The past and the future collide on the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is inspired by the automaker's unmistakable pony car and powered exclusively by electricity.

Although it shares a name and familiar styling cues with the Mustang, the all-electric crossover otherwise is completely unrelated.

With two available battery sizes and either rear- or all-wheel drive, Ford says the Mach-E can provide up to 300 miles of driving range.

Its five-passenger cabin is fitted with contemporary features and cutting-edge infotainment options as well as some unique cargo and storage solutions.

While purists might call an electric Mustang crossover sacrilegious, Ford expects the name and design adaptation to increase interest and help sell copies when the 2021 Mach-E goes on sale in late 2020.

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is Ford's first all-electric crossover, and it was designed and named after the company's iconic pony car.

The Mach-E also pays homage to the "Mach 1" moniker that has been used on high-performance Mustangs of old.

Ford said it went with the name because it needed the electrified crossover to be as desirable as a Tesla to usher in its new era of electric vehicles.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

• Select: $44,995

• Premium: $51,700

• California Route 1: $53,500

• First Edition: $61,000

• GT: $61,600

When the 2021 Mustang Mach-E finally goes on sale, we'd choose the Premium model.

It's expected to provide 300 miles of driving range when paired with the extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, but we'd still choose the all-wheel-drive version, which knocks its estimated range down to 270 miles.

Compared with the base model, the Mach-E Premium has the more powerful fast-charging capability, 19-inch wheels, a Band & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is available with either a standard-range (75.7 kWh) battery or an extended-range (98.8 kWh) pack.

• These feed an electric motor mounted on the rear or both axles. That latter combination creates an all-wheel drive and on the sporty GT model, the motors combine to make 459 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque.

• Ford claims this will send the Mach-E from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Less powerful models make between 255 and 332 horses and between 306 and 417 lb-ft.

• The Mach-E rides on wheels that range in size from 18 to 20 inches, and it can be had with adaptive dampers for adjustable ride firmness. However, we won't know how it handles and drives until we get behind the wheel.

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