Used Ford Mustang Mach-E long-term test: report 10

The car Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD Run by Jim Holder, editorial director

Why it's here Ford’s first mainstream electric car needs to prove it can compete with the very best electric SUVs

Needs to Offer something more than its rivals – Ford is late to the electric party, so it's overdue a landmark EV

Miles covered 17,003 Price when new £42,530 Price when new with all options £42,530 Value on arrival £33,537 Value now £33,537 Test range 206 miles Official range 273 miles

11 November 2022 – Too clever for its own good?

Whenever new electronic technology is used to replace age-old mechanical systems, it is standard form for traditionalists to suck their teeth and mutter about how they “wouldn’t like to be responsible for paying the bill when it goes wrong".

My Ford Mustang Mach-E’s door system, which eschews handles for a push button, complete with the option of using a numerical combination lock located in the door frame, has attracted plenty of such comments – usually from someone whose patience has been tested by trying to relearn how to get into the car.

One benefit of the system is clear: the Mustang’s styling is marginally but inarguably better for not having door handles interrupting its flowing lines. Another potential benefit, which I have yet to get confirmed, is that the electronic system is lighter and less complex (although the benefits of shaving a few grams off a two-tonne car are debatable).

Whatever your thoughts, I’ve got used to the push buttons, which initially operate as long as you have the key on you, and (perhaps rather cruelly) have derived a fair bit of amusement from watching passengers trying to work out how to get the doors open when I pull up.

The combination lock, in contrast, I’ve only toyed with once. For me, it’s too much hassle to use, even with the quick-lock function (you open it using a code but can lock it using a shortcut). The only real, if niche, benefit I’ve thought of would be if you liked watersports and wanted to leave your physical key in the car rather than tucked in your shoe.

But here’s the kicker: this Ford Mustang Mach-E has thrown a lot of warning lights about various radar and braking system failures over time, but now they have been joined by a prominent warning that the door system has failed, plus a loud alarm every time I start the car.

There’s no apparent issue, because all the doors still work fine, but the car is insistent on a visit to a dealership, as are my ears, which are now tired of the warning bongs that seem deliberately calibrated to imply imminent disaster.

It seems the anti-technologists may have been right on one thing – although I am both hopeful and expectant that the issue will be resolved under warranty.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more on our long-term Ford Mustang Mach-E >>

Read about more long-term test cars >>