2025 Ford Mustang GT Fastback evaluation

Ford’s iconic pony automobile lives on for one more era.

After quite a few delays, first buyer deliveries of the seventh-generation S650 Mustang started in Australia late final yr. Nonetheless, the newest pony automobile brings recent seems in and out, in addition to new tech, whereas retaining its bellowing Coyote V8 engine. Sure, that’s proper, the bent eight continues to be out there, as is a handbook transmission.

With all 1000 examples of the track-focused Mustang Darkish Horse flagship coupe promoting out, the vary has now been pared again to only the four-cylinder EcoBoost and V8-powered GT variants, and solely the GT stays out there as a convertible.

On check right here is the enduring Mustang GT Fastback, powered by a 5.0-litre V8 and mated to both a six-speed handbook or 10-speed automated transmission. We’ve sampled each transmission sorts this time round.

It’s price noting the automobile pictured all through this evaluation is an MY24 instance that includes the beforehand non-obligatory Black Pack, which is not out there for MY25 Mustangs.

Ford Australia has confirmed no MY25 Mustangs have arrived Down Beneath but, however they need to be touchdown quickly pending transport delays.

Does the brand new Mustang stay true to its hallowed forebears, or has Ford ruined the system that made it one among Australia’s hottest sports activities vehicles? Learn alongside to seek out out.

How does the Ford Mustang examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Ford Mustang in opposition to equally sized autos.

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How a lot does the Ford Mustang value?

It’s not low-cost, however Ford can actually cost what it desires as a result of there’s not a like-for-like rival for the V8-powered Mustang GT.

After one more value hike for MY25, the Mustang now begins at about $67,000 earlier than on-road prices for the EcoBoost Fastback coupe, rising to virtually $79,000 plus on-roads for the V8-powered GT Fastback handbook examined right here (plus $3000 for the auto) and topping out at almost $88,000 earlier than on-roads for the auto-only GT Convertible flagship.

The subsequent most inexpensive V8-powered sports activities automobile is the Chevrolet Corvette, which begins at $182,000 earlier than on-roads – $100,000 greater than the Mustang GT Fastback auto. This can be a fully completely different sort of proposition, nevertheless.

Even in comparison with rear-wheel drive six-cylinder coupes just like the BMW M2 ($126,300 earlier than on-roads), Nissan Z Nismo ($94,360 earlier than on-roads), and Toyota GR Supra GT handbook ($86,295 earlier than on-roads), the Mustang GT nonetheless stacks up as higher worth from a money-to-horsepower perspective.

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

What’s the Ford Mustang like on the within?

The Mustang GT has at all times commanded loads of road cred and if something he new mannequin has much more street presence, particularly on this now-discontinued Yellow Splash exterior paint color. Many individuals snapped their heads round to have a look once I drove previous.

The massive doorways make it simple to get into this low-slung coupe, however they’re lengthy so you’ll want to permit a little bit of area to swing them open far sufficient. In case you park in a good spot it’s a must to contort your self throughout ingress and egress.

When you’re within the driver’s seat you sit very low, which is the way it ought to be in a sports activities automobile, however regardless of this there’s nonetheless good outward visibility over the lengthy bonnet. The non-obligatory Recaro seats add to the sporty character as they hug you in tremendous tight and are very supportive.

They provide six methods of electrical seat base adjustment, together with a large amount of thigh assist, although the backrest is manually adjusted. This isn’t the tip of the world as you may simply set your required backrest place with the lever.

Some stuff you miss out on with the Recaro seats when in comparison with the usual seats, nevertheless, is heating and air flow. Plus the seat belt rubs on the aspect of the backrest which makes an annoying squeaky sound.

Forward of the driving force is a giant leather-wrapped steering wheel that fills your arms. It provides a large amount of tilt and attain adjustment, which means folks of various sizes and statures will be capable to discover a comfy driving place.

I recognize the variety of buttons on the steering wheel, and the way clearly labelled they’re. There aren’t many vehicles that will let you change not solely the driving modes, but additionally the steering wheel really feel, immediately on the steering wheel.

