The Mazda CX-6e: A Bold Electric Rival to the Tesla Model Y

Mazda is making a strong push into the electric vehicle market with the help of its Chinese partner. The Japanese automaker is set to introduce a new electric mid-size SUV in Europe this year, although it will not be available in the United States. This model, the CX-6e, is positioned to compete with popular electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, and Audi Q4 e-tron.

The CX-6e features an attractive design and a high-tech interior that promises to impress drivers. Mazda has been slower to enter the electric vehicle market compared to some of its competitors, but it is now accelerating its efforts in a sector where being late can have significant consequences. Following the launch of the sleek 6e sedan in Europe and China last year, Mazda is now introducing another appealing EV, the CX-6e crossover.

First showcased in China under the name EZ-60, the European-spec CX-6e made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show on Friday. This model will be manufactured in China by Mazda’s joint-venture partner, Changan Automobile. It shares the same basic architecture as the Changan Deepal S07, but Mazda has worked diligently to ensure the CX-6e has its own unique identity.

Design and Features

On the design front, the CX-6e looks distinctly Mazda, differentiating itself from its Chinese counterpart. The exterior is clean and futuristic, featuring smooth, rounded body panels with minimal visual clutter. At the front, slim daytime running lights are connected by a full-width LED light bar that wraps around the closed-off grille, giving the crossover a distinctive face. The sharply raked rear windshield and sculpted rear end evoke a sense of familiarity for those who have driven Mazda's larger SUVs like the CX-60 and CX-90.

Technical Specifications and Performance

While specific technical details about the CX-6e have not been fully disclosed, it is expected to offer a range that is competitive within its class. The vehicle is likely to feature advanced driver-assistance systems and a modern infotainment setup, aligning with current trends in the automotive industry. Mazda’s focus on creating a premium driving experience is evident in the design and engineering of the CX-6e.

The CX-6e gets a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, good for a WLTP range of 484 kilometers, or about 300 miles. That figure trails the Tesla Model Y Premium in Europe, which can stretch to around 387 miles, but is on par with competitors like the Audi Q4 e-tron.

Charging performance, however, appears to be a stronger point. Mazda says the CX-6e supports DC fast-charging speeds of up to 195 kilowatts, enabling a 10-80% charge in roughly 24 minutes under ideal conditions. For home or workplace charging, it also supports 11 kW AC charging.

Power goes to the rear wheels, courtesy of a rear-mounted electric motor producing 255 horsepower (190 kilowatts) and 214 pound-feet of torque. That setup should be good for a 0-62 miles per hour sprint in about 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph. Nothing to brag about here, but that should be plenty for the target audience.

Moving on, the minimalist design on the outside bleeds into the cabin too. The center console appears free of physical buttons and is dominated instead by a massive 26-inch screen that serves as both the main infotainment display and an entertainment screen for the passenger. Mazda says the system includes a built-in voice assistant that supports nine languages, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For now, though, none of this helps Mazda’s U.S. lineup. The brand’s electrification strategy stateside currently leans heavily on plug-in hybrids like the CX-70 and CX-90. There’s no dedicated battery-electric Mazda on sale today in the U.S. The MX-30 electric crossover was quietly discontinued in 2023 after an extremely limited run.

Mazda has been spotted testing a U.S.-specific EV in California, but details on that model remain scant. There’s still no clear timeline for when, or if, something like the CX-6e might make the trip across the Atlantic.

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Market Positioning and Strategy

Mazda's decision to launch the CX-6e in Europe highlights its strategic focus on the region, where demand for electric vehicles is growing rapidly. By partnering with Changan Automobile, Mazda is leveraging local expertise and production capabilities to bring the CX-6e to market efficiently. This collaboration also allows Mazda to maintain a presence in the Chinese market, which is one of the largest and most competitive automotive markets in the world.

The CX-6e represents a significant step forward for Mazda in its transition to electric mobility. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, Mazda's commitment to developing high-quality electric vehicles is a positive sign for the brand's future. With the CX-6e, Mazda is not only catching up but also aiming to carve out a niche in the competitive electric vehicle segment.