Just-introduced emissions rules on new cars in Australia represent one reason behind a $5000 price rise for the new-generation Ford Mustang nine months after it launched.
Ford has admitted that just-introduced CO2 emissions rules for new cars in Australia – the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) – are a "factor" in a fresh price rise for the 2025 Ford Mustang sports car range.
From July 1, 2025, regulators began tracking the emissions of each new vehicle imported to Australia – the same date from which Ford has added $5000 to the recommended retail price of every Mustang variant.
The Mustang now starts from $71,990 before on-road costs for the four-cylinder EcoBoost automatic coupe – $5000 more than before, and $7000 more than its 2024 launch price – and tops out at $92,667 for the GT automatic V8 convertible, or around $100,000 drive-away.
"From July 1, the manufacturer’s list price (MLP) of all Mustang variants has risen by $5000," a Ford Australia spokesperson said.
"MLP is a recommendation only, and the selling price of any vehicle is at the discretion of the selling Ford dealer.
"The introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) was a factor in our decision.
"Other influences that typically impact pricing include shipping and logistics costs, exchange rates, market dynamics, and customer demand.
"With an MLP starting at $71,990, Mustang continues to offer value for money in the sports car segment."
Since the current S650-generation Mustang arrived in Australia in mid-2024 – about 12 months later than initially planned – prices have increased between $5915 and $7000.
A Mustang GT emits up to 310 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre, which can be offset by the sale of more-efficient vehicles, such as the electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and Ranger Plug-in Hybrid ute.
However, in May 2025, the two-door Mustang outsold the Mach-E 17-to-one, with 720 deliveries – its best result since November 2018 – to 42 Mach-Es.
It is despite Ford offering thousands of dollars off the Mach-E with national drive-away deals to clear 'Model Year 2023.75' stock ahead of an updated version due in local showrooms later this year.
The Mustang is the best-selling sports car 'below $90,000' in Australia year-to-date with 2859 deliveries, ahead of the Subaru BRZ (437), Mazda MX-5 (421) and Toyota GR86 (360) – along with the 'above $90,000' BMW 2 Series (577) and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class (475).
2025 Ford Mustang price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
