang Mach-E but we did get a thorough walk around.
Smaller Frunk/Heat Pump
The biggest upgrade/downgrade here is that the Mach-E now has a heat pump instead of resistance heating. Depending on how well this is integrated into the vehicle’s heating and cooling systems, including batteries and passenger cabin, it should really help the vehicle’s range, especially in extreme temperature climates. Range wasn’t yet available for the 2025s but don’t expect a huge EPA bump here like last year.
Unfortunately, the heat pump system couldn’t be packaged under the existing Mach-E bonnet without taking up some of the frunk space. You’ll recall that Ford did take some pride in creating a 4.8-gallon/36 gallon frunk that could also be drained, allowing for tailgating and other options. Compare the much bigger previous frunk:
Ford told us that the Frunk wasn’t being used as much as they’d envisioned, and a significantly smaller Frunk wouldn’t be a big loss to the typical Mach-E customer.
I’m not sure if the ease of access or the Frunk in general was the issue with use. I know Ford F-150 Frunk is one of its biggest attributes and more convenient Frunks like Rivian and Tesla’s are quite popular with their owners.
I wonder if the packaging for the heat pump could have been done more elegantly to allow for the frunk to keep most of its size or, even better, allowed Ford to make an easier access Frunk that could carry groceries and expand on the drain feature with something like refrigeration options.
Other exterior improvements include a slightly redesigned front end, which you can see above, and new color options, including the grabber yellow, which was only previously available in the Rally edition. Other new colors are Velocity Blue, Desert Tan, and Magenta.
Interior improvements:
Maybe the biggest experience change is moving the gear shifter from the console to the steering column, freeing up some good space in the console and getting rid of the polarizing “dial a gear” interface. Immediately this seems like a big improvement.
On premium models, Ford touted the red stitching used throughout and sport pedals, which certainly dresses up the appearance. Vented seats will also make its way across all premium models.
Ford has also made some improvements to the charging interface which will also be available to previous versions of the Mach-E via software update.
New Ford Connectivity Package
The new Ford Connectivity package includes:
- Wi-Fi® Hotspot: 5G Wi-Fi keeps drivers and their family online and connected while on the road. This can be used for up to 10 personal devices and can extend up to 50 feet from the vehicle, great for camping or tailgating.
- Apps: Access apps via the in-vehicle screen to watch YouTube or sing along to in-vehicle karaoke while parked. Occupants can also stream their favorite audio entertainment apps via Alexa.
- Maps: Access Connected Navigation to get where you need to go, including features such as EV Trip Planner, Predictive Destinations, and Route Guidance.
Finally, BlueCruise 1.5 will be available on 2025 Mustang Mach-Es which will include automatic lane changing. Ford said it will automate up to 50% of lane changing while in Blue Cruise.
The ‘one more thing’ is the starting price which will now be: $36,495 for a base model. Other prices have yet to be published.
Electrek’s take
I like every one of the updates here (except smaller frunk), but I have to wonder if Ford is iterating fast enough to keep up with the competition. Specifically, Tesla’s Model Y seems to be quite competitive, although now its starting price is $8000 more.
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