2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Car Wash

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Car Wash

Our Mach-E Premium test car, with dual-motor AWD, starts from $50,800.

Its $5,000 Extended Range option includes a 98.4-kWh battery and 270 miles of range, plus more powerful motors that increase output to 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque (290 hp, 317 lb-ft of torque and 300 miles of range with RWD).

A $400 coat of Rapid Red paint kicked the tally to $56,200.

That’s Mustang Shelby GT350 money, and a boatload for a compact crossover that doesn't carry a luxury badge.

But it’s the feds to the rescue, with the available $7,500 tax credit for EVs.

And the Mach-E Premium’s $48,700 post-credit price stood out when it stood next to an Audi e-Tron Sportback that I was also testing.

The Audi is even quieter than the near-silent ‘Stang, among the quietest cars in auto history.

The e-Tron is wildly more luxurious, essentially a dreamy Audi Q8 with electric drive.

The e-Tron also cost $82,500 post-credit, nearly $34,000 more than the Ford.

Is the Audi $34,000 better?

Not even close, especially given its range shortfall.