Ford e-Transit Custom MS-RT Review 2024

Even in more basic trim levels, the Ford e-Transit Custom raises the bar in terms of what to expect dynamically from an electric van. But with the souped-up MS-RT model, the Blue Oval has created the fastest Ford Transit of the lot. Read our Ford e-Transit MS-RT review to learn more about the rally-inspired derivative of Ford’s finest.

The Ford e-Transit Custom is a van that has already bucked trends, with the manufacturer targeting private, micro-fleet and small business users ahead of the big fleets when it comes to encouraging more widespread adoption of electric vans. And nor more visible is that than with the Ford e-Transit Custom MS-RT, which is not only the sharpest-looking derivative of the Ford Transit Custom to date, but also the fastest of the MS-RT models, building on a relationship with the Welsh rally tuning firm that dates back to 2018 and has since become a standalone model derivate in the Ford Pro van line-up.

That’s down to a 285PS electric motor, with 415Nm of instant torque, delivering the kind of off-the-line performance that 20 years ago would have matched that of a high-end sports car, delivered to the rear wheels with a healthy dose of oomph. There are no 0-60 times quoted for vans, but Ford insiders have suggested that its around six seconds – delivered smoothly and progressively, but with lots of urgency.

The trade-off is a reduced electric range – around 170 miles as opposed to the 209-mile range of the mainstream variants. Like other Ford e-Transit Customs, it’s offered with an incentivised connected Ford Pro Home Charger, which the company will install, maintain and guarantee with a five-year warranty. To help reduce energy costs, Ford Pro charging software also enables users to schedule charging to maximise the use of off-peak energy tariffs, aimed at users who charge their vans using a domestic supply.

Styling wise, it looks the part. 19-inch rally-inspired alloy wheels, a bold body kit and front and rear diffusers enhance the look, with a vivid range of body colours including lairy Yellow Green, MS-RT Blue or Cadmium Yellow.

Inside, sports seats and MS-RT monogrammed head restraints complete the picture.

Total payload is 989kg (23kg less than the non MS-RT models due to the weight of the body kit) and there is a choice of body options - regular panel van or double-cab, with a standard L1 H1 body only.  

With just one body style available the Ford e-Transit Custom MS-RT has 5.8 cubic metres of cargo space but is practical and well thought-out, with a 1,400mm load aperture for the back door and 1,932mm of space between the arches. A passenger side side-loading door with hands-free functionality is standard, with a second side loading door on the options list.

Overall payload is 989kg, behind the 1,088kg capacity of more basic Ford e-Transot Customs and the 1,384kg capability of the diesel version – but then this isn’t a van that’s likely to attract heavy-duty users. It retains the impressive towing capacity of 2,300kg in line with its sister models, though - right at the top of its class.

The cab is smart and well laid-out, trimmed in a mixture of cloth and Alcantara with a blue chequer-weave fabric insert and MS-RT logo head restraints, along with a chunky leather-clad version of the model’s non-concentric steering wheel, complete with blue upper line to mark the straight-ahead position – just like in a rally car.

Otherwise, there are plenty of storage and cubby areas and functional controls. The climate control functions are a faff when operated via the screen, but most controls are simple and functional, with a recessed dash and walk-through flat-floor layout to prevent drivers from having to alight into traffic.

The Ford e-Transit Custom MS-RT is also offered with the optional tilting steering wheel, which comes with a clip-on table so it can be used as a laptop or eating surface, but it doesn’t have the unique trim of more conventional models.

Charging is the same as the stanard models – using a 7.4kW wallbox charger you’ll get a full charge in just under eight hours, while 125kW rapid charging will get you from 10-80% charge in just under 40 minutes.

Here’s where the Ford e-Transit Custom MS-RT really comes into its own – the extra power, allied to the rear-drive layout and low centre of gravity afforded by the battery pack gives it both sprightly acceleration and tenacious grip. It’s not what you’d expect from a van, but it will hold its own against any hot hatch or performance saloon. It really is that impressive to drive. The trade off, though, is that the big wheels and sports-tuned suspension take the edge off the standard Ford e-Transit Custom’s excellent ride quality.

It's a small price to pay, though, for a van that feels so quick off the mark and assured at speed, with a sharp throttle response and linear smooth regenerative braking.

As with the standard Ford e-Transit Custom, the switchgear and controls are light and intuitive, the steering precise and visibility good all-round, aided by a camera-fed rear-view mirror which is great for keeping an eye on traffic but can be confusing when parking as it makes objects appear too close.

Safety kit is impressive, as you’d expect, with pre-collision assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road sign recognition, wrong way alert, a reversing camera and parking sensors, along with a speed limit warning which you can override with a steering wheel button.

It’s a great van to drive – terrific fun – and it looks the part, too, with the distinctive, sporty appearance bound to appeal to those who want their van to project a particular image. It won’t be for everyone as it’s certainly not for shrinking violets, but the Ford e-Transit Custom MS-RT is a cracking piece of kit.