A 300-mile range and 0-60 time in the mid-three-second range might sound like a forthcoming product from Tesla, however, it’s actually a couple of the official stats for the Ford Mustang Mach-E. And while the “Mustang” part of its name has stirred some controversy among Ford’s die-hard fanbase, Ford has stated that the Mach-E earns its right to have it as part of its moniker. But does that mean that the Mach-E is replacing the Mustang as a whole?

Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E an electric antithesis of a muscle car?

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a five-seat, all-electric SUV that looks like the product of Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang was forbidden tryst. It’s smooth, yet bulbous features look almost cartoon-like and it’s large, bulging hood make it look like there could be a large V8 stuffed under there. However, there isn’t an engine.

Instead, under that large hood is a storage space, or “frunk,” that boasts 4.7 cubic feet of space for groceries or a small bag. As you might expect, the Mustang Mach-E has an electric powertrain that features a standard 75.7-kWh battery pack for the standard-range model and a larger 98.8-kWh battery pack for the extended-range model. The former should be able to achieve up to 230 miles on a single charge and the latter up to 300. And while the Mach-E has an electric powertrain, Ford assures us that it is not replacing the Mustang.

But does that mean it’s the antithesis of a muscle car?

The Mustang Mach-E will be joining the Mustang family

Instead of replacing the Mustang, the Mach-E will be joining the Mustang family. Ford made us well-aware that this is the first time that the brand has extended this line-up in 55 years. And with that kind of heritage, we can see why the Mustang faithful would be so upset. Emotions aside, however, the Mach-E proves that it can hold its own with three different powertrain setups available.

The base model will have a single, 210-kW rear-motor setup that produces 281 horsepower while the mid-level trims will add another motor upfront for a combined output of 332 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque. For those who want even more power, the Mach-E GT will get a larger front and rear motor for a total output of 459 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque, which should get the car to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. If those figures don’t make this electric SUV worthy of being a Mustang, then we don’t know what will.

When is the Mustang Mach-E coming out?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E should be arriving in dealerships later this year, although, you can currently reserve one on Ford’s website. Pricing starts around $43,000 for the base model, $50,000 for the mid-level model, and up to around $60,000 for the GT model, which should show up by mid-2021. And while some of the Ford fanfare might not consider the Mustang Mach-E a true Mustang, we think it could be a good step for the brand’s electric future. After all, at least it’s not replacing the muscle car.