Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV - Interior & comfort

Considering top versions of the Mach-E cost more than £75,000, it's important the interior can justify such a high price, and in most respects it works. Ignore the key, switchgear and indicator stalks, which all look to be shared with a sub-£20,000 Ford Fiesta, and there's a pleasant selection of materials, including fabric and carbon-style trim for the dashboard. Combined with the new vast displays, it's ahead of anything else offered in Ford's line-up.

Ford Mustang Mach-E dashboard

It's easy to think Ford has copied Tesla by fitting a gigantic 15.5-inch portrait screen in the middle of the Mach-E, but dig deeper and there's plenty to set the Ford apart. The American brand has even drawn on its Mustang heritage and included the twin humps in the dashboard first seen in the 1960s original. Unlike the Model 3 and Model Y, the central screen is complemented by a 10.2-inch driver's display behind the steering wheel, with sharp graphics that pops up sat nav instructions when relevant, and pertinent info at other times.

This means the driver doesn't always need to look towards the central screen, like in a Tesla, and should be fairly straightforward for most drivers to get used to. The main screen gets Ford's latest SYNC 4 software, and features a rotary dial to make it easier to make adjustments on the move. This is quite striking, because not only does it appear to float above the display, it also includes part of the screen inside it, and it's pleasantly satisfying to use.

Most functions get big enough tiles that you can accurately press them while on the move but adjusting the climate control or heated seat settings – located right at the bottom of the screen – is frustratingly fiddly. We also suspect that the screen will be distracting to some drivers, especially at night.

Equipment

Standard equipment in Select trim is generous, including features like adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, all-round parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a rear-view camera. It's possible to display wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the central screen and there's wireless smartphone charging.

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Premium (now available on both rear- and all-wheel-drive powertrains) gets 19-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive LED headlamps with Glare-Free Auto High Beam, eight-way powered driver and passenger seats, and red brake callipers combined with black exterior detailing.

Options

Buyers can upgrade from the standard Absolute Black body colour, but this can be pricey. The “Premium” paint finishes start from around £800, with a range of “Exclusive” finishes increasing the price tag to around £1,150.

Ford offers a range of useful options for the Mach-E including a detachable tow bar package for around £500 and even a rear-mounted ski carrier for about £250. Other cosmetic enhancements are also available, including 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels, and front and rear mud flaps. Buyers can also spec a small compatible dashboard camera system for £270, which mounts beside the rear-view mirror without obstructing the driver’s view.

Ford also now offers its BlueCruise hands-free motorway driving system on all Mach-Es as an extension of the car’s adaptive cruise control – there’s a free 90-day trial, and it’s £17.99 per month thereafter.