Whereas it could polarise, I’m a fan of the brand new wraparound show setup that comes with each the digital instrument cluster forward of the driving force and the central touchscreen infotainment system. It makes you are feeling such as you’re in a cockpit, even when it does lose the retro-ness of the previous-generation Mustang.

The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster is brilliant and clear, plus you may cycle by way of a spread of various informative pages within the central part.

There are additionally quite a few completely different views you may choose from, together with some cool-looking choices that replicate basic Mustangs, however sadly these shows don’t have digital speedometer readouts.

Transferring throughout, the 13.2-inch multimedia touchscreen is massive and driver-oriented. I used to be capable of attain and work together with all elements of the display with out leaning out of my seat, which is improbable from an ergonomics standpoint.

Fortunately, the menu interface is straightforward to know and laborious to get misplaced in. There are handy digital shortcut buttons on the display for the house web page and Apple CarPlay, if linked, amongst others.

As customary, there’s each wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly I didn’t expertise any dropouts in any respect, which is nice.

There’s additionally a wi-fi telephone charger that’s conveniently situated on on the entrance of the centre console. It did cost my telephone for probably the most half, however given it’s not ventilated it tended to overheat it on longer drives.

It’s a little irritating Ford has built-in the local weather controls into the touchscreen, as bodily knobs and dials are a lot extra intuitive.

Fortunately, nevertheless, many of the local weather management capabilities are at all times current on the backside of the touchscreen. You’ll be able to simply change the set temperature and activate auto mode, amongst different capabilities, although if you wish to change the air-flow path or have the air recirculating, you’ll want to open the local weather management menu.

On the base of the centre stack, there are a number of bodily shortcut buttons for options just like the MyMustang web page on the touchscreen, which lets you change sure automobile options, plus a configurable button. I additionally recognize the bodily quantity knob and the outstanding crimson starter button.

Wanting past the wraparound show cluster, it’s apparent this new Mustang is predicated on the earlier S550 mannequin. Nearly the entire centre console is similar, all the way down to the gear selector, cupholders and under-armrest storage field.

This implies for those who put drinks within the cupholders they’re nonetheless in the best way while you function the gear selector, plus a number of the finishes are just a little scratchy and laborious. Regardless of this, there are nonetheless quite a few softer finishes in excessive touch-point areas.

A key change with the centre console, nevertheless, is the bodily hand brake has been eliminated, and an electrical park brake that may double as a drift hand brake has been put in as an alternative. It’s a cool inclusion that’s very pronounced, however in on a regular basis driving it seems like overkill.

Whereas the Mustang’s inside is relatively darkish, the inside ambient lighting provides an additional component of aptitude. There are a selection of various zones you may configure, which is enjoyable from a personalisation standpoint.

Hopping into the second row isn’t for the faint-hearted as a result of there isn’t a lot area on supply. At a leggy 182cm, I can technically sit again there if the entrance passenger is prepared to slip their seat ahead, however I’ve to crane my neck and lean ahead to make sure my head doesn’t hit the roof.

It’s not probably the most inviting area ever, as a result of along with the shortage of area, the rear glass tapers again over your head, and also you get quite a lot of daylight projected onto your neck consequently. This limits how appropriate the rear seats are for teenagers.

Talking of children, there are two ISOFIX child-seat anchor factors, in addition to two top-tether factors. This implies for those who ever want to put in a baby seat within the second row, you technically can.

For a lot of patrons the second-row area will probably be used as extra storage, although it’s price noting it isn’t coated.

On the again, the Mustang has a handbook tailgate that’s mild and will be opened or closed simply. Surprisingly, Ford doesn’t quote an official boot capability determine, but it surely’s fairly huge. A set of golf golf equipment will simply match again there.

Disappointingly, nevertheless, there’s no spare tyre beneath the boot flooring. Certain, there’s a tyre restore package that maintain assist repair small tyre punctures, however this isn’t wherever close to as useful as a correct spare wheel or perhaps a space-saver, particularly when you have a blowout in the midst of nowhere.

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The Ford Mustang GT continues to be powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, this time producing 345kW of energy and 550Nm of torque and mated with both a six-speed handbook or a 10-speed automated transmission.

