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Mazda6e revealed with up to 343 miles of range

The Japanese ID.7 competitor comes from China and in two versions with rear-wheel drive

Mazda 6 (2025)

Photo by: Mazda

By: Manuel Lehbrink

Published by: Brian Potter

Jan 10, 2025 at 3:35am ET

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After 23 years and three generations of the Mazda 6, the brand is saying goodbye to combustion engines in the mid-size saloon and letting electric mobility take over. The recipe for the new Mazda6e? A pinch of traditional Japanese design art, refined with the latest technology and a touch of innovation that is so familiar from the manufacturer. And there is no space between the brand and model in the spelling.

However, the competition is now strong in this segment, and questions remain: can Mazda's new 6e hold its own against models such as the VW ID.7 or the Hyundai Ioniq 6? Is the mix of Japanese elegance, new drive systems and surprises such as the "Car Wash Mode" enough to impress Tesla fans?

Exterior | Interior | Drives & Technology | Equipment | Prices & Market launch

So let's take a closer look at this new chapter of electromobility for the manufacturer after the rather unsuccessful Mazda MX-30. There's a lot to discover - and it's not just the electrically extendable rear spoiler.

Exterior

Visually, the model looks pretty familiar. Well... if you are familiar with Mazda vehicles for the Chinese market. The new electric 6 (in addition to a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a range extender) has been sold there as the EZ-6 since mid-2024. It is produced in a joint venture with Changan in Nanjing, China, and therefore shares many components with the Shenlan SL03.

Mazda6e (2025)

Photo by: Mazda

The Chinese car with its Japanese aero-fusiform design is not only an eye-catcher with its 19-inch wheels, but with its coupé-like silhouette, frameless side windows and the illuminated signature wing, which can also display the charging status, the Mazda6e is anything but boring. But it is a little leggy and more boxy at the rear than we are used to from the manufacturer.

In any case, we get strong ID.7, Nio and Polestar 2 vibes when we look at the rear end. With a length of 4,921 mm, a width of 1,890 mm and a wheelbase of 2,895 mm, the Mazda6e looks harmonious and harmoniously proportioned all in all.

Mazda6e (2025)

Photos by: Mazda

Mazda6e (2025)

The details are also interesting as the retractable door handles fit flush into the bodywork and the lines along the vehicle's flanks are reminiscent of the spray of a speedboat. The electrically retractable rear spoiler provides additional downforce from 55 mph and emphasises the sporty elegance of the vehicle. It retracts automatically if you drive below 30 mph for more than three seconds.

Interior

The interior is dominated by simplicity and Japanese aesthetics, inspired by the philosophy of "Ma" - space and tranquillity. The result? An uncluttered cockpit with a floating instrument panel, high-quality materials and plenty of space. A panoramic glass roof comes as standard, but only in the "Takumi Plus" version with electric sun visor.

Mazda6e (2025)

Photo by: Mazda

The seats, optionally made of artificial leather or an elegant combination of nappa leather and suede velour, are available in three colour variants. The concept of integrated headrests in a mono design is also a success.

In the cockpit, the 14.6-inch touchscreen is said to offer intuitive operation and a smartphone-like user interface. However, we were unable to try this out as the infotainment system only played a demo video in the show vehicle. In addition to the touchscreen, there is also a digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster and an augmented reality head-up display that projects driving information onto the windscreen via a virtual 50-inch display. Nice: the "snow mode", which improves readability in white weather thanks to blue backlighting.

Mazda6e (2025)

Photos by: Mazda

Mazda6e (2025)

Mazda has also thought about the passengers in the rear: an additional touchscreen allows individual climate control and operation of the sun blinds. Overall, the Mazda6e scores points with its airy interior, in which the headroom is 988 millimetres at the front and 963 millimetres at the rear - the best values in the class. The storage space has also been cleverly thought out. In addition to the main boot (which holds 330 to 700 litres), a 70-litre compartment under the front bonnet provides space for the charging cable and smaller items of luggage.

Mazda 6 (2025)

Drives & Technology

Mazda remains faithful to rear-wheel drive, but the technology behind it is anything but traditional. The Mazda6e offers two different electric drive variants, which differ primarily in terms of battery capacity and range:

Model e-Skyactiv EV e-Skyactiv EV Long Range Power output 258 PS 245 PS Torque 320 Nm 320 Nm Battery 68.8 kWh (LFP chemistry) 80 kWh (NCM chemistry) DC fast charging (10-80%) 22 min / max. 200 kW 45 min / max. 95 kW WLTP range 298 miles 343 miles Fuel consumption (WLTP, combined) 3.74 mi/kWh 3.76 mi/kWh 0-62 mph 7.6 sec. 7.8 sec. Top speed 109 mph 109 mph

The basic variant is called the e-Skyactiv EV and uses a lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP), which is not only more durable but also less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. It offers a gross capacity of 68.8 kWh and enables a range of up to 298 miles according to the WLTP cycle.

The electric motor with 258 PS and 320 Nm of torque delivers acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.6 seconds. The fast-charging function impresses with up to 200 kW charging power and can charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes.

The long-range variant, on the other hand, uses a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery (NCM) with a capacity of 80 kWh. This provides a range of up to 343 miles. Despite the slightly lower output of 245 PS, the torque remains the same at 320 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is slightly slower at 7.8 seconds. When fast charging, the Long Range version only achieves a maximum of 95 kW, which means that a charging cycle from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 45 minutes.

Gallery: Mazda 6e (2025)

Mazda 6 (2025)

Source: Mazda

Both variants are equipped with a three-phase alternating current connection (type 2), which enables charging with up to 11 kW. A complete charging cycle at the wallbox at home thus takes between 8 and 9.5 hours, depending on the battery size. At 3.74 mi/kWh (standard) and 3.76 mi/kWh (long range), both versions are also almost identical in terms of consumption. And the top speed is also identical - the speed limit is 109 mph. The maximum braked trailer load is 1,500 kg.

Yes ... that all sounds pretty solid. However, we can't find any real unique selling propositions or particularly outstanding technical data. A model with all-wheel drive and an additional electric motor on the front axle might be interesting. However, Mazda is not planning anything like that, and the range extender model from China will not be coming to Europe either.

Equipment

There will be eight paint colours and the "Takumi" and "Takumi Plus" trim levels offer solid options. Highlights include the Sony sound system with 14 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a wireless charging option for smartphones. Also on board: voice control in nine European languages and gesture control.

Mazda6e (2025)

Photos by: Mazda

Mazda's six "Smart Modes" are nice gimmicks - such as the "Car Wash Mode", which folds mirrors and closes windows, but in practice are probably more of a gimmick. The safety features are probably more important. For example, the Mazda6e is equipped with nine airbags, a lane departure warning system and an Occupancy Monitoring System (OMS), which warns if children (or pets) are left in the vehicle.

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Prices & Market launch

Mazda is planning the European market launch of the 6e for summer 2025. Prices have not yet been announced, but Mazda is clearly positioning the car in the mid-range segment and confirmed a starting price of around €45,000 (approx. £37,700) when asked. This includes a six-year warranty and an eight-year battery guarantee with a minimum capacity of 70 per cent.

Incidentally, another model based on the same platform is to follow at a later date. However, a hoped-for estate car has already been ruled out. So it will probably be an SUV. Perhaps the new Mazda CX-5?