Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD

Overview

The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD was a distinctive trim in the electric pony’s stable, laser-focused on maximising driving distance. Blending iconic Mustang pizzazz with SUV practicality, this rear-wheel-drive variant aimed to be the long-legged cruiser of the line-up. While specific EU pricing isn't available for this discontinued US-market configuration, its appeal lay in offering one of the best ranges available in the Mach-E family at the time, making it a tempting proposition for those prioritising road trips over outright G-force. It carved a niche for buyers wanting EV efficiency with that unmistakable Mustang spirit.

What's New for 2022?

For the 2022 model year, the Mach-E range saw subtle but welcome tweaks. While this specific California Route 1 RWD configuration concluded production in 2022, models from this year benefited from Ford's ongoing refinements. These generally included potential over-the-air software updates enhancing the SYNC 4A system and vehicle performance. For some Mach-E trims, 2022 brought slight increases in usable battery capacity, though this specific variant maintains its specified 88 kWh. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel also became more widely standard across the lineup, enhancing comfort.

Design & Exterior

This Mach-E absolutely nails the Mustang-goes-electric look! It's an SUV, sure, but with aggressive lines, signature tri-bar taillights, and a purposeful stance that screams performance. The California Route 1 RWD trim keeps it sleek, often featuring unique 18-inch alloy wheels designed for aero efficiency. Its dimensions are substantial: 4713 mm in length, 1881 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1625 mm tall, giving it serious road presence. The E-Latch door system adds a touch of futuristic cool, making entry a bit of an event every time.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the California Route 1 RWD offers a spacious and tech-forward cabin for five. You’re greeted by a massive 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen running Ford’s slick SYNC 4A system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Material quality is decent, with a focus on modern, clean design. Passenger comfort is good, and for lugging gear, you get a practical 402 litres of boot space, expanding to a hefty 1420 litres with the rear seats folded. Plus, there's a handy 81-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet for charging cables or extra bags!

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its range focus fool you; this Mach-E still packs a punch! The rear-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), delivers a lively 210 kW and 430 Nm of torque. That translates to a respectable 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.2 seconds. It’s not the neck-snapping acceleration of AWD GT models, but it's more than enough for spirited daily driving. Expect a comfortable ride, leaning more towards cruising, with selectable drive modes and effective regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving option for smooth city progress.

Range, Battery & Charging

The California Route 1 RWD is all about going the distance, boasting an 88 kWh usable battery capacity. This delivers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 466 km, with an efficiency of approximately 5.3 km/kWh. For AC charging, the standard 11 kW on-board charger can replenish the battery overnight. When you need a quicker boost, it supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW via its 400V architecture. This model uses a CCS Type 1 port; European Mach-Es typically feature the CCS Type 2 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a strong safety record, achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2021. This California Route 1 RWD trim would come generously equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite. Expect standard features like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go. These systems work together to provide a reassuring safety net and reduce driver fatigue on those long hauls this car is built for.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For European markets, Ford typically offers a basic vehicle warranty of 2 years with unlimited mileage, though this can vary by country. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (often to 70% of original capacity). Electric powertrain components often share this robust coverage. Maintenance on EVs like the Mach-E is generally lower than petrol counterparts, primarily involving checks on brakes, tyres, and coolant, making for potentially easier ownership.