That signifies that, for Australia, the famed Coyote V8 is up 6kW however down 6Nm over its predecessor, and effectively down on the 358kW/563Nm outputs of US-spec Mustang GTs, simply as our Darkish Horse’s 349kW/548Nm outputs are down from the 373kW/567Nm figures of the North American model, resulting from a distinct exhaust manifold and engine calibration.

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

How does the Ford Mustang drive?

Firing up the Mustang GT, there’s a giant V8 bellow when it first turns over, particularly when it’s chilly. The engine then settles into a wonderful chugging idle that’s very loud and addictive. V8 die-hards shall be happy.

However for those who’re aware of your neighbours and don’t wish to wake them up when beginning the automobile on an early morning, you may choose the ‘Quiet’ mode that shuts the lively valve within the exhaust. It does make a noticeable distinction, particularly within the cabin.

Setting off, the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 is certainly the star of the present right here. It has a lot character and it brings countless enjoyable and massive smiles, even in on a regular basis commuting.

There’s oodles of energy and torque out there with even a slight press of the accelerator, however you do must be cautious as a result of it doesn’t take a lot for the rear wheels to start to interrupt traction.

You’re capable of choose a wide selection of drive modes together with ‘Regular’, ‘Sport’, ‘Monitor’, with the latter solely meant for monitor use because it limits traction management. There’s additionally a ‘Customized’ drive mode that means that you can personalise the engine calibration, exhaust mode, steering really feel and, on this automobile, the adaptive dampers, amongst different minor issues.

Letting the automobile rev out, even in ‘Regular’ mode, is so enjoyable because the engine begins to sing from 3000rpm. Getting nearer to redline, the singing turns right into a scream – like a demon is on the point of escaping from beneath the bonnet.

‘Sport’ mode takes issues to the subsequent stage, making the automobile really feel extra centered and dialled in. On public roads, nevertheless, it feels such as you barely scratch the floor of the automobile’s functionality. The exhaust be aware additionally takes on a deeper, grumbly tone with the lively valve opened wider.

The six-speed handbook completely fits this automobile; the truth is, it appears probably the most acceptable choice right here, from an attractive sports activities automobile standpoint.

The clutch takeup level and kit shifting is straightforward to know, although it lacks the overtly notchy really feel of the Darkish Horse’s out there Tremec six-speed handbook transmission. I personally didn’t thoughts this although, as a result of it makes the GT’s handbook just a little simpler to dwell with on the day-to-day because it doesn’t take as a lot effort to shift gears.

A cool function out there within the GT handbook is auto maintain, so that you don’t must maintain your foot on the brake on the visitors lights. It’s additionally out there within the automated, but it surely’s a rarity in manual-equipped autos.

For many who don’t need the often laborious means of driving a handbook automobile, particularly in heavy visitors, the automated is an effective different. It’s not fairly as participating because the handbook, however you don’t need to continuously be interested by what gear to shift into subsequent.

One of many few catches with this automated transmission, nevertheless, is that it has 10 gear ratios, and this will generally be simply too many.

In regular driving, the GT automated is consistently shuffling up or down by way of the gears and, though it shifts seamlessly, except you’re accelerating it opts for the very best gear potential to minimise gasoline consumption. This dulls the theatrical expertise the V8 gives.

In case you do take management of the gears and shift manually by way of the paddle shifters, you’ll want to flick them fairly often because the gear spacing is slender.

Each our Mustang GT testers had been geared up with the non-obligatory MagneRide adaptive suspension damping system. This can be a must-have as a result of it elevates the driving expertise from each a consolation and dynamic standpoint.

In ‘Regular’ mode, the suspension errs on the sportier aspect, however the adaptive dampers higher iron out pimply city roads, and spherical off harsher bumps properly. You’ll be able to nonetheless really feel the street beneath you although.

One other function MagneRide permits is pothole detection, which is a marvel to behold. When the automobile detects a pothole it cranks up the rebound damping to its stiffest setting to scale back the quantity of wheel drop contained in the pothole. It additionally works effectively at rounding out pace bumps.

In ‘Sport’ mode, the damping is clearly firmer however could make the suspension really feel extra jittery. It seems like a cat ready to pounce when you get a straight part of street on which to unleash the entire energy on faucet right here.

