We will have to wait a little longer to drive the 2024 Ford Mustang, which will be available for sale this summer. In the meantime, we had the opportunity to explore the interior and test out the new digital displays in the Mustang. Although the new interior design eliminates most of the physical buttons, the new Mustang still has a familiar feel inside.
Similar to previous models, the seating position is slightly elevated, even in the lowest seat position. While visibility is better than the Chevrolet Camaro, the quality of the materials used in the Mustang is what one would expect from a vehicle built at an affordable price point. Although some of the plastics look better than before, the Mustang's appearance and touch are not considered luxurious.
The lack of buttons in the center stack is in contrast to the numerous buttons on the steering wheel, with nine on each side. Even if the start/stop and volume knob on the center stack are counted as "buttons," there are still less than half the number of controls located on the steering wheel.
Fortunately, the new Mustang's touchscreen infotainment system, which is powered by Sync, is user-friendly. Ford has placed all the relevant climate controls at the bottom of the screen, ensuring they are always visible, even when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is in full-screen mode. This setup allows for quick access to features such as temperature adjustments, seat heating/cooling, and defrost settings. However, if you want to change the direction of the airflow, you need to access a climate menu with an additional tap.
The basic functions of the infotainment system work well, but it is the MyMustang menu that adds a fun element to it. By pressing the galloping horse button below the screen, Ford's collaboration with Unreal Engine is showcased, allowing for video game-like animations and interactivity on the screen. While this feature may appeal to gamers, those who are not interested in the latest gaming innovations may not find it noteworthy. The software, however, ensures a smooth touchscreen experience with high-quality graphics similar to those found in modern video games. When customizing drive modes, the corresponding parts of the Mustang on the screen are highlighted in detail, similar to customizing a car in "Forza Horizon" or "Gran Turismo 7." Other cool features that run on Unreal Engine include new auxiliary gauges, Mustang track apps, MyColor customization, and digital gauge cluster themes.
The new technology in the 2024 Mustang will be a significant upgrade from the current Sync 3 system. Regardless of whether you choose the large touchscreen or the lower-spec screen, both will include Unreal Engine integration, providing a smooth and impressive touchscreen experience that will be a huge improvement over the current model. The only downside is that the Mustang graphic displayed on the screen is always silver, which may not be ideal for some customers who would prefer a graphic that matches the color of the car. To make the customization even more immersive, Ford could match the color of the wheels, brake calipers, and aero package on the screen to the specific vehicle. The current generic silver car graphic may be seen as underwhelming compared to the advanced gaming software.
The infotainment system's basic features are similar to other Ford Sync systems. Its radio is user-friendly and the navigation system has a straightforward interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be displayed in either full or partial-screen mode. The latter provides additional options for the right side of the screen, and there are docked menu icons on the left to switch between the Sync and Apple/Android interfaces. The screen is angled towards the driver, which is appropriate for a performance car. The "star" button below the screen is highly useful because you can customize it to control various functions, including the exhaust mode. This is especially important for the Mustang's target audience.
The final standout feature of the interior is the digital instrument cluster, which includes a special gauge layout inspired by the 1987-1993 Fox Body Mustang. This layout can be set as the default display or linked to a custom drive mode. Fans of Mustang history will appreciate the white-backed gauges, which turn green when the headlights are on to simulate the green backlighting of older Mustangs. The other display modes are updated versions of the previous generation's digital cluster layouts, with smoother animations between drive modes. Overall, this interior will likely appeal more to those who prefer digital experiences over analog ones, though some may miss the airplane-inspired toggle switches from previous models. Nonetheless, Ford's touchscreen controls are well-designed and thoughtful, as seen in both this Mustang and the Mustang Mach-E.
Comments
Post a Comment