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.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 more powerful fast-charging capability, 19-inch wheels, a Band & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover needs to not only live up to its historic name, but it also needs to point Ford’s future direction.
PROS All-electric powertrain Captivating looks Up to 300 miles of range Thrilling performance promises A new Mustang for a new generation
CONS Will it live up to its name? How small is the rear seat? How will that big tablet work? Small-ish range on base versions
Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear. Assembled at Alfa’s Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, the Stelvio is built on the same platform as the Giulia and will be offered in three trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has enough distinct features and tuning to be considered a separate model. While the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti both rely on a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, the high-performance Quadrifoglio utilizes the 505-hp 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Aluminum is used extensively in the construction of every Stelvio, including the front and rear subframes, the suspension components (control arms in front, multilink in the rear), the doors, and the fenders; the rear crossmember is partly made of composite plastics to pare more weight.
If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance. All Stelvios ride on double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear (Alfa says it’s ‘four-and-a-half-link’), as well as what Alfa says is the most direct steering set-up in the segment. Q4 four-wheel-drive is standard, albeit with a rear-bias to the power distribution: 100% in normal driving conditions and up to 50% pushed to the front when circumstances demand it. You can also option in a mechanical LSD at the rear if you’re planning on hot laps (as if!).
Alfa Romeo has high hopes for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio; the model will even offer carbon fiber shell racing-style seats made by Sparco as well as carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. To save fuel, the Quadrifoglio's V-6 employs cylinder deactivation that allows it to run on just three cylinders during low load situations.
Pros Italian style Promise of serious performance Gorgeous interior Base model offers solid specs
Cons No RWD may be a lose in smile states Big gap between 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V-6 Too little, too late?