2026 Mustang Mach-E GT Blends Electric Power with West Coast Style

Now, that legendary spirit is electric. The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT California Special has arrived, and it’s redefining West Coast performance.

This isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s an homage to the iconic 1968 Mustang California Special, reimagined for an all-electric future. Ford has taken everything that made the original GT/CS a legend and combined it with cutting-edge electric power and zero emissions. The result is a thoroughly modern vehicle that honors over 60 years of Mustang heritage.

Whether you’re exploring mountain roads or cruising down the coast, the Mach-E GT California Special delivers thrilling acceleration and advanced technology to make every drive more fun. 

At Mike Reichenbach Ford Florence, we’re excited to show you how Ford has transformed a gas-powered icon into an electric powerhouse. Let’s explore the history of the California Special badge and discover what makes this 2026 revival so noteworthy.

A Legacy Reborn: The History Behind The California Heritage 

The California Special package revives a Mustang tradition that began with California’s car culture of the 1960s.

In 1968, a group of California Ford dealers saw an opportunity to create a version of the already-popular Mustang that would appeal directly to West Coast drivers. The result of this collaboration was the original Mustang GT/CS (Gran Turismo California Special). This limited-production coupe stood out with special side stripes, a blacked-out grille, fog lamps, and the signature red-and-black GT/CS emblems. It was a car built specifically for California’s highways and beach towns, and it became an instant classic.

Fast forward nearly 60 years, and Ford has revived the California Special nameplate for the 21st century, honoring that 1968 original while embracing cutting-edge EV technology. You’ll find design elements that pay tribute to the past, like distinctive badging, unique styling touches, and that unmistakable California Special DNA.

The biggest difference? Now it’s all powered by instant electric torque instead of a V8. 

It’s proof that some legacies are worth preserving, even when what’s under the hood changes completely.

Unique Coastal-inspired Styling Elements

The 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT California Special proudly wears its heritage, blending classic GT/CS DNA with modern West Coast aesthetics.

Exterior Styling:

• Rave Blue accents — This vibrant Pacific Ocean-inspired shade of blue appears on the wheels, grille, badges, and interior.
• 20-inch carbonized gray wheels — Each wheel features printed GT/CS logos, reinforcing the car’s identity.
• Gloss black aero wheel covers — These add a sleek, performance-focused look while improving aerodynamics.
• Illuminated Rave Blue pony emblem — The iconic Mustang logo lights up on the front grille, making a statement day and night.
• Hood graphic with layered colors — This coastline-inspired design evokes California sunsets and ocean waves with its gradient effect.

Interior Upgrades:

• Navy Pier ActiveX® performance seats — Trimmed in Miko material, a suede-like microfiber, with eye-catching reflective blue and silver stripes for a sporty, premium feel.
• California Special floor mats — These custom mats with GT/CS branding tie the theme together.
• Matching center console trim — Special badging and details remind you this isn’t just any Mach-E.

Every detail reminds you of the California Special’s coastal roots while giving the all-electric SUV a distinct on-road personality.

Performance Highlights

The 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT California Special backs up its styling with serious electric performance.

Under the hood (or more accurately, under the floor), dual electric motors deliver 480 horsepower and a massive 700 lb-ft of torque. That instant electric power translates into a 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.8 seconds, putting this all-electric SUV firmly in sports-car territory.  

Despite that impressive power output, the GT California Special has an estimated range of 280 miles on a full charge, giving you plenty of freedom to drive without worrying about where you’ll recharge.

The Mach-E GT also features regenerative braking with One-Pedal Drive, which captures energy when you decelerate to extend your range. Once you get used to it, you’ll find yourself using the brake pedal far less often—the electric motors do most of the work, slowing the vehicle down while putting power back into the battery.

This Mustang is fun to drive and efficient, proving that electric performance doesn’t mean you have to compromise. 

Tech Savvy Cabin

The 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT California Special seats five passengers, while prioritizing modern technology and everyday usability.

The centerpiece is a 15.5-inch SYNC® 4A touchscreen display that puts vehicle controls, navigation, and entertainment right at your fingertips with crisp graphics and intuitive menus.

Seamless connectivity comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, so you can access your favorite apps, make hands-free calls, and use your preferred navigation system without fumbling with cables. Just get in, and your phone connects automatically.

The tech integration extends beyond the screen, though. Voice commands let you control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel, and over-the-air updates mean your Mach-E will receive software improvements and new features without a trip to the dealership.

Along with the California Special’s unique Navy Pier seats and special trim details, the cabin delivers both cutting-edge technology and comfortable, driver-focused design.

Reserve Your 2026 Mustang Mach-E at Your Ford Dealer in Florence!

The 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT California Special proves that electric performance and heritage-inspired design can coexist beautifully. With impressive performance, iconic styling cues, and modern West Coast flair, this special edition is worth waiting for.

The California Special package adds $2,495 to the Mustang Mach-E GT’s base price of $53,395. If the GT California Special isn’t your style, the 2026 Mustang Mach-E lineup starts at $37,795, with multiple trims to fit different needs and budgets.

Ready to experience electric Mustang performance for yourself? While 2026 models are available to order now, you can visit Mike Reichenbach Ford Florence today to test-drive our current 2025 Mustang Mach-E inventory. There’s no better way to understand what it feels like to drive an electric vehicle than getting behind the wheel.

Whether you’re in Florence, Sumter, Darlington, or Myrtle Beach, our Ford sales team is here to answer your questions about the Mach-E, help you find competitive financing options, and make your transition to electric as smooth as possible. Contact us today to learn more or reserve your 2026 model!

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