Mustang cops major price rise

Cop that! Ford has raised the price of all four Mustang models sold in Australia by a hefty $5000, pushing on-the-road pricing of the full-time model range through $100,000 for the first time.

The price rise kicked in on July 1, the same day Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard CO2 reduction scheme started tallying penalties and credits.

And Ford is admitting the NVES has played a role in this price rise along with other factors.

The 2.3-litre turbo-petrol Mustang Ecoboost is now priced at $71,990, while Australia’s most affordable remaining V8, the GT manual climbs to $83,990. The V8 GT automatic is $86,990 and the V8 GT Convertible is $92,667.

All pricing is recommended and plus on-road costs. There are no equipment or specification changes to any model.

That means – based on a Melbourne 3000 postcode – the most expensive Mustang GT Convertible now costs more than $103,000 on the road.

While this is a new high for a full-time member of the Mustang range, the limited-edition 2023 Mustang Dark Horse was priced over $100,000.

Based on the same postcode, the cheapest EcoBoost model is now priced just under $80,000.

“The introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) was a factor in our decision,” a Ford spokesperson told carsales in an emailed response to questions.

“Other influences that typically impact pricing include shipping and logistics costs, exchange rates, market dynamics, and customer demand.”

The inclusion of NVES penalty calculations for the CO2-belching Mustang (up to 310g/km) in its new price comes despite no fines being issued until February 2028.

Between now and then those fines could in theory be wiped out by credits generated by zero emissions Ford vehicles sold in Australia out to the end of 2027.

This price increase would seem to indicate Ford doesn’t expect a quick uptake in its EV sales.

It’s feasible the Mustang could also be shouldering some of the NVES penalty load being generated by other high-emissions models.

Ford in Australia is heavily dependent on diesel Ranger ute and Everest SUV sales. In fact, Ford has already cut the cheapest rear-wheel-drive models from the Everest line-up because of the NVES structure.

“A range of factors impact pricing, and from time to time we adjust our recommended manufacturer’s list prices based on these,” the spokesperson said.

“Regulatory considerations is one factor, but pricing decisions are always the result of a complex analysis process.

“NVES is a new, complex dynamic that will continue to influence the industry, and we will navigate and adapt to its impacts as it evolves.”

One factor ruled out in making these changes was the turbulent international tariffs situation triggered by President Donald Trump’s sweeping ‘Liberation Day’ announcements.

“This pricing decision was not impacted by any tariff-related considerations,” the spokesperson stated. “However, we continue to work with our colleagues globally to navigate any changes in the economic landscape.”

The spokesperson dismissed any suggestion the Mustang’s days could be numbered in Australia.

It is the only passenger vehicle remaining in a local lineup otherwise comprising utes and SUVs.

“Mustang is and will continue to be an exciting part of our lineup,” the spokesperson said. “We are thrilled to add to its iconic history locally both on the road and on the race track going into the future.”

How much does the Ford Mustang cost?
EcoBoost: $71,990
GT manual: $83,990
GT auto: $86,990
GT Convertible: $92,667
* Pricing excludes on-road costs

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au