Updated electric Mustang in US first, with NZ cited for 2025.

MUSTANG Mach-E  is adopting a fresh performance upgrade that includes a new electric motor, but not until next year in New Zealand.

The plum elements of a host of upgrades announced in the United States - a new electric motor, more range and faster recharging times - are all likely coming to us.

However, a product range rejig that will introduce the off-road focused Mach E Rally Stateside shouldn’t raise hope.

Ford NZ said today that variant, which sports a large rear wing, a raised ride height and aero wheels, isn’t for this part of the world.

Further upgrades for the MY24 Mach E include subtle improvements to the menu structure and ergonomics of the large 15.5-inch centre touchscreen as well as additional equipment for certain trim levels.

The biggest change is a new rear electric motor which Ford says was “developed in-house by Ford engineers”. 

Available across the range, the new e-motor is lighter than the unit it replaces and delivers “improved torque”, according to Ford.

The new motor enhances range, with the cheapest rear-drive Select model now capable of 402km in US conditions while a mid-spec Premium trim level, which uses the larger extended-range battery, is rated at 515km.

Those range estimates will look lower than those currently cited for NZ-market product here presently, but that’s because a different test is used.

The figures Ford North America shared are based on the US-focused EPA cycle. NZ ranges typically use euro WLTP figures, which are around 22 percent higher.

Improved DC charging times are also part of the upgrade, with Ford claiming wait times have been slashed by up to 20 percent. Models with the bigger extended range battery can now achieve a 10-80 percent charge in 36 minutes, whereas the current types require almost an hour.

Cars with the standard battery will complete a 10-80 percent charge in just over 32 minutes, a six minute saving.

In North America, Mach E owners can now make use of the extensive Tesla Supercharger network to recharge their cars. 

Ford has also added new features via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to help drivers there find more efficient routes and locate public chargers.

Ford has previously offered a flagship Mach E GT Performance in the US. That performance type has been retired and the will instead be offered as part of an upgrade pack for the Mach E GT.

The Performance Upgrade pack brings a 135Nm boost to the GT’s total output. 

Ford claims the car in this ultimate state will hit 0-100kmh in 3.3 seconds, which is quicker than both the Telsa Model Y Performance and Porsche Macan 4 Electric, and cover the quarter mile in 11.8s at 183kmh.