Ford Mustang

The interior is driver-focused and the Mustang features a lot more digital equipment than past models.

Interior Highlights

• The digital instrument panel displays a 12.4-inch screen.
• 13.2-inch central touchscreen
• SYNC 4 system
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Navigation
• B&O audio system
• Smart-charging USB ports
• Fully functional heated and cooled front seats
• Sport seats

Ford's UAE-specification features a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, both of which usher in a new age of digital cockpit while keeping the Mustang performance-oriented environment. 

Higher specifications, such as the GT Premium, also underscore the comfort, with heated and cooled front bucket seats available. Ford says these seats are especially helpful when it comes to comfort in shifting weather, and when it comes to speedy driving. 

Cabin Assessment

The Mustang is still all about the driver. The car's front seats make the most sense and the rear bench is just another occasional seat.

The digital displays and physical control elements are also ideal for the inside, giving the Mustang a much more modern feel than it would have otherwise.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Mustang features the latest driver-assistance tech, even though it's a performance car.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is part of the Ford's UAE material, and it includes the following systems:

• Lane-keeping assistance
• Pre-Collision Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Driver assistance technologies
• Collision warning functionality

The availability of these systems benefits the Mustang to be more feasible to use as a daily drive than only for recreation. 

The performance-focussed braking system also helps to keep the car under control, especially on higher-spec cars.

Expert Assessment

The Mustang's performance is a perfect blend of classic rear-wheel drive and today's safety and driver-assistance features.

This is crucial for the UAE market where the car could be stuck in traffic in the city or on a highway as much as on open roads.

Ownership Perspective in UAE

The Mustang has an ownership proposition for UAE enthusiasts as it sits in a niche within Ford's range.

Ownership Strengths

• Iconic V8 engine
• Strong performance
• Multiple variants
• Manual transmission available
• Automatic transmission available
• Convertible option
• Advanced digital cockpit
• Modern safety technology
• Dark Horse variant with a focus on track

Ownership and service infrastructure for Ford UAE

Ford UAE offers special Mustang specification, test-drive, distributor, service and ownership resources. 

Important Considerations

When looking at a home that might be for sale, it is important to take into account:

• V8 fuel consumption
• Limited rear-seat practicality
• The performance of a rear-wheel-drive car depends on responsible driving
• Running costs can be raised due to performance tyres and brakes
• The types of equipment are widely variable between each trim
• Published horsepower and torque ratings are for premium fuel

Fuel economy is around 8.6 km/l for manual GT models and 9.2 km/l for automatic GT models on Ford's specification list in the UAE, which is 8.8 km/l manual and 9.2 km/l automatic for the Dark Horse. 

These are performance figures for a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 performance car but should not be compared directly with economy cars, such as sedans.

It's not as if the exterior of the Mustang has changed.

The current generation is characterized by the long bonnet, low roofline, muscular body and distinct fastback shape that have typified the nameplate throughout its history, but Ford has dressed it up in a more modern style.

Exterior Highlights

The Mustang comes with:

• LED projector headlamps
• Daytime Running lamps which can be configured.
• LED signature lighting
• Fastback body style
• Convertible body style
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Active-valve performance exhaust
• Four exhausts on GT versions
• A performance-inspired Dark Horse exterior styling

The GT variants all feature a 19-inch wheel diameter, with the Performance Package version being the most specific, describing staggered wheel widths of 19 x 9 and 19 x 9.5 inches at the front and rear respectively. The Dark Horse features larger 19" wheels at the front (19x9.5") and rear (19x10"). 

An active-valve exhaust is also a key Mustang feature. It enables the V8 to fit into the overall driving experience, rather than being just a cosmetic addition.

The Dark Horse has its own visual treatment and is a brighter 4.5-inch exhaust tip, to set it apart from GT versions. 

Road Presence

The Mustang has an instant edge on UAE roads. It is instantly recognizable on account of its proportions and low set, and has little need for over-decorative exterior ornamentation.

Expert verdict: The Mustang still has one of the most recognisable designs among performance cars of its kind and has successfully modernized the muscle-car formula without losing its essence.

Dimensions & Practicality

But the Mustang is not a family car, it's a four-seat sports car. Ford says it is a two-seat front sports package and a small rear seat. 