Whatever the drive mode, the steering is on the firmer aspect. It’s not overly stiff, however for those who do must do some tight manoeuvring you’ll shortly construct up your biceps.

Along with the traditional steering calibration, there are additionally mild and sport steering modes that may be chosen immediately from the steering wheel. The settings solely alter how simple or laborious the wheel is to show at greater speeds, so the Mustang nonetheless isn’t the best automobile to park.

Talking of which, there are entrance and rear parking sensors as customary, which is nice, however unusually there’s solely a reversing digital camera. I’d recognize a surround-view digital camera, which would supply peace of thoughts understanding you gained’t scrape the flamboyant alloy wheels when parallel parking.

Getting out on the open street is the place the Mustang stretches its legs and feels most at residence. This automobile is a wonderful tourer that settles comfortably, but on tighter nation roads it simply fills the lane, making you breathe in while you meet an oncoming truck.

Right here, the automated shortly slots into high gear, but it’ll fortunately drop fairly quite a few gears to get issues hustling. The handbook, alternatively, means that you can take direct management of how a lot the automobile is revving and subsequently how good it sounds.

Much more so than the auto by way of its paddle shifters, I do like how a lot engine braking the GT handbook has when slotted right into a decrease gear at greater speeds. This implies you don’t must rely and the brakes as a lot.

Talking of the brakes, the Brembo items are very spectacular at pace, however round city they appear like overkill and really feel just a little too bitey. Nonetheless, I’m a fan of the red-painted brake calipers that come as a part of the MagneRide suspension bundle.

Each the handbook and automated Mustang GT are very dynamic and you’ll inform they wish to be pushed laborious. There’s a lot grip out there and that enables you’re taking corners quicker, however you even have to recollect this a V8-powered rear-drive beast.

It takes a racetrack to disclose the Mustang really has a really well-sorted chassis that may be steered on the throttle, however one of many few detractors from a dynamic on-road driving perspective is that it could actually nonetheless really feel a tad unwieldy on tighter, twisty roads. It’s not fairly as nimble as lighter sports activities vehicles, but it surely makes up for that with outright V8 grunt.

On the security entrance, adaptive cruise management is customary on each the GT handbook and automated. The one distinction between the 2 methods is the handbook doesn’t include a stop-and-go operate.

In each vehicles the adaptive cruise is nice at protecting a constant distance between you and the automobile forward of you. It additionally doesn’t freak out and slam on the brakes when a automobile merges in entrance of you.

The lane-keep help is useful and by no means too intrusive throughout regular commuting, although on tighter roads with poor lane markings it could actually get misplaced. In these circumstances, I discovered it finest to modify it off as a result of it stored vibrating and tugging on the wheel.

The GT automated additionally picks up a lane centring operate which works together with the adaptive cruise system. It’s good to have on longer freeway and freeway drives because it helps cut back driver fatigue. On common two-lane roads, nevertheless, the system is usually a little overbearing and desires to direct the steering efforts only a bit an excessive amount of.

Lastly, the usual LED headlights are brilliant, which is useful for travelling alongside dimly-lit rural roads. There’s additionally an auto high-beam operate that dips the lights when it detects both headlights or tail-lights in entrance of you.

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

What do you get?

The 2025 Ford Mustang vary is now solely supplied in two trim ranges, in spite of everything Darkish Horse autos we snapped up.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost gear highlights:

• Brembo six-piston entrance brake calipers, four-piston rear calipers
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Restricted-slip differential
• Digital park brake with Drift Brake
• Monitor Apps
• Energetic Valve Efficiency Exhaust with quad shops
• Computerized LED headlights
• Computerized high-beam
• Puddle lights with Mustang emblem
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• DAB+ digital radio
• FordPass Join embedded modem
• 12-speaker B&O sound system
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment
• Leather-based-wrapped shifter and park brake
• Metallic pedals
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Color-adjustable ambient lighting
• Proximity entry with push-button begin
• Illuminated sill plates
• One-touch up/down entrance home windows
• Leather-based-accented upholstery
• Heated and cooled entrance seats
• Six-way energy driver’s seat with energy lumbar, handbook backrest adjustment
• Six-way energy passenger seat with handbook backrest adjustment
• Break up/fold rear seats

Mustang GT provides:

• V8 engine
• Auxiliary engine oil-cooler
• Pirelli P Zero tyres

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

Choices

A variety of choice packages and particular person elements can be found for the 2025 Ford Mustang.

