Ford Mustang SUV: V8 rear-drive Territory successor imagined

The iconic Ford Mustang two-door will live on beyond its latest seventh-generation despite an electrification push, according to the brand’s top brass.

For the most part, this is the result of Ford’s electric models, such as the Mustang Mach-E crossover, which bring down its corporate fleet emissions – allowing for internal-combustion vehicles to continue for the foreseeable future.

“That’s what we’re doing with our ICE business, we’re going to keep investing, keep our ICE products really exciting, but make them more opinionated. We want to be opinionated about our products,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley.

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So, what if Ford blended the popularity of a large SUV shape with the performance of the Mustang GT to rival the BMW X5 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and Jaguar F-Pace SVR at a lower price?

Despite the expansion of the Mustang brand for the electric Mach-E, a beastly Mustang SUV is extremely unlikely, but that hasn’t stopped digital artist Theottle from imagining one.

The idea of an SUV version of the Mustang seems trivial, but this has allowed brands like Porsche and, just this month, Ferrari to produce top-selling models to continue making less-popular sportscars.

Of course, neither a Porsche 911 or Ferrari 296 GTB sells as well as the Mustang, so the justification for an SUV version is further dampened.

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In addition, Ford also sells the rear-drive Explorer ST in the United States with a 298kW 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, as found in the Ranger Raptor.

Nevertheless, taking design cues from the seventh-generation Mustang revealed last week, the high-riding V8-powered model would be a spiritual successor to Australia’s own Territory, which was once available with Ford’s locally-developed turbocharged ‘Barra’ six. Fuel guzzlers unite.

We’d also add the 2.3-litre turbo-four to the mix, alongside the rejigged flagship 5.0-litre V8, which produces more than the current 339kW and 556Nm.

A hybrid version could have potential, as well.

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With a five-door body, the Mustang SUV would be perfect for families by offering room for up to five or seven occupants – and a much-larger glasshouse for added comfort.

During the reveal of the new-generation Mustang, Ford released several design sketches with alternative looks, including a Falcon-like four-door sedan drawing.

So, could Ford be considering a family of Mustang-badged vehicles?

It’s not probable at this point, but never say never – although electrification, rather than a big naturally-aspirated V8, is far more likely.

Would you consider a practical eight-cylinder Mustang SUV? Let us know in the comments below.