The 2026 Ford Mustang: Why Summer Is the Best Time to Buy in Long Beach

A 2026 Ford Mustang is the kind of car built for Southern California — sunset cruises on PCH, sunrise runs to Newport, weekend trips to the desert. And summer in Long Beach is when buying one makes the most sense. New-model inventory is at its broadest, factory programs are usually at their busiest, and the weather is on your side for everything from test drives to your first canyon run. Here’s what to know about the 2026 lineup, why this season is special, and how the team at BP Ford of Long Beach can help.

A Summer Pony for Southern California

There’s a reason the Mustang has been part of Southern California car culture since 1964½. Even with the refreshed S650-generation chassis, advanced driver tech, and a new wave of buyers, the formula hasn’t changed — V8 (or turbocharged I-4) up front, rear-wheel drive, and a long horizon out the windshield. Browse the latest new Mustang inventory at BP Ford of Long Beach to see what’s on the ground today, or read on to figure out which trim fits the way you actually drive.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Lineup at a Glance

The 2026 Mustang lineup keeps things straightforward: pick your engine, pick your body style, then pick the trim level that lines up with how loaded you want it.

EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder
• 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque (est.)
• 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission
• Available as a fastback coupe or convertible

GT and GT Premium

• 5.0-liter Coyote V8
• 480 horsepower — or 486 hp with the available Active Valve Performance Exhaust
• Standard 6-speed manual or available 10-speed automatic
• Fastback coupe across both trims; convertible available on GT Premium

Dark Horse

• Track-focused 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 500 horsepower
• TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed manual standard, 10-speed automatic available
• Fastback coupe only
• Performance-tuned chassis, brakes, and aero from the factory

Five Reasons Summer Is the Best Time to Buy in Long Beach

1. Inventory is at its broadest. Spring and summer build slots are arriving on dealer lots through July. If you want to compare colors, transmissions, and option packages side by side, this is when the showroom is most likely to have them.
2. Test drives feel like ownership. A Mustang’s job description is “windows down, sunshine in.” There’s no better moment to feel the difference between an EcoBoost and a GT than a 78-degree afternoon on Ocean Boulevard.
3. Manufacturer programs run hard in summer. Ford typically refreshes regional offers around Memorial Day and again before Labor Day. Check our current Ford incentives and new vehicle specials for what’s live this month.
4. Trade-in values can hold strong. Convertibles and sport coupes often command healthy trade-in offers in summer — meaning your current vehicle may be worth more right now than it will be in November. Run a quick number with our trade-in advisor.
5. You’ll actually enjoy it now. Buy in February and the first three months are heated-seat weather. Buy in May or June, and your Mustang earns its keep the day you drive it home.

Coupe or Convertible — Which Fits Your Summer?

Coupe (fastback)

A coupe is the right call if you want the tighter chassis, the lower price of entry, and the cleaner roofline. If a Dark Horse is on your shortlist, it’s coupe-only anyway. Coupes also tuck more easily into a typical Long Beach apartment garage.

Convertible

The Mustang convertible — available on EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, and GT Premium — is the one most people picture when they imagine summer in Southern California. Top down, A/C on, sunscreen in the cup holder.

If you can’t decide, schedule a same-day drive of both — our sales team can usually arrange a back-to-back behind the wheel of an EcoBoost coupe and a GT convertible in a single visit.

How to Start Your Purchase at BP Ford of Long Beach

A few quick moves before you visit can save you real time on showroom day:

• Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score via our Get Pre-Qualified tool.
• Value your trade with the trade-in advisor.
• Custom-order your exact build if you want a color or option mix the lot doesn’t have — see Your Ford, Your Way.
• Read up on leasing — sport-coupe buyers often pencil out leases favorably; see reasons to lease a new Ford in Long Beach.

Then come visit — we’re a quick drive from Downtown LB, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Seal Beach, and most of the South Bay. Get directions from LA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse?

The GT runs the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 rated at 480 horsepower (486 hp with the available Active Valve Performance Exhaust). The Dark Horse uses a more aggressively tuned version of the same 5.0L V8 with 500 horsepower, a TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed manual option, and additional chassis, brake, and aero upgrades from the factory. Dark Horse is coupe-only.

Is the 2026 Mustang available as a convertible?

Yes. Convertible body styles are offered on EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, and GT Premium. Dark Horse is fastback coupe only.

Can I get a manual transmission?

The EcoBoost is automatic-only. The GT and Dark Horse both offer a 6-speed manual transmission (Dark Horse uses an exclusive TREMEC TR-3160). A 10-speed SelectShift automatic is available across the lineup.

Do you have 2026 Mustangs in stock right now?

Inventory turns weekly. The fastest way to see what’s on the lot is to check our live Mustang inventory or, if you want a specific configuration, place a custom order.

Are there summer specials on the 2026 Mustang?

Ford’s regional and national offers update monthly, and our showroom features additional Ford Credit and dealer programs from time to time. Visit our Ford incentives page or new vehicle specials for what’s available today, and contact us to confirm eligibility for your specific vehicle.

Test Drive a 2026 Ford Mustang in Long Beach

Whether you’re leaning EcoBoost convertible, GT manual, or Dark Horse track-day build, the easiest next step is a test drive at BP Ford of Long Beach. We serve enthusiasts from across LA County, Orange County, and the South Bay — Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Seal Beach, Carson, Bellflower, Compton, Cerritos, and Huntington Beach. Contact our sales team and we’ll line up the keys for whichever Mustang you want to drive.

 

Disclaimers

Horsepower and torque figures are based on Ford’s published estimates and typically reflect performance on premium fuel; actual results may vary based on vehicle configuration, fuel, and conditions. Active Valve Performance Exhaust is an available option on Mustang GT. Vehicle availability, trim configurations, body styles, transmissions, and feature content are subject to change by the manufacturer and may vary by dealer; confirm current availability with BP Ford of Long Beach. Pricing, incentives, lease programs, and financing terms are subject to change without notice, vary by region, and may require qualification through Ford Motor Credit Company; see dealer for current offers, eligibility, and complete terms. Pre-qualification through our online tools does not constitute a final loan offer or guarantee of credit approval. Driver-assist features are aids and do not replace attentive driving; always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Ford, Mustang, EcoBoost, GT, Dark Horse, Coyote, SelectShift, Active Valve Performance Exhaust, FordPass, and related marks are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. TREMEC is a registered trademark of its respective owner. BP Ford of Long Beach is an independent authorized Ford dealer.