Mustang Mach-E Gets First Sync 4

Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E electric SUV marks the first time the car maker has expanded the Mustang family in 55 years.  And it’s also the first vehicle to include Sync 4, Ford’s newest version of its infotainment system.

The Mach-E gets a 15.5 inch screen, as well as Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto (the latter two features will appear in all Sync 4 models). It has wireless charging with a charging pad in the center console.  The system is linked to 4G and becomes a WiFi hotspot (user charges have not yet been announced by Ford).

The screen is notable for its large volume knob at the bottom.  There’s no home button or back button and Ford says its UI is simple enough that these aren’t necessary, according to SlashGear.

The screen shows HVAC controls along the bottom with temperature gauges you can control by swiping up and down or tapping on the exact temp you want. Here’s a quick video.

The bulk of the screen is used for navigation, multimedia and vehicle status.  You can expand and collapse any of those “cards”,  to show navigation on the top and music controls underneath, for example.

The Mach-E’s system will let drivers dynamically view EV charging stations along their trip route.

Sync 4 has a “car” button on the screen for driver assistance and general car settings and an “app launcher” button for third party apps.

Ford says it will provide “seamless” over-the-air updates to Sync 4.

Despite the high tech features, Sync 4 may not be quite ready for prime time. At the LA Auto Show, where it was recently unveiled, the system was glitchy and Ford stopped allowing demos, said The Verge.

The 2021 Mach-E offers some other high tech features apart from Sync 4. It lacks traditional door handles, which are replaced by electric push buttons for entry.  It uses activators to pop the doors open by 4 inches and then users grab a handle along the lip, said CNET.

There’s a trunk in the front of the vehicle as well as one in the rear.

The Mach-E has a driving range of about 300 miles. It launches at an undisclosed date next year at a starting price of $45,000 (not counting any EV rebates).

Source: Ford, The Verge, SlashGear, CNET