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The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition is not worth the extra $10,000 for most buyers. While it offers thrilling off-the-line acceleration, its performance advantages diminish at higher speeds, and its value proposition is undermined by a significant price jump, reduced driving range, and braking inconsistencies. For the vast majority of drivers, the Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD with the extended-range battery delivers a better balance of everyday performance, efficiency, and cost.
To understand the value, we must first examine the hardware. Our testing compared a Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD with an extended-range battery against a top-tier GT Performance Edition. The fundamental difference lies in power output. The Premium produces a respectable 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, which provides more than adequate acceleration for daily driving. The GT Performance Edition, however, is tuned for significantly more grunt, generating 480 hp and a substantial 634 lb-ft of torque.
Beyond the powertrain, the GT Performance Edition adds performance-focused components:
However, this performance comes with a trade-off in efficiency. Based on EPA estimates, the GT Performance Edition is rated for 260 miles of range, while the Premium is rated for 277 miles (increasing to 290 miles for the 2023 model).
The GT's acceleration advantage is most dramatic from a standstill but fades as speed increases. In controlled testing at a drag strip, with both vehicles in their sportiest "Unbridled" drive mode, the difference was clear.
The data shows the GT's superiority is primarily in low-speed, instantaneous torque delivery—perfect for quick launches but less impactful for sustained high-speed driving.
The GT's handling is sharper, but its braking performance revealed a significant caveat during our assessment. On a tight autocross course, the GT Performance Edition's summer tires and tuned chassis provided a clear advantage. It was easier to drive at the limit, with better grip and the ability to rotate the car using the accelerator. The Premium, with its all-season tires and non-defeatable traction control, felt more secure but less engaging.
The braking test, however, yielded surprising results. The Premium model stopped from 60-0 mph in a respectable 125.71 feet. The GT Performance Edition, despite its larger Brembo brakes, required a longer 149.46 feet to stop. The likely culprit was the summer tires, which struggle to provide optimal grip in cooler temperatures (our test occurred in 40-50°F weather). This highlights a potential practicality issue for drivers in regions with distinct seasons.
Based on our assessment experience, the Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD represents the smarter financial and practical choice. The approximate $10,000 price differential is substantial. For that extra cost, you get intoxicating launch acceleration and sharper handling on a track or autocross course. However, you sacrifice driving range, deal with potential braking compromises in cold weather, and face a significantly higher purchase price.
For the vast majority of buyers seeking a stylish, quick, and practical electric SUV, the Premium model is more than sufficient. Its 0-60 mph time in the mid-5-second range is plenty quick for merging and passing. Crucially, many of the Premium's handling limitations can be addressed by installing a set of high-performance all-season or summer tires for a fraction of the $10,000 price gap to the GT. Until the GT Performance Edition offers a more comprehensive and consistent performance advantage, the Premium trim remains the recommended choice for delivering the core Mustang Mach-E experience without the financial premium.