Bronze Look Pack – $1500 pre-Luxurious Automobile Tax (LCT), $1950 together with LCT 

• Sinister Bronze pony (grille), GT (boot lid) and 5.0 (sides) badging
• Sinister Bronze painted 19-inch wheels

EcoBoost and GT Look Packs (not out there with MagneRide or Recaro seats) – $1500 excl. LCT, $1950 inc. LCT

• Black with gray excessive stripes
• Distinctive rear spoiler

Different choices embody:

• MagneRide suspension and crimson Brembo brake calipers – $2950 excl. LCT, $3835 inc. LCT
• Recaro sports activities seats (six-way energy adjustable, non-heated or ventilated) – $2950 excl. LCT, $3835 inc. LCT

Our MY24 tester was fitted with the non-obligatory Black Pack, which is not out there.

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

Colors

Race Purple and Oxford White stay the one no-cost exterior paint finishes.

The next premium finishes can be found for an additional $910:

• Molten Magenta
• Carbonised Gray
• Grabber Blue
• Vapour Blue
• Shadow Black
• Iconic Silver

Atlas Blue, Darkish Matter Gray, Speedy Purple, and Yellow Splash have been discontinued for the 2025 mannequin yr. Our tester is completed within the latter.

Is the Ford Mustang protected?

The 2025 Ford Mustang has but to be examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Commonplace security gear contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and bike owner detection
• Adaptive cruise management (contains cease/go and lane centring on auto fashions)
• Blind-spot help
• Lane maintain help
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Evasive steer help
• Submit-collision braking
• Deployable bonnet
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Entrance, front-side and passenger knee airbags
• Curtain airbags (coupe)
• Head-side airbags (convertible)

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

How a lot does the Ford Mustang value to run?

The 2025 Ford Mustang is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

If you wish to see how the Ford Mustang traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software

CarExpert’s Tackle the Ford Mustang

The Mustang is the final of a dying breed.

The age of V8-powered sports activities vehicles is slowly however absolutely coming to an finish, particularly amongst mainstream manufacturers, and automobile fans ought to be grateful Ford has continued to supply the Mustang, not to mention make a new-generation model of it. The identical can’t be stated of two-door American muscle automobile rivals just like the Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger, whish had been by no means international fashions just like the Blue Oval’s authentic pony automobile.

Certain, this S650-generation Mustang is basically a reworked S550, however the most effective components of the automobile have been retained, together with Ford’s iconic 5.0-litre Coyote V8.

This engine is such a beast. It had me obsessed from the primary chilly begin, and stored me enamoured with its wonderful soundtrack as I ripped the revs past 4000rpm. Even in common driving whereas commuting, the V8 at all times makes its presence identified with its guttural engine and exhaust be aware.

The Mustang GT begs to be pushed laborious and rewards you for doing so on twisty roads, the place its dynamic envelope is method too broad to check with out risking your license. With the intention to expertise the complete function set, you’ll want to take this automobile to a racetrack.

Whereas the brand new inside format has misplaced its retro look in comparison with the earlier mannequin, I recognize the extra up-to-date know-how. The screens are brilliant and high-res, and the wraparound show cluster creates a cockpit really feel for the driving force.

From an inside ergonomics, standpoint, nevertheless there are some bugbears. Having to make use of the touchscreen for extra capabilities is counterintuitive, the cupholders are nonetheless in the best way of your arm when altering gears, and the handbrake continues to be on the alternative aspect of the centre console.

Lastly there’s the worth, which retains going up. Ford can actually cost what it desires for the Mustang GT now, given it’s one of many few remaining V8 sports activities vehicles. However at about $90k drive-away relying on the state you reside in, it’s nonetheless cheaper than rear-drive six-cylinder M2, Z Nismo and Supra GTS.

So it feels like a little bit of a discount to me, particularly when you think about the subsequent most inexpensive V8 sports activities automobile is the Corvette Stingray, which is able to value you greater than $200k to park in your driveway.

Inquisitive about shopping for a Ford Mustang? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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