Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD

Overview

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD was a special variant of Ford's electrifying pony, built for those who craved maximum mileage from their electric SUV. Produced briefly between 2022 and 2023, this rear-wheel-drive model packed the larger battery for impressive cruising capabilities. While primarily sold in North America, its blend of Mustang-inspired design and long-legged touring ability garnered international attention. It focused on efficiency and range over outright pace, making it a compelling option for electric road-trippers. As a discontinued model, it's now found on the used market.

What's New for 2023?

For its 2023 model year, the California Route 1 RWD largely carried over its impressive range-focused package that debuted in 2022. Key software updates for the Mach-E lineup generally enhanced user experience and potentially tweaked efficiency. As a specific trim aimed at maximising distance, its core offering – the large 91 kWh usable battery paired with rear-wheel drive – remained its defining feature. The 2023 iteration represented the final version of this particular configuration before it was discontinued, solidifying its position as the long-distance champion within the Mach-E family at the time.

Design & Exterior

The Mach-E California Route 1 RWD rocks that unmistakable Mustang DNA, cleverly moulded into a sleek SUV profile. It’s got the aggressive front end, signature tri-bar taillights, and a swooping roofline that hints at performance. This trim often featured unique 18-inch aero-style wheel covers designed to eke out extra range. Dimensionally, it measures 4713 mm in length, 1881 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 1625 mm tall. Subtle "California Route 1" badging might hint at its special long-range mission, setting it apart from other Mach-E variants.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the California Route 1 offers a modern, tech-centric cabin dominated by a massive 15.5-inch central touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4A system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seating for five is comfortable, with decent space for passengers. Material quality is generally good, fitting its premium aspirations. When it comes to hauling gear, you get a practical 402-litre boot, expanding to a generous 1420 litres with the rear seats folded. Plus, there’s a handy 81-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for charging cables or extra bits.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Mach-E isn't just about range; it still has that Mustang spirit! The California Route 1 RWD sprints from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 6.2 seconds, thanks to its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 216 kW (290 hp) and 430 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Top speed is pegged at 180 km/h. The rear-wheel-drive setup provides a balanced and engaging driving experience, though tuned more for comfortable cruising than track-day heroics. Smooth regenerative braking, often with a one-pedal driving mode, makes for efficient and relaxed progress.

Range, Battery & Charging

The California Route 1 truly shines with its long legs, packing a substantial 91 kWh (usable) battery. Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at an impressive 480 km, sipping energy at around 5.27 km/kWh. For AC charging, its 11 kW on-board unit can replenish the battery fully in approximately 9 hours. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it can gulp electrons at up to 150 kW on its 400V system, taking it from 10-80% in about 45 minutes. This North American market model featured a CCS Type 1 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While this specific trim's Euro NCAP rating isn't listed, the Ford Mustang Mach-E generally scored a full five stars in 2021 tests, showcasing strong safety credentials. The California Route 1 RWD typically came well-equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite. This often included adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking as standard. These features contribute to a reassuring and semi-autonomous driving experience on longer journeys, perfectly suiting its grand touring intentions.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Owners of the Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD in its primary market typically benefited from Ford's standard warranty package. This generally included a basic vehicle warranty for around 3 years or 60,000 km, and an electric vehicle component warranty covering the powertrain for about 5 years or 100,000 km. Crucially, the high-voltage battery was usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing a minimum of 70% capacity retention. Scheduled maintenance is minimal for EVs, mainly focusing on tyres, brakes, and cabin filters.