The Ford Mustang Mach-E continues to impress with its all-electric performance and cutting-edge features. Two popular trims, the Premium and California Route 1, offer different levels of luxury and range. This comparison will help you understand the key differences between these two trims.
Powertrain and Performance
Premium Trim
- Drivetrain Options:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Available with Standard Range or Extended Range Battery
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available with Standard Range or Extended Range Battery
- Power Output:
- RWD: 266 horsepower, 317 Nm of torque (Standard Range), 290 horsepower, 317 Nm of torque (Extended Range)
- AWD: 266 horsepower, 428 Nm of torque (Standard Range), 346 horsepower, 428 Nm of torque (Extended Range)
- Acceleration:
- 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.8 seconds (RWD Standard Range)
- 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.8 seconds (AWD Extended Range)
- Range:
- RWD: EPA Estimated 402 km (Standard Range), 483 km (Extended Range)
- AWD: EPA Estimated 370 km (Standard Range), 483 km (Extended Range)
California Route 1 Trim
- Drivetrain Options:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Extended Range Battery only
- Power Output:
- 290 horsepower, 317 Nm of torque
- Acceleration:
- 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.1 seconds
- Range:
- EPA Estimated 502 km
The California Route 1 trim is designed for maximum range, while the Premium trim offers more powertrain options and potentially higher performance, especially with the AWD Extended Range configuration.
Exterior Features
Premium Trim
- LED headlights with signature lighting
- Power-folding side mirrors with memory function
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Unique 19-inch aluminum wheels
- Available panoramic fixed-glass roof
California Route 1 Trim
- LED headlights with signature lighting
- Aerodynamic wheel covers for improved efficiency
- Power-adjustable side mirrors
- 18-inch aluminum wheels (for improved range)
The Premium trim enhances the exterior with more upscale features like the power-folding mirrors and hands-free liftgate, while the California Route 1 focuses on aerodynamic efficiency for maximum range.
Interior and Comfort
Premium Trim
- Seating for five passengers
- Premium ActiveX upholstery
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
- 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
California Route 1 Trim
- Seating for five passengers
- Standard ActiveX upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 6-way manual adjustable front passenger seat
- Single-zone automatic climate control
The Premium trim significantly upgrades the interior comfort with additional power adjustments, heating features, and ambient lighting, creating a more luxurious cabin environment than the more basic offerings of the California Route 1.
Technology and Infotainment
Premium Trim
- 15.5-inch central touchscreen with SYNC 4A
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen featuring Beosonic
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation system
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- 360-degree camera system
California Route 1 Trim
- 15.5-inch central touchscreen with SYNC 4A
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Standard sound system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation system
- 360-degree camera system
While both trims offer advanced technology, the Premium trim elevates the audio experience with a premium sound system and adds convenient features like wireless smartphone charging.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both the Premium and California Route 1 trims come with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 technology, which includes:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Rear View Camera
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Post-Collision Braking
The key difference lies in the availability of Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving system:
- Premium Trim: BlueCruise available (1-year plan)
- California Route 1 Trim: BlueCruise capable (available as an option)
Both trims offer comprehensive safety features, but the Premium trim includes the BlueCruise system as standard, providing an advanced hands-free driving experience on select highways.
Charging Capabilities
Both the Premium and California Route 1 trims benefit from the extensive Ford charging network:
- Access to over 160,000 BlueOval Charge Network chargers
- 37,500 Fast Chargers available
- 17,800 Tesla Superchargers now accessible to Ford EV drivers
The charging capabilities are identical for both trims, ensuring convenient access to a wide range of charging options. However, the extended range of the California Route 1 may provide an advantage for long-distance travel.
Optional Features and Packages
Premium Trim
- Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof
- Interior Protection Package
- 19-inch Bright Machined-Face Aluminum Wheels with Sinister Bronze Painted Pockets
California Route 1 Trim
- BlueCruise hands-free driving system
- Interior Protection Package
The Premium trim offers more upscale optional features, particularly the panoramic fixed-glass roof, unavailable on the California Route 1 trim.
Design and Styling
While both trims share the same overall design language of the Mustang Mach-E, there are subtle differences:
Premium Trim
- More refined exterior details
- Unique 19-inch aluminum wheels
- More interior color and material options
California Route 1 Trim
- Aerodynamic wheel covers
- 18-inch aluminum wheels optimized for range
- Limited interior color options
The Premium trim offers a slightly more refined appearance both inside and out, with unique wheel designs and additional interior customization options. The California Route 1 focuses on aerodynamic efficiency with its wheel design.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Both the Premium and California Route 1 trims offer similar cargo capacity:
- Rear cargo area: Approximately 840 liters
- Front trunk (frunk): Approximately 81 liters of additional storage
The hands-free power liftgate on the Premium trim adds an extra layer of convenience when accessing the cargo area.
Ride and Handling
Premium Trim
- Available with both RWD and AWD configurations
- Sportier suspension tuning, especially in AWD variants
- Potential for more dynamic handling characteristics
California Route 1 Trim
- RWD configuration only
- Suspension tuned for comfort and maximum range
- Emphasis on smooth, efficient driving dynamics
While both trims offer a comfortable ride, the Premium trim may provide a slightly more engaging driving experience, especially in its AWD configuration. The California Route 1 prioritizes efficiency and range over sporty handling.
Efficiency and Range
Premium Trim
- RWD Standard Range: 110 MPGe combined
- RWD Extended Range: 107 MPGe combined
- AWD Standard Range: 100 MPGe combined
- AWD Extended Range: 97 MPGe combined
California Route 1 Trim
- RWD Extended Range: 105 MPGe combined
The California Route 1 trim is specifically designed for maximum range, offering the highest range figure of 502 km. However, the Premium trim with Extended Range battery comes close, offering 483 km of range with potentially higher performance capabilities.
Customization Options
Premium Trim
- More extensive interior and exterior color choices
- Additional package options for further customization
California Route 1 Trim
- Limited color options
- Fewer available packages and add-ons
The Premium trim allows for greater personalization, catering to buyers who want more options to tailor their Mustang Mach-E to their preferences.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Which Trim Is for You?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium and California Route 1 trims both offer impressive electric vehicle technology and performance but with different focuses:
The Premium trim provides:
- More powertrain options (RWD and AWD, Standard and Extended Range batteries)
- Higher performance capabilities, especially in AWD configurations
- More luxurious interior features (heated seats, premium sound system, etc.)
- Greater customization options
- Advanced technology features like BlueCruise as standard
The California Route 1 trim offers:
- Maximum driving range (502 km)
- Focus on efficiency and aerodynamics
- Simplified options for buyers who prioritize range over luxury features
- Potentially lower cost of entry
Choosing between the Premium and California Route 1 trims will ultimately depend on individual preferences, desired performance levels, and the importance of maximum range versus luxury features. Both trims uphold the Mustang Mach-E reputation for combining electric efficiency with the spirit of the iconic Mustang brand.
