Summary:
- 5-seater small SUV
- Premium Bang & Olufsen sound system integrated like a soundbar
- Floating design elements throughout open up space and offer cargo (i.e., place to store bag with flip-up armrest)
- An optional panoramic fixed-glass roof helps keep the cabin cool in the summer and warmer in the winter
- 59.6 cubic feet of trunk space with the seats folded (just under 30 cubic feet with seats up)
- The front trunk storage area is water-resistant and drainable (and includes a couple of cup holders)
- Quick charging kit in the rear where spare tire usually goes
- Next-generation Sync3 with 15.5-inch touch screen
Los Angeles, CA – Ford’s new Mustang SUV retains those muscular proportions and pony car design cues on the outside, but does that classic look carry through inside? Not really, but that’s ok – this all-wheel drive sport utility has less brawn and more cargo and connectivity.
We got to sit inside the new model, touch everything, and ask the designers many questions about the 2021 Mach-E’s interior. Here is a deeper look into Ford’s new all-electric, 5-passenger sport utility cabin and upcoming tech, which arrives at dealerships in late 2020.
Added cabin space, innovative storage, and sleek looks with floating elements
The Mach-E’s interior is unlike anything else in the Ford lineup. And while the all-electric SUV is now part of the Mustang family, the double-cowl instrument panel is the only genuine traditional design cue it shares with the pony car. However, the Mach-E is paving a new path for the iconic muscle car, appropriately separating itself from the distinct yet super-functional interior that EV owners and Mustang fans can appreciate.
Space inside is limited, but this is a compact 2-row family hauler. Yet, Ford designers did a great job making this small space feel open and airy by incorporating floating elements. These design cues add more space and storage and lend the electric SUV a more futuristic look while keeping it classy and sharp.
More interior storage spaces
A few standout examples of this floating concept include moving the door speakers up to allow for more space below for things like umbrellas. Another, perhaps the most significant, is the floating armrest, which opens up the small room, serving as an extra tray.
Best part? When the armrest is extended, space opens up to place large bags and purses on the sliding door revealing another compartment (like a typical centre storage). So, whether driving or passengering, women in particular no longer need to throw their bags on the floor or seat.
Optional panoramic fixed-glass roof with infrared protection
The cabin feels even more spacious, with the massive glass roof above spanning nearly the entire top. But it’s an option, so expect to fork out more money for this.
Thought it might be worth it. A cool feature is the glass is treated with a special coating with infrared protection, trapping heat during the cold months and keeping the cabin cooler during the summer.
Mustang Mach-E Interior Dimensions
| Spec (mm) | Metric |
|---|---|
| Front headroom | 987 |
| Front headroom with fixed glass roof | 1028 |
| Rear headroom | 972 |
| Rear headroom with fixed glass roof | 997 |
| Front legroom | 1059 |
| Rear legroom | 968 |
| Front shoulder room | 1419 |
| Front hip room | 1406 |
| Rear hip room | 1353 |
| Cargo behind the first row | 59.6 cu. ft |
| Cargo behind first row | 4.8 cu. ft |
| Trunk volume | Cargo behind the rear seat |
Mach-E Interior Materials and Quality
Animal lovers will appreciate that the Mach-E uses animal-free materials throughout the cabin. As a ‘vehicles of the future’ this probably makes sense. So, instead of a leather-wrapped steering wheel, designers chose Scensico (I hope I spelled that right), which has a more matt feel but feels good and grippy. The brushed scuff plates look nice, and overall, designers chose brighter colorways to give the Mach-E a more lively vibe inside.
Dual storage with a ‘frunk’ and rear trunk
SUV shoppers value storage and cargo, and it’s the main reason they’re ditching the good old 4-door sedan. That’s where all-electric vehicles like the Mach-E step it up. With no engine up front, that valuable real estate serves as another truck – or frunk, if you will. Stupid name, but it makes sense. Perfect for tailgating (frontgating?), the Mach-E’s front storage offers 4.8 cubic feet of space with a decent-sized cavity flanked by two cupholders. That’s right, cupholders in the frunk.
Essentially, this dual storage allows for the dirty stuff like snowboard boots up front, while the rear trunk is for clean things like strollers and shopping bags. You get the point.
Again, with the front trunk serving as a utility space or small luggage, the Mach-E’s rear trunk can remain clean and tidy, offering 29 cubic feet of storage with seats up and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats down.
Expect a privacy screen inside to hide items, a kick-to-open rear door (optional) for hands-free operation, and a charging kit instead of a spare tire below the trunk cover.
B&O speaker upgrade
Sound duties are ramped up with a premium Bang & Olufsen speaker setup as an option. The styling of these B&O speakers is pretty cool, seamlessly integrated across the front, floating above the air vents like a home theatre sound bar.
Connectivity: Next-generation Sync3 (Sync4?)
Ford severed ties with Microsoft several years ago, replacing the MySync system with the faster, cleaner, and more intuitive Sync3. When the 2021 Mustang Mach-E lands in late 2020, the interface will be even better with the next-generation Sync3.
Are they calling it Sync4? We pressed for an answer, but Ford wouldn’t confirm at the time of writing, except that it’s the next generation. But we digress, this new and improved version is terrific, and arguably the best system on the market even when compared to what luxury automakers are putting out there.
Ford believes consumers today want a cleaner, easier-to-use system, and we’d have to agree with them. Not just a big ass screen floating in mid-air but one that uses an interface that’s intuitive, visually appealing, and works in a human-way. Here’s a great guide from Ford on getting started with the Sync3.
The 15.5-inch screen and intuitive interface
However, the Mach-E will indeed include a big ass screen measuring 15.5 inches, but it works. And love it or hate it, these huge tablet-style touch screens will likely stay here as we move forward.
Gone is the ‘home’ or ‘back’ button on the interface. Instead, access to apps directly, and engineers developed the new Sync3 to learn user habits, like who you call the most often and what music you’re listening to. Based on this, the system loads your profile to a more intuitive experience.
Cloud connectivity, Digital Assistant, and wireless experience
It’s all about the cloud these days, and the Mach-E is no exception. This Sync3 version will offer cloud features, including intelligent searches, live traffic data, and real-time display of the nearest charging stations. A cloud-connected Digital Assistant is also part of the package. Add a wireless experience to the mix, and it’s clear where the future is headed.
SiriusXM with 360L
Based on personal experience, once you have SiriusXM for those long drives and grueling rush hour commutes, it’s tough to return to commercial radio. The 360L version is better and includes streaming and live experiences.
Over-the-air updates
Like our handheld devices, software updates, and system improvements are part of the course now and part of this setup. Ford also tells us the updates will include instant access to new content.
Takeaway
There you have it – a closer look at the new 2021 Ford Mach-E’s interior and cabin technology. Overall, Ford’s design team has done a great job building a cabin that’s both sharp-looking and well-laid out without overdoing it with cheesy futuristic elements. While it may not look like your typical Mustang on the inside, it’s clear the Mach-E is headed in its direction.
The materials are unconventional yet high-quality, the cabin space feels spacious with the floating elements despite being a small SUV, and the next-generation Sync3 is perhaps one of the best and most intuitive interfaces we’ve seen in a long time.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Interior Photos:
