Mazda is launching another electric vehicle (EV) in Australia this year, giving it a pair of models to take on the top-selling Tesla Model Y and Model 3… and like those, the new Mazdas are also built in China.
The Mazda CX-6e mid-size electric SUV will join the 6e mid-size electric liftback that’s confirmed for release here mid-year.
Mazda has confirmed a 2026 launch for the new electric SUV, though it hasn’t confirmed exactly when. Additional details like pricing and specifications also won’t be announced until closer to launch.
The CX-6e, known in China as the EZ-60, was developed in collaboration with Chinese automotive giant Changan, better known in Australia as the owner of the fledgling Deepal EV brand.
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After being revealed last April in EZ-60 guise, the global CX-6e debuted just days ago at the Brussels motor show, when European specifications were also announced.
The European-market CX-6e uses a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering electric range of up to 483km on the WLTP cycle and a maximum DC fast-charge rate of 195kW and an AC charge rate of 11kW.
Energy consumption is a claimed 18.9-19.4 kWh/100km on the WLTP cycle.
A single 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels, with Mazda claiming a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time of 7.9 seconds.
There’s no dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, and the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain – with a smaller 31.73kWh battery and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine – remains exclusive to China for now.
It’s unclear what if anything will change for the Australian-market model, besides the steering wheel being moved to the right side.
The CX-6e is sized similarly to the unrelated CX-60, which offers a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
It measures 4850mm long, 1935mm wide and 1620mm tall on a 2902mm wheelbase. That makes it 90mm longer, 45mm wider and 55mm taller than a CX-60 on a 32mm longer wheelbase.
For context, the top-selling Tesla Model Y measures 4792mm long, 1982mm wide and 1624mm tall on a 2890mm wheelbase.
There’s 468 litres of space in the CX-6e’s boot, expanding to 1434L with the second row of seats folded flat.
While it shares its platform with the likes of the Deepal S07, it features distinctively Mazda exterior styling.
Inside, it’s a little less Mazda, though we’ve seen even Japanese-developed models like the new CX-5 also employ this design language with big screens and few buttons.
And the CX-6e’s screen is big, measuring 26 inches. It incorporates the instruments and the infotainment system, the latter featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a head-up display sits ahead of the driver.
The interior can be had in three different colourways in Europe: black, Warm Beige, and two-tone Amethyst and White. All use Mazda’s Maztex leatherette upholstery, with the Amethyst interior matching the CX-6e-exclusive Nightfall Violet exterior finish.
“Confirming the Mazda CX-6e for the Australian market is a monumental moment for Mazda Australia, adding yet another hugely compelling option for our customers and expanding our multi-solution approach,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.
“When you pair this unmistakable craftsmanship with the acclaimed Jinba-Ittai driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology, it’s clear that this is not just another EV, it’s a Mazda through and through.”