In Los Angeles and prior to the opening of the LA Auto Show, Ford introduced the Mustang Mach-E, an all-new, all-electric SUV.

When it arrives in late 2020, Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles.

Customers can now visit the Mustang Mach-E reservation site to make a $500 reservation deposit. 

Making its debut in the Mach-E is the next-generation SYNC communications and entertainment system, with a 15.5-inch interface that uses machine learning to learn drivers’ preferences, and will be able to receive over-the-air updates. 

Using Ford’s new all-electric architecture that places batteries inside the underbody, the Mustang Mach-E is designed to maximize SUV space for five passengers and cargo.

Along with its all-new propulsion system, the Mach-E also features a drainable front trunk storage unit. Providing 4.8 cubic feet of storage space, the front trunk is large enough to comfortably store the equivalent of a carryon luggage bag. In addition to the exterior front trunk, the rear trunk offers 29 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats down, the Mach-E has 59.6 cubic feet of space.

The new model also offers Phone As A Key technology, which makes its debut in the Ford brand lineup in Mustang Mach-E. Using Bluetooth, the vehicle can detect customers’ smartphones as they approach, unlocking the Mach-E and allowing them to start driving without getting their phones out of their pockets or using a key fob. 

Mustang Mach-E will be available in both standard-range (75.7 kWh lithium-ion battery) and extended-range (98.8 kWh battery), which has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles in rear-wheel-drive configuration. 

Ford will give customers access to the FordPass Charging Network,which has more than 12,500 charging stations (and more than 35,000 charge plugs) and growing, including DC fast chargers.

Will the public accept an all-electric model with the Mustang badge?

“In the case of the Mustang Mach E, Ford is promising compelling performance and attractive styling that pay proper homage to the Mustang brand,” said Karl Brauer, executive publisher at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. “If that holds true, borrowing Ford’s most iconic name for its new electric SUV won’t cause any damage, and might actually contribute to awareness and sales.”

Said Michael Harley, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book: “It’s an obvious piggyback move, meant to vault this all-new electric vehicle to the celebrated status that has accompanied the brand’s combustion-powered muscle car for more than 50 years. It’s also a risky move, as slapping the badge on a futuristic, emission-free, sport-utility vehicle is about the last thing that Mustang loyalists are expecting. If the vehicle is outstanding and well-received, Ford will win big. If it falls short, the company will have another Edsel on its hands.”