The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is more than just a tribute car; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of classic cool and modern Mustang muscle. Building upon the already impressive Mustang GT, the Bullitt edition injects a dose of Steve McQueen charisma and elevates the driving experience to a new level. For enthusiasts and casual drivers alike, the 2019 Bullitt Mustang carves out a unique space as arguably the most desirable Mustang in the current stable, offering a compelling mix of performance, style, and everyday usability.
This special edition Mustang isn’t just about aesthetics, though it certainly nails that aspect. It’s about refining the already potent Mustang GT formula, adding subtle performance enhancements and a distinctive character that pays homage to a legendary film icon. While the Mustang lineup boasts track-ready Shelbys and tire-shredding horsepower monsters, the 2019 Bullitt Mustang distinguishes itself as the sweet spot – a car that’s equally at home cruising city streets or carving through winding backroads.
Bullitt Mustang: Beyond the Badge
The foundation of the 2019 Bullitt Mustang is the robust Mustang GT, inheriting its powerful 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine and athletic chassis. However, Ford didn’t simply slap on some badges and call it a day. The Bullitt receives a series of thoughtful upgrades that set it apart. Visually, the most striking difference is the elimination of the Mustang grille pony badge, replaced by a clean, blacked-out grille with chrome accents, reminiscent of the original movie car. Unique 19-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels further enhance the retro vibe, while subtle Bullitt badging replaces the standard Mustang GT emblems. The absence of a rear spoiler contributes to the car’s understated yet aggressive stance. Exclusive color options, Dark Highland Green and Shadow Black, complete the iconic look, solidifying its connection to the classic film.
Performance that Matters: Coyote V8 Enhanced
Under the hood of the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt resides the familiar 5.0-liter Coyote V8, but with a welcomed power bump. Thanks to a performance open air intake and revised engine calibration, the Bullitt Mustang delivers 480 horsepower, a 20 horsepower increase over the standard GT. While torque remains at a robust 420 lb-ft, the added horsepower sharpens throttle response and provides a more exhilarating top-end rush. A “Bullitt” branded strut tower brace adds a touch of visual flair under the hood, reinforcing the special edition nature of this Mustang. Crucially for purists, the 2019 Bullitt Mustang is exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, further emphasizing its driver-focused character. This commitment to a manual gearbox in a world increasingly dominated by automatics is a significant draw for enthusiasts who crave a more engaging driving experience.
The manual transmission in the Bullitt is a joy to operate, featuring a smooth clutch engagement and precise shifts. For drivers less accustomed to manual transmissions, the Bullitt offers helpful features like Hill Start Assist and rev-matching. Rev-matching automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, smoothing gear changes and enhancing the sporty driving feel. Both of these aids can be deactivated for experienced drivers who prefer full control. The soundtrack accompanying the Bullitt’s performance is equally captivating. The active valve performance exhaust delivers a deep, resonant growl at lower rpms, building to a thrilling roar as the tachometer climbs.
Ride and Handling: Balanced Agility
The 2019 Bullitt Mustang strikes an impressive balance between performance handling and everyday comfort, especially when equipped with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension. This advanced suspension system adjusts damping forces thousands of times per second, reacting instantaneously to road conditions and driver inputs. In “Normal” mode, the ride is surprisingly compliant, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease, making it suitable for daily commutes. Switching to “Sport+” or “Track” mode firms up the suspension dramatically, providing enhanced body control and sharper responses for spirited driving.
The Bullitt Mustang borrows performance chassis components from the Mustang GT Performance Package, including larger Brembo brakes and wider wheels and tires. The staggered wheel setup, with 255/40ZR19 front and 275/40ZR19 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, provides excellent grip and contributes to the car’s confident handling. Traction is abundant, even when pushing the car aggressively, inspiring confidence in corners. For those seeking some tail-out fun, the Bullitt also includes features like Line Lock for controlled burnouts and Launch Control for optimized acceleration from a standstill.
While the Brembo brakes offer ample stopping power once warmed up, the Bullitt’s considerable weight of 3,850 pounds is noticeable under hard braking. Weight transfer during aggressive deceleration can induce slight squirm, a reminder of the car’s mass.
Interior Charm and Modern Tech
The interior of the 2019 Bullitt Mustang blends retro-inspired touches with modern technology. The digital instrument cluster, inherited from the Mustang GT, is a standout feature, offering customizable displays and drive mode-specific gauge layouts. “MyColor” ambient lighting allows further personalization of the cabin. Analog-style gauges for oil pressure and vacuum add a classic feel, while toggle switches for drive modes, steering feel, and traction control provide tactile engagement. Unique Bullitt badging adorns the steering wheel, dashboard, and trunk, reinforcing the car’s special edition status. The iconic white cue ball shift knob is a delightful nod to the original movie car and feels perfectly weighted in hand, enhancing the manual shifting experience.
Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, accessed through an 8.0-inch touchscreen, is standard in the Bullitt. While not the most visually striking system on the market, SYNC 3 is functional, responsive, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An optional Bullitt Electronics Package upgrades the audio system to a 12-speaker B&O Play setup and adds blind-spot monitoring and driver’s seat memory functions. While the standard seats are comfortable for everyday driving, optional Recaro bucket seats are available for those seeking more aggressive bolstering for track use.
The Best Daily Mustang?
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a Mustang that blends performance, style, and daily usability. It offers a more engaging driving experience than the standard GT, thanks to its enhanced engine, manual-only transmission, and unique styling. While it may not possess the outright track prowess of the Shelby models or the raw power of the GT500, the Bullitt delivers ample performance for everyday driving and spirited weekend excursions. Its comfortable ride, refined interior, and respectable fuel economy (for a V8 muscle car) make it a surprisingly practical daily driver.
For enthusiasts who appreciate the legacy of Steve McQueen and desire a Mustang with a distinctive personality and a balanced driving experience, the 2019 Bullitt Mustang is a standout choice. It’s a car that embodies cool confidence and delivers on the promise of American muscle, making it arguably the most well-rounded and desirable Mustang in the 2019 lineup.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Specifications
| MSRP | $47,690 (including destination) |
|---|---|
| Price as tested | $50,090 |
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 (Coyote) |
| Power | 480 horsepower |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain layout | RWD |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.0 – 4.5 seconds (estimated) |
| Top Speed | 163 mph |
| Curb weight | 3,850 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) | 15 / 24 / 18 (city/hwy/combined) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches |
| Length x Width x Height | 188.5 x 81.9 x 54.3 inches (mirrors out) |
