At the Munich motor show, Ford took off the wraps on its latest offering: a rally-focused version of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. Building on the strengths of the Mach-E crossover, the Mach-E Rally receives a major styling overhaul, enhanced power, and greater off-road capabilities.

• New Mach-E Rally features an updated version of the Mach-E GT's dual-motor system
• Will get four-wheel drive
• Design inspired, in part, by the Ford Focus RS

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: performance

As mentioned above, the Mach-E Rally features an enhanced version of the Mach-E GT's dual-motor system, an, with its focus on rallycross, the Mach-E Rally also sports a bespoke four-wheel drive system. Unofficial figures indicate the Mach-E Rally will produce 486 horsepower and a staggering 879Nm of torque. This will give the Mach-E Rally an impressive 0-100kph time of 4 seconds. It also comes with an ‘intelligent’ Rally Sport driving mode, giving it better throttle response for improved acceleration control and improved grip on slippery surfaces. The Rally Sport driving mode also adapts the traction and stability control systems "to allow bigger slides".

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: design

The Mach-E Rally sits 20mm higher than the standard Mach-E, on specially tuned springs and Magenride shocks, lending it enhanced off-road capabilities. There's also Michelin CrossClimate tyres, wrapped around gloss white 19-inch rally wheels.  Underneath the shell, thick underbody shielding provides robust protection for the 91kWh battery and electric motors from rocks and bumps. Ford has also coated the body cladding with a protective spray to reduce the risk of chips.

The Mach-E Rally also has a tow hook fused into the front bumper, "should off-highway adventures ever get a little too spicy". Ford has stated the Mach-E Rally's styling and design were inspired, in part, by the legendary Ford Focus RS hot-hatch, in particular the rear spoiler. Other elements include a contrasting body trim, chunky front splitter, a black roof panel, rally-style fog lights, and racing stripes.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: interior

The interior features subtle differences from the Mach-E GT, with exclusive elements like white accents throughout the cabin to match the wheels. There's also bespoke Mach-E Rally badging and sports seats, along with a 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is similar to other Mach-E variants. However, the Rally misses out on the panoramic sunroof found in other premium Mach-E versions.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: development

Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, Darren Palmer, head of Ford's EV programmes, shared how the idea for the Rally came from a rallycross enthusiast in Ford's new Always On Team. He said, "One of them does rallycross and he seeded the idea..." "Our attitude is: if you've got an idea, bring it forward and try it out. So they created a model for the car with pure passion. They put the wheels on and lifted it. They styled what it could be. We gave them the freedom to make it."

Palmer also explained that the project reached its conclusion at a blistering pace courtesy of the Mach-E Rally being a part of Ford's "go-fast" programmes. This meant the time taken from its conception to its unveiling at the Munich motor show was just over 18 months. "It was crazy fast," Palmer said.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: will it come to India?

Ford exited the Indian car market in 2021 citing growing operational costs, among other reasons. While they did offer the previous-gen Mustang for Indian customers for a while, Ford's exit from the Indian market means the Mach-E Rally wouldn't be coming to Indian shores.