The Mustang Dark Horse is not electric, it is not quiet, it is not subtle – and that is precisely its charm. With 500 horses (or 454, if you are in Europe), a brutal sound and a classic V8 under the hood, this is a car that still breathes gasoline dreams. But does it justify its (too) high price? And why hasn't it blown me away like it did years ago? Test - Mustang Dark Horse.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2024 is everything we classic muscle car fans want – while the world is already drawing us electric crossovers and a fourth floor of infotainment menus. So this time's Ford Mustang Dark Horse test – will be a little different.
So it's the most focused and sporty Mustang in the regular series, and it's supposed to be the spiritual successor to the Mach 1 - only even more edgy. And the name? For the first time in Mustang history, the emblem features a horse looking forward. Because the Mustang is apparently not looking back anymore.
Warning: The author of this article has a special relationship with Fords and has always owned at least one. Therefore, the impressions in this article are completely irrelevant - but at the same time imbued with passion and criticism of the brand he loves. So let's see - a test of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
@janmacarol They're all gone. Camaro. Challenger. Silenced. But not this one. The last V8 muscle car that doesn't apologize for still being alive. Well, a hybrid. Well EV. No fake engine sounds. Just 5.0L of pure American thunder. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse (2024) isn't here to save the planet. It's here to save your soul. If you still believe driving is a feeling – not just numbers – this is your car. In a world of silence, this V8 still roars. #FordMustang #DarkHorse #V8Forever #CarLovers #TestFordMustangDarkHorse #MuscleCar #Petrolhead #AutomotiveRomance ♬ original sound – jan.macarol.vrabec
Under the hood: still no turbo – thank goodness
In the US, Ford equips the Mustang Dark Horse with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Coyote V8 that develops 500 hp (373 kW) and 567 Nm of torque. The real deal: no turbine, no sound filter. Just gas, valve and explosion.
In Europe, however – and here comes the reality – the numbers drop to 454 hp (333 kW) and 540 Nm. The culprit? Of course, emissions standards and adaptation to the European market. Despite everything, this remains the most powerful Mustang without the “Shelby” badge. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse test showed that these 50 horses are not enough for a true brutality.
Test model, which you were driving, had 10-speed automatic transmission, which can surprise. It works quickly, smoothly and in sports mode it can also "gurgle" the gears nicely. It shows some problems when shifting down too slowly, where I would like more responsiveness. It is not like a manual, but for driving on European roads it may even be a better choice - if you don't feel like exercising in rush hour traffic. This is the only comment or difference that I would like in the test car, because with a manual transmission I would experience the "pure" purism of motoring, as it once was.
Mustang Dark Horse test: Feelings behind the wheel – more than just numbers
On paper, the numbers are good: acceleration to 100 km/h in approximately 4.4 seconds (4.1 America), final speed around 270 km/h, depending on the equipment. But the Dark Horse impresses above all with its driving feel. Also because 4.4 seconds is really not a record in the world of electric cars. And as an electric driver, I was not at all “surprised”, or rather, I admit that the acceleration did not buy me. As if it lacks these 50 American horses, which he was deprived of due to regulations.
Thanks to the standard sports suspension, additional chassis reinforcement and the optional Handling Package (MagnetRide suspension, wider tires, more aggressive spoiler), this Mustang drives less “American” and more European than I would expect. The steering wheel turn, responsiveness and feeling when the rear end slips are more Porsche than Detroit. It turns into a corner like on rails, without understeer. With a high threshold that you don’t want to encounter. Ford has done a lot of things right, especially in the chassis. Congratulations! The Ford Mustang Dark Horse test taught me this too.
The only thing that really bothers you is the weight – around 1840 kilograms, which is a lot for a sports car. This is especially noticeable during dynamic braking, where the brake pedal – which is connected to the Brembo braking system, by the way – needs quite a bit of force to start working really effectively. Otherwise, it is dosed perfectly once you get used to it.
The 19-inch wheels on the test model were a great compromise between comfort and dynamics. But for a more extreme look and an even sharper ride, I would easily replace them with larger ones. Just be prepared for hard driving and a few dentist visits. The existing chassis is quite stiff in sport mode. Otherwise, in normal mode – bearable.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse test: Fuel consumption? An unpleasant question – but still…
This is not something to be asked – just like you don't ask a girl how many partners she's had. But I can whisper that it can be driven around with discipline. 12.5 liters – but you will realistically spend 14 liters. Similar answer to what you'll get from a girl - a higher score is more realistic.
Sound – the main reason for purchase
The Dark Horse isn't quiet. It's not subtle. And thank goodness for that. It has an active exhaust system with multiple modes, where "Track" means a serious sonic explosion. The engine roars so brutally in this mode, you'll think you're in a GT350. The sound is the car's main selling point—and what really separates the Dark Horse from the Mustang GT, although the latter isn't exactly a quiet beast either.
But be careful: In the EU, this regime is too loud for the roads. Use it wisely, or you'll quickly be out of a few euros in your account.
Mustang Dark Horse interior test: Ford remains Ford
Digital gauges that you can set to a retro “Fox Body” look? Present. A 13.2-inch screen with all the modern connections and updates? Also.
But… the plastic environment leaves a bitter aftertaste.
It's not that it's plastic - it's that it feels cheap. Especially considering the price of the vehicle. The infotainment works quickly, but it takes up too much space and stifles the otherwise raw soul of the Mustang. Still, Ford hasn't forgotten who its customer is - they've kept a few physical buttons, a few shortcuts and a logical layout of the driver's environment. Everything is where it should be.
Seating? Too high. Seat lowered all the way, still feels like an SUV. For sports GT car, aiming at the M4, this is unacceptable. If I could – I would lower it by 2-3 cm.
Practicality and usability
Back seat? Useful if you have no hips or are willing to sacrifice them. Trunk? Correct.
Storage spaces? Present. Info system? Good, relatively logical and at the same time simple, with good Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.
Price: kills charm or confirms exclusivity?
In Europe Mustang Dark Horse It costs around 75,000–85,000 EUR, depending on the country and equipment. That's at least 20,000 EUR more than the base Mustang GT. And the question is – do you really feel that difference on every kilometer? The one in the test is offered at this link and will cost you 77,000 euros.
If you don't need magnetic suspension, 500 hp (less in the EU) or an exhaust system that screams like an American wrestler into a microphone, then the GT will be more than enough. The sound, power and looks are already there. But... if you want the ultimate Mustang with Recaro seats - you can't ignore this.
Conclusion: The last dance of a muscleman
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is more than a car. It's a tribute to another time - a time when you could shift gears manually, listen to the engine, and feel alive behind the wheel.
It has flaws. It's plastic. Too tall. An expensive toy.
But you love it. When you put it on the scale, it's realistically too heavy - but when you look at it differently: one of the few cars where you get so much joy and that real automotive passion for this money.
Even if the acceleration doesn't blow you away and the plastic doesn't convince you - you jump on the internet and dream about having one. The exact one from the test is already on avto.net for 77,000 euros - and it can be yours. Jump and dream.
Because of the sound. Because of the character. Because it's still here - when the Camaro, Challenger and all the rest have already said goodbye. That's why the Ford Mustang Dark Horse test was something special!
In the age of silence, screens and electricity, Mustang Dark Horse the last ambassador of V8 romance – who is not in the world of porn stars. And that's no small thing.
