Mazda6e debuts in Europe 

Mazda has officially released its second full EV (after MX-30), the Mazda6e. It is essentially the export version of Changan Auto’s EZ-6. Designed under the “Authentic Modern” Kodo idiom, it merges the brand’s elegant outline with a refined modern aesthetic. The five-door coupe-style hatch has a long and low, sleek grounded look. A glowing signature wing emblem tells of charging status in the front fascia.

At the rear, Mazda’s cylindrical lighting elements sit within a horizontal taillight bar. Within is a practical five-door hatchback that offers 466 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1074 litres with the seats folded. A 72-litre frunk helps with extra storage or for charging cables. A retractable spoiler enhances aesthetics and high-speed stability. Aerodynamic 19-inch five-spoke wheels help extend range. 

Inside, the Mazda6e has a minimalistic look about it. A prominent centre console creates driver focus. Natural light streams in from a panoramic sunroof while ambient lighting is customisable. The front seats, with integrated headrests, come in Warm Beige or Black synthetic leather in the Takumi variant. Tan Nappa leather and suede is reserved for Takumi Plus.

On approach, the car detects the key, presents door handles, unfolds mirrors, and unlocks itself while lights illuminate. The driver’s seat retracts for easier access, then returns to its preset position. Generous interior dimensions ensure comfort for all occupants.

Mazda’s Human Centric smart cockpit features a large Head-Up Display. A 10.2-inch digital instrument panel sits behind the steering wheel, supplemented by a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with smartphone-style customisation. Rear passengers benefit from a touchscreen panel controlling climate and sunshade settings.

Voice recognition and gesture control are new Mazda features. Voice control supports nine languages and responds to commands from any seat. Gesture controls offer basic interactions like music playback or snapping a photo with the built-in selfie camera.

There are six “Vehicle Modes”. One is a Leaving Mode that maintains climate control for passengers or pets while the driver steps away. Others include Rest Mode, Relax Mode, Car Wash Mode, Private Call Mode and Fresh Air Mode.

Via the Mazda6e app, drivers can remotely control climate pre-conditioning, charging schedules, or share Bluetooth keys with others. Charging is streamlined through the upcoming Mazda Charging App, providing multilingual access to widespread, real-time EV charging infrastructure.

The Mazda6e comes in two battery-electric variants. The base model features a 69kWh battery, delivering 190kW to the rear wheels for 479km of range and a 0–100km/h time of 7.6sec. Fast DC charging (165kW) enables a 10–80 per cent refresh in 24 minutes (235km of range in 15min). 

The Long Range version uses an 80kWh battery for up to 552km, powered by a 180kW motor. It charges at up to 90kW, so 10- 80 per cent takes 47 minutes. Both versions offer 11kW AC charging and have a 1500kg towing capacity. 

The Mazda6e combines rear-wheel drive, multi-link rear suspension and a near 50:50 weight distribution for a naturally balanced, intuitive drive. Steering, suspension and braking systems are finely calibrated, with an integrated brake control system ensuring seamless transitions. The active rear spoiler deploys above 90 km/h.

Drivers can tailor handling via three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Individual. These modes enhance the responsive feel that is the hallmark of a Mazda.

The Mazda6e aims for a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating.Safety items include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Emergency Lane Keeping, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Nine airbags offer occupant protection. Cameras and radar systems mean a full 360-degree picture for the driver.

Read our review of the Mazda CX-80 SP Hybrid.

The Mazda6e comes in eight colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Melting Copper, Aero Grey, and Deep Crystal Blue.

Launching in Europe in September, the Mazda6e represents the brand’s new leap into the electric era.

Is there a chance this will come here? Last time we asked Mazda New Zealand’s comment was: “RHD is being developed for the Mazda6e and we would always be keen to study this model for our market.

“Locally we are committed to introducing more electrified product where/when available, to best suit customer and market demands.”

That said, it’s a hatch and it’s fully electric. At the moment, neither is exactly top of the pops. Moreover, there’s an electric SUV based on the same architecture called EZ-60 or CX-6e for export markets. That’s a more likely starter we’d have thought.