Ford Mustang GT PREMIUM

Highlights

• Top-tier audio system standard
• Lowest depreciation in class
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

This 2018 Mustang GT PREMIUM represents the sweet spot of American muscle in the GCC market, offering the facelifted 10-speed automatic transmission that transformed the driving experience for local owners. With its mileage sitting right at the expected average for a well-loved daily driver in the UAE, it has already cleared the steepest part of its depreciation curve, making it a savvy financial choice. The silver exterior is one of the most practical choices for the region, hiding desert dust exceptionally well and maintaining a higher resale value than more eccentric colors. As a GCC spec model, it is purpose-built to handle the intense heat of Dubai or Riyadh summers without the cooling issues often found in imported variants. This specific trim brings a level of interior refinement that makes it just as capable of a comfortable cruise to Abu Dhabi as it is a spirited drive on the Jebel Hafeet mountain road. It stands out in its segment by offering a raw, naturally aspirated V8 experience that many rivals are moving away from, ensuring it remains a highly sought-after vehicle in the pre-owned market.

This Car vs Other 2018 Mustangs

At 113,000 km, this vehicle is perfectly aligned with the typical GCC annual average of 20,000 to 25,000 km, suggesting it has been used primarily for the long-distance highway commutes common between Emirates. Unlike low-mileage examples that may have sat idle for long periods in high heat, a regularly driven Mustang in the UAE often benefits from consistent lubrication and routine maintenance cycles. The silver finish is a significant advantage in the local used market, as it is widely regarded as one of the top three colors for heat reflection and ease of maintenance, ensuring it will attract a wider pool of buyers when you eventually decide to sell. Being a 2018 model, it features the critical mid-cycle refresh which introduced the 10-speed automatic transmission and a bump in power over 2017 and older models, making it far more desirable than earlier versions. The GCC regional specification is the most important factor here, providing peace of mind regarding the radiator capacity and air conditioning performance tailored for the Arabian Peninsula's climate.

GT PREMIUM vs Lower Trims

Choosing the GT PREMIUM over the standard GT or the EcoBoost trims fundamentally changes the cabin environment from a basic sports car to a sophisticated grand tourer. The most immediate upgrade is the leather-trimmed upholstery and the inclusion of heated and ventilated front seats, a feature that is practically essential for comfortable driving during the peak summer months in the Middle East. You also get the SYNC 3 infotainment system on a larger touchscreen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring modern connectivity that lower trims often lack. The premium trim also includes the Shaker Pro Audio system, delivering a crisp sound quality that remains clear even with the windows down at high speeds. Beyond aesthetics, this trim level adds selectable drive modes—Normal, Sport+, Track, and Drag Strip—allowing you to sharpen the throttle response and steering weight to suit the road conditions. Ambient interior lighting with MyColor customization adds a touch of luxury that makes the cabin feel much more exclusive during night drives through the city.

Mustang vs Segment Rivals

When compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro SS or the Dodge Challenger HEMI, the Mustang GT PREMIUM is often favored in the GCC for its superior outward visibility and more balanced handling characteristics. While the Challenger offers more raw cabin space, the Mustang’s more compact dimensions make it significantly easier to navigate through the tight parking structures of major malls and busy urban traffic. The 5.0L Coyote V8 is celebrated for its high-revving nature compared to the more traditional pushrod engines in its American competitors, providing a distinct European-influenced engine note. Ford's extensive service network across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait is generally more accessible than some of its niche competitors, making long-term ownership much more convenient. Additionally, the Mustang typically holds its value better in the local market due to its iconic status and a massive community of enthusiasts who ensure parts and modifications are always readily available. The cooling system in the GCC-spec Mustang is also frequently cited by local owners as being more resilient to stop-start traffic in 45°C heat compared to some European sports coupes.

Running Costs & Resale

Running a 5.0L V8 in the GCC is surprisingly manageable given the region's fuel prices and the efficiency of the 10-speed transmission during highway cruising. You can expect a real-world average of approximately 11.5L to 13L per 100km, though this will naturally increase during heavy city traffic in Riyadh or Dubai. Maintenance is straightforward, with major service intervals typically occurring every 10,000 km at authorized Ford centers located throughout every major city in the GCC. Parts are highly affordable and widely stocked, which keeps the total cost of ownership lower than any equivalent German sports car. Historically, the Mustang GT PREMIUM retains about 60-65% of its value after three years in the GCC market, which is significantly higher than many other sports coupes that can see much steeper drops. This silver model is particularly well-positioned for resale, as it appeals to the broadest possible demographic of buyers. The absence of complex air suspension or turbochargers means fewer expensive mechanical surprises as the car continues to age, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable performance investment.

Performance & Capability

The heart of this vehicle is the 5.0L V8, which produces an exhilarating soundtrack and enough power to reach 100 km/h in just under 4.5 seconds. The 10-speed automatic transmission is a masterpiece of engineering, keeping the engine in its power band during aggressive driving while quickly shifting to high gears for fuel-efficient highway cruising. It handles the UAE’s well-maintained highways with poise, feeling planted and stable at the 140 km/h limits found on the E11. The independent rear suspension, introduced in this generation, allows for much more refined handling through corners, making it feel more like a sports car and less like a traditional muscle car. Multiple steering modes allow you to lighten the wheel for easy parking or stiffen it for more feedback during weekend drives through the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. While it is a performance-focused coupe, the boot space is surprisingly deep, capable of holding two sets of golf clubs or a week's worth of groceries, making it a viable only-car for many owners. The ground clearance is sufficient for standard speed bumps and driveway inclines found across GCC residential areas, provided they are approached with care.

Comfort & Cabin

Inside the GT PREMIUM, you are greeted by a cabin that blends retro-inspired design with modern tech, specifically tailored for the four-seat configuration. The leather seats are well-bolstered for spirited driving but remain wide enough for long-distance comfort on cross-country trips. The dual-zone automatic climate control is exceptionally powerful, a hallmark of Ford’s GCC-spec vehicles, ensuring the cabin reaches a comfortable temperature within minutes of starting the car in the sun. Having ventilated seats is a transformative luxury in this region, preventing the discomfort of leather during the summer months. The interior noise insulation is commendable, effectively shielding passengers from road noise while still allowing the V8's growl to permeate the cabin under acceleration. Rear seating is best suited for children or short trips for adults, but the ability to carry four passengers in a pinch adds a level of practicality many two-seat sports cars lack. The soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels in this premium trim significantly elevate the feel of the car compared to the base models.

Safety

Safety is a priority in the GT PREMIUM, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags and electronic aids designed for high-speed stability. The 5-star safety rating is bolstered by features such as electronic stability control and traction control, which are vital when navigating the sandy patches that can occasionally blow across GCC highways. Standard blind-spot monitoring is an essential tool for the multi-lane highway environments of the UAE, where fast-moving traffic requires constant awareness. This trim also features a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, which are indispensable for a coupe with a long hood and high rear decklid. The braking system is robust, offering consistent stopping power even after repeated use in high ambient temperatures. Ford’s MyKey system is also included, allowing owners to set speed and volume limits for other drivers, providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.

The bottom line

For the GCC buyer who wants the quintessential V8 experience without the reliability headaches of an import, this GCC-spec GT PREMIUM in silver is the most logical and rewarding choice. It offers the perfect balance of modern technology, iconic performance, and strong resale value, making it a standout opportunity in today's market.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.