Practicality Highlights

• Four-seat configuration
• Fastback coupe body
• Convertible available
• A rear seating area that takes up less space.
• Everyday-oriented cabin technology
• Luggage compartment for use in a Sports Car

The rear seats are to be treated as secondary seats and not a main seats area. They can be used by adults for shorter trips, and of course the proportions of the Mustang are designed with the front passengers in mind.

The fastback is also a little more versatile than a standard two-door sports car, which gives the Mustang a bit of street cred.

The convertible is a solution for types of buyers who value lifestyle and open air driving.

Expert Assessment

The Mustang isn't a car you want to buy because you want the most practical for your passengers. It is attractive because of the weight of performance-car proportions while at the same time providing enough usable volume that it is more than a weekend toy.

Ride Quality & Driving Experience

The Mustang's design is far more advanced than what most people would imagine a muscle car design would be.

The UAE specification lists:

• The front suspension is made up of MacPherson-strut double-ball-joint.
• Independent rear suspension.Independent rear suspension.
• MagneRide damping system
• Brembo performance brakes
• Rear-wheel drive

The MagneRide damping system stands out as a key feature because it enables the Mustang to switch between sporty handling and adaptive performance that's ideal for day-to-day driving. 

Selectable Drive Modes

The Mustang offers:

• Normal
• Sport
• Slippery
• Track
• Drag Strip
• Custom

The modes enable the driver to adjust the way the vehicle operates according to the application. 

Performance Package

The GT Performance Package includes the following:

• 19-inch staggered wheels
• Summer performance tyres
• Brembo's 19 inch brake system.Brembo's 19 inch brake system.
• Heavy-duty front springs
• K-brace
• MagneRide damping
• TORSEN differential
• Performance rear wing
• Black strut-tower brace
• Front tow hooks
• Electronic drift brake

The change in the Mustang's performance data is significant, especially when it comes to spirited driving.

Expert Assessment

The current Mustang is actually very dynamic on its own terms, and will be more sophisticated than its classic muscle-car image would indicate. It has the equipment to put the V8 power to a good use, thanks to the independent rear suspension, MagneRide damping, TORSEN differential and Brembo braking system.

The core of the Mustang continues to be the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine, which is the fourth generation of the engine.The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 is the fourth generation of the engine, and it's the heart of the Mustang.

If you're looking at a GT model for the UAE, Ford lists:

• 5.0-litre Ti-VCT V8
• 486 hp
• 567 Nm
• Rear-wheel drive
• 6-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission (10-speed)

The Dark Horse boosts production by:

• 500 hp
• 5.0-litre fourth-generation Coyote V8
• Rear-wheel drive
• 6-speed manual TREMEC TR-3160 or 10-speed SelectShift automatic

The GT produces 486 hp at 7,250 rpm, while the Dark Horse produces 500 hp. 

Transmission Choices

The Mustang offers a whole new driving experience, quite literally.

6-speed manual

• Traditional enthusiast-focused experience
• Rev-matching capability
• Direct driver involvement
• It is offered on all GT models.
• Manual for Dark Horse (TREMEC) is available

10-speed automatic

• SelectShift capability
• Steering-wheel paddle shifters
• Enhanced and quicker gear switching
• More appropriate for everyday driving

Ford in particular emphasizes the automatic's 10-speed SelectShift paddle-shift and the six-speed manual's rev-matching feature. 

Performance Assessment

The Mustang is not about size reduction or electrification. It's unabashedly built around a naturally aspirated V8.

This makes the car more unique and distinctive in today's performance car world.

Off-Road Capability

Off-road attributes are not a hallmark of Ford Mustangs, and the Ford-provided material puts a definite spin on the Mustang as a rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Its assets, on the other hand, are focused in:

• Road performance
• Track driving
• Acceleration
• Handling
• Driver involvement
• Performance braking
• Configurable driving modes

The Mustang's sportscar design and rear wheel-drive focus is for controlled performance on the pavement and not desert trails.

If you're looking to explore the desert, then Ford's SUVs and 4x4s would be better suited for UAE buyers. The Mustang's home is the road, and under the right setup, the racetrack.

