New Ford Mustang Mach-E vs new Volkswagen ID 4: verdict
One’s a large electric SUV with a £40k price tag and a long range... and so’s the other one. But which is the first among equals?...
Our verdict
If our winner was the car that attracted the most attention during our time with it, we’d have to pick the Mach-E. It has other, more tangible strengths, too, including a better infotainment system and stronger performance, plus it trades punches with the ID 4 on interior quality, equipment, practicality and cost. The ride is annoying, though, and its handling flatters to deceive.
We think the ride could be a clincher for many buyers, and it’s one reason the ID 4 wins. As well as driving more appropriately for a large SUV, it also has a vast boot and a longer range between charges. If only Volkswagen would address the disappointing infotainment and usability issues, it would be even better.
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1st – Volkswagen ID 4
For Good range; comfy ride most of the time; big boot; cheaper to buy and run; well equipped
Against Poor infotainment system; poor dashboard usability; so-so front visibility; slow by class standards
Recommended options Three-pin charging cable (£180)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Volkswagen ID 4 review >>
Find Volkswagen ID 4 deals >>
2nd – Ford Mustang Mach-E
For Quicker; good infotainment system; lots of rear leg room; well equipped; relatively cheap to buy and run
Against Unsettled ride; edgy on-limit handling; less rear head room; smaller luggage capacity
Recommended options Type 2 charging cable (£168)
What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5
Read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E review >>
Find Ford Mustang Mach-E deals >>
Specifications: Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 265bhp
Peak torque 317lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 6.6sec
30-70mph 5.4sec
Top speed 111mph
30-0mph 8.9m
70-0mph 44.4m
Noise @ 30mph 61.2dB
Noise @ 70mph 67.1dB
Kerb weight 2085kg
Wheels and tyres (std) 225/60 R18
Real-world range 211 miles
Official range 273 miles
Efficiency on test 3.1 miles/kWh
Maximum charging rate 115kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 11hr
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 38min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen ID 4 Pro Performance 77kWh 1st Edition
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 229lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 8.1sec
30-70mph 7.5sec
Top speed 99mph
30-0mph 8.7m
70-0mph 44.9m
Noise @ 30mph 61.2dB
Noise @ 70mph 67.7dB
Kerb weight 2124kg
Wheels and tyres (std) 235/50 R20 (f), 255/45 R20 (r)
Real-world range 231 miles
Official range 310 miles
Efficiency on test 3.0 miles/kWh
Maximum charging rate 125kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 12hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 36min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Car pictured
Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD with Star White exclusive paint (£1150)
Volkswagen ID 4 Pro Performance 77kWh 1st Edition with Honey Yellow metallic paint
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