Skip to main content

Ford gives a peek at rear-end of its new, all-electric Mustang-inspired performance SUV

Ford Motor Company

Ford recently teased its highly anticipated all-electric performance SUV with a photo rendering on the web. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker is known to be working on what appears to be a more affordable Tesla Model X competitor after making the announcement at this year’s Detroit Auto Show in January. Its formula consists of using an all-new, dedicated battery electric vehicle platform (BEV), while boosting performance aspirations over economy.

Recommended Videos

The idea garnered support, that is, until rumors began surfacing that Ford planned to dub the incoming all-electric performance SUV as the new “Mach 1.” This launched die-hard Ford fans in a frenzy, especially the Mustang crew, because the famous Mach 1 nameplate originated with a special, highly desired version of the original 1969-70 Mustang. Naming an electric SUV after one of its iconic cars isn’t what Ford fans really had in mind.

Nonetheless, the rendering does show the silhouette profile of the new SUV’s rear-end, where it clearly takes inspiration from the Ford Mustang’s rear-end and triple-lens taillights. The roofline and shoulder profiles look to be modeled after the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. That said, this new Mach 1 electric SUV will likely have a low-slung, coupe-like roof for both aerodynamics and a sporty appearance, given that Ford is pushing it as a performance EV SUV.

Official details are not yet available, so speculation continues to run high for this latest SUV. Rumors suggest that it’ll be ready by 2020, with promises of a 300-mile driving range.

“It’s an exciting time to be bringing forward a winning portfolio of electrified vehicles,” wrote Darren Palmer, Ford’s global product development director, in an exclusive op-ed for Medium. “My team and I are both proud of and energized by the company’s $11 billion investment to bring 16 fully electric vehicles within a global portfolio of 40 electrified vehicles through 2022.”

This latest performance EV is part of Ford’s most recent electrification campaign to introduce more hybrid and electric vehicles into its vehicle lineup in coming years. As the campaign continues marching forward, this push for electrification will eventually reach the famed Ford Mustang as well. Ford also pledged to focus on building and selling more SUVs and crossovers, as they remain popular, hence the company’s decision to make this new Mach 1 electric vehicle an SUV.

Chris Chin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Since picking up his first MicroMachine, Chris Chin knew his passion for automobiles was embedded into his soul. Based in…
Cheaper EVs ahead? GM and LG say new battery cells are the key
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV front quarter view.

General Motors and LG Energy Solution have announced a new phase in their ongoing partnership: developing a new battery cell chemistry that could significantly lower the cost of electric vehicles. The joint effort centers on lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery cells, a variation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) that’s gaining popularity for being more affordable and less reliant on expensive materials like nickel and cobalt.

This is a big deal because battery costs are still the single largest expense in producing EVs. According to GM and industry experts, LMFP cells could help bring the cost of electric vehicles close to — or even on par with — gas-powered cars. The goal? Making EVs accessible to a broader range of drivers without sacrificing range or performance.

Read more
Waymo recalled 1,200 robotaxis following collisions with road barriers
Waymo Jaguar I-Pace

Waymo’s autonomous-car technology has made great advances over the years to the point where it’s now allowed to offer paid robotaxi rides in select locations in the U.S.

But the development of the technology is ongoing, and the robotaxi rides continue to gather valuable data for Waymo engineers to pore over as they further refine the driverless system to make it as reliable and efficient as possible. Which is why glitches will sometimes occur.

Read more
Apple CarPlay Ultra looks stunning in Aston Martin supercar debut
Apple CarPlay Ultra

Apple CarPlay Ultra is the next generation of the Cupertino, California-based firm's smartphone projection system for your car, and it's available in new vehicles in the US and Canada.

When we say "new cars", your options are very much limited to one brand... Aston Martin. So you'll need deep pockets if you want to experience CarPlay Ultra for yourself.

Read more