Technology & Connectivity

One of the greatest areas of change for the Mustang is technology.

Key Technology

• 13.2-inch touchscreen
• A 12.4-inch digital instrument panel.
• SYNC 4
• Enhanced voice recognition
• Navigation
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth
• USB connectivity
• A B&O 12-speaker audio system.A B&O 12-speaker audio system.
• Track Apps

The UAE version of Ford's website has also made a point of the presence of Track Apps, as well as the 13.2-inch screen touch panel and 12.4-inch digital cluster. 

Track Apps functionality is designed to further drive the Mustang's performance focus by providing the driver with performance-focused information.

The B&O audio system, which includes 12 speakers, is also making the Mustang more practical for everyday driving, when the cabin is as crucial as the engine.

The Mustang is the performance version of Ford's UAE passenger-car lineup, and sits in a sweet middle ground between mainstream performance cars and a much pricier class of performance cars.

The UAE line up comprises:

• Mustang GT 5.0
• Mustang GT Premium 5.0
• Mustang GT Premium 5.0 Convertible
• Mustang Dark Horse

This range provides the Mustang with a few personalities.

GT 5.0

The GT is the essence of the Mustang offer:

• 5.0-litre V8
• 486 hp
• Rear-wheel drive
• Fastback body
• Manual or automatic transmission is allowed.
• Performance suspensions & brakes

GT Premium

The Premium version features more emphasis on comfort and cabin equipment, and maintains the basic V8 performance character.

GT Premium Convertible

The convertible brings a new dimension to driving open-air without compromising the Mustang's V8 power.

Dark Horse

The Dark Horse, however, has pushed the Mustang further towards track-oriented performance by developing 500 hp and adding some extra performance gear. 

Expert Assessment

The Mustang's strongest selling point is that it doesn't have to appeal to a certain type of buyer. The Premium and Convertible versions extend the GT's appeal to those seeking not just a traditional V8 performance car but one with a wider appeal, as well.

The Dark Horse, on the other hand, is aimed at buyers looking for a more performance-oriented car.

The Ford Mustang is one of the last muscle cars that can definitely say it's both a sports car and an automotive icon of the times.

The UAE range currently on offer retains the essence of what makes the Mustang so iconic: a naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive, potent styling and the driver-machine bond.

But the new one brings a lot of contemporary technology.

The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 makes 486 hp in GT models, and the Dark Horse model gets 500.The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 delivers 486 hp in GT variants, and the Dark Horse upped the output to 500 hp. Performance gear like MagneRide damping, Brembo brakes, TORSEN differential technology, selectable drive modes and Track Apps take the car into the realm of muscle cars. 

The interior is also a transformation of a much higher order of importance. A 12.4-inch digital cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen take the Mustang into the modern digital world, and SYNC 4, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and the available B&O audio system ensure that it can be a car for everyday use. 

The Mustang's greatest liability is a part of its charm. Nonsense, it is not the most functional sports car, it's not even close. There is a limited amount of space in the rear seat, the fuel economy is naturally less than in mainstream cars and the rear-wheel-drive V8 nature of the car requires careful driving.

That's what makes the Mustang so special, though.

Overall, the Mustang remains one of the most compelling choices in its class for UAE buyers seeking a vehicle that offers V8 power, hands-on appeal, cutting-edge technology, and a blend of style and functionality for daily driving.

With the GT being the middle ground for most fans, the Premium versions offer comfort and lifestyle, the Convertible provides open air fun and the Dark Horse pushes the formula further into the realm of performance cars.

Overall Rating: 9.2/10

Rating Breakdown

• Exterior Design & Road Presence: 9.5/10
• Practicality: 7.8/10
• Engine & Performance: 9.7/10
• Ride & Driving Experience: 9.3/10
• Interior & Comfort: 8.9/10
• Technology: 9.3/10
• Safety: 8.8/10
• UAE Ownership Appeal: 9.2/10

Final Verdict: Ford Mustang is still a limited-production performance car with the emotional punch of a naturally aspirated ‘V8' engine and the technology and refinement of a modern Ford. It's not just a sports car; it's a unique blend of performance, heritage, technology, and practicality that is a favorite among sports car enthusiasts in the UAE.