This season, thanks to the collaboration of our partner Les Motoneiges Géro, BRP dealer in Saint-Jean-de-Matha, I have the great privilege of testing the all-new 2022 MACH Z from Ski-Doo. This model is definitely synonymous of performance and the best technologies, but does it honor the legendary Mach name? After several rides on this snowmobile, I can share my first impressions with you.
900 ACE Turbo R engine
The heart of the new 2022 MACH Z from Ski-Doo is the Turbo R version of BRP’s 900 ACE engine. This engine develops 30HP more than the previous version, which is now 180 HP according to the official literature. With a little digging on the web for people who have done dyno testing, the total power output as standard seems to be higher. The increase in power is especially noticeable when riding in “sport” mode as acceleration is brisk and ultra fast. In addition to the power gain, the sound of the 900 ACE Turbo R engine is also very pleasant and distinctive of performance. It is also very fun to ride and also economical. When you let off the throttle, the sound of the turbo exhaust valve is also delightful. You quickly realize when riding the MACH Z that it is a unique and powerful snowmobile.
New hybrid throttle
The new hybrid throttle on the 2022 MACH Z, standard on all Ski-Doo 900 ACE Turbo R snowmobiles, is a big improvement over the previous configuration. Instead of having the throttle control box on the handlebars, the hybrid throttle is instead cabled with a box that is located in the engine compartment. The result is quite impressive, retaining the same driving mode benefits of the ACE system, but with a direct operating feel like the E-TEC engines. The new throttle also seems to eliminate response lag and engine revolution oscillations due to the sensitivity of the lever. Having driven an 850 E-TEC in a Renegade X-RS version last winter, I can confirm that the throttle precision and feel is similar. The three driving modes are still present: ECO, Standard and Sport. The Standard mode is the one I use most during my rides.
Launch control
What sets the 2022 MACH Z apart from all other Ski-Doo snowmobiles equipped with the 900 ACE Turbo R engine is the presence of the “Launch control” mode. This feature allows performance enthusiasts to have a very fast start and acceleration to get to the finish line first. This is a very interesting feature for this model that I was able to test a few times during the ride. Obviously this must be used in a controlled environment during acceleration races. From what I have seen so far, this mode works very well, but the traction of the track is crucial for the performance gain that can be associated with it. This mode will be tested more extensively in the second part of the evaluation and in a context where the motorization is well established.
Suspension with Smart-Shox
The big news in the Ski-Doo lineup for 2022 is the introduction of the all-new Smart-Shox semi-active suspension. Already in 2021, the suspension offering was greatly improved with the arrival of the RAS X and rMotion X suspensions in the MXZ and Renegade X-RS lines. With multiple sensors on the snowmobile, the suspension automatically adjusts in real time, up to 50x per second, depending on trail conditions for an optimal ride. The Smart-Shox control module has three modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport +. After several hundred kilometers of use, I noticed a real gain in performance with the semi-active suspension. The ride feel, even with a 4-stroke engine, seems a bit lighter than with the previous X versions of the 900 ACE Turbo. This is also a result of the MACH Z’s exclusive lowered suspension. Even in comfort mode, I never reached the maximum suspension travel and banged around at the bottom. Based on my driving preferences, the Sport adjustment mode is the one that works best for me in most situations. Comfort mode is very soft and used when trail conditions are more challenging. I have used the Sport+ mode less on my rides so far, as it is very firm. So if I look at it from a global perspective the Smart-Shox technology is definitely an advantage, as it allows you to change the suspension reaction very quickly depending on the terrain conditions and to offer you an optimal calibration at all times. It would be interesting in the future to be able to make fine tuning adjustments to the suspension with the Smart-Shox.
REV GEN4 platform with extended design
As mentioned in my previous tests, the REV GEN4 platform with its extended design is a great performer in all aspects of the riding experience and ergonomics. I like the look, the wind protection and the fact that I can easily move around on the snowmobile for a sporty ride. One point of improvement remains the standard headlight system that lacks power. My recommendation for those who regularly ride their snowmobiles at night is to add optional auxiliary headlights or replace the halogen bulbs with LEDs. It would be desirable to have this type of bulbs as standard.
Track
Ski-Doo’s 2022 MACH Z was available to order in the spring with two track choices, either a 2-ply Ripsaw or an ICE Ripper XT, both 137 x 15 x 1/1-4 inches. I personally chose the ICE Ripper XT, because for the use and type of rides I do, this version is better suited. Obviously, the presence of pre-molded studs significantly improves the traction of the vehicle, on ice, in turns, during acceleration and braking. Also, the risk of having a stud puncture a radiator is almost non-existent with an ICE Ripper XT. However, my recommendation for MACH Z owners who want to use it for friendly acceleration runs is the 2-ply track with the addition of traditional “Woody’s” spikes. This extra traction is important especially when using the “Launch control” mode.
New panoramic display
This is the first season I’m doing a long term test of a Ski-Doo snowmobile equipped with the 7.8″ LED panoramic dial. This screen has the advantage of being able to be used with the BRP GO application, allowing to display navigation options and trail maps. It offers many more options than the traditional dial and is a must for those who want increased connectivity with phone and music options in their headset. Once you understand how it works, using the dial with the interface wheel is easy.
Vehicle Dynamics
A very important part of testing a unique snowmobile like the 2022 MACH Z is to evaluate the vehicle dynamics. Based on my experience so far, I can mention that the MACH Z has several personalities, depending on the selection of riding and comfort modes. For example, for a normal ride in comfort, without compromising on power, the Standard ride mode and Comfort suspension mode are used. In this configuration the MACH Z can be described as a powerful and super comfortable luxury sedan. With just two clicks, the vehicle dynamics change completely by selecting “Sport” modes for both throttle and suspension. In this configuration, you end up with a high performance snowmobile, similar to what you would normally find with an X-RS version. This flexibility, available with the different modes, is definitely an advantage when conditions are changing.
Conclusion of my first impressions
If winter wants to collaborate for several more weeks, I still have many more rides to do with the 2022 MACH Z before I make my final test assessment. Obviously, I would like to be able to experiment more with all the features of the vehicle and to be able to ride it in different types of conditions. What I can conclude at this point is that the 2022 MACH Z is a unique snowmobile that offers a superior level of performance in both engine and suspension. Even though it will only be produced for one year, it will be a reference for future development at Ski-Doo for a long time to come, both in performance and technology. For the initial question “does the 2022 MACH Z honor the legendary MACH name” the answer is yes. It is the most powerful and sophisticated snowmobile Ski-Doo has ever produced. For 2022, the comfort dimension is added, making this new iteration even more complete. One comment I hear regularly is that the 2022 version is more sober and less flamboyant in color than the models of the 90s. Obviously, some nostalgia enthusiasts would have appreciated more similarities, but the 2022 version lives up to the MACH Z name, with the same power snowmobile DNA of the 90s and 2000s, but with a much higher level of refinement and technology.
In closing I would like to thank our partner Les motoneiges Géro for their collaboration in this long term test. I invite you to contact them or come to their dealership for all your Ski-Doo and Can-Am off-road needs.
For more informations, visit Ski-Doo website.
