The CX-6e is the basis of Mazda’s big electric push

Mazda has trademarked CX-6e, a nameplate that will attach to a forthcoming medium-sized high-rise EV.

Based on the Mazda 6e sedan, the CX-6e will be a Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron rival. It is due out in 2027. The newcomer will help Mazda meet future ZEV (zero-emission vehicle) targets to 2030 and beyond.

While Mazda could well develop its electric SUV on the same platform as the 6e, it could also arise from fresh in-house EV architecture that’s called ‘Scalable SkyActiv’.

Mazda UK’s managing director, Jeremy Thomson, told AutoExpress “We’ll start plugging all of the gaps; they will be the mainstream kind of cars you might expect.”

Mazda will release the 6e saloon first in RHD markets, a year after it launches in Europe. It’s going up against Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BMW i4. The 6e should have 550km of range thanks to an 80kWh battery. 

The CX-6e’s design will likely combine elements from last year’s Arata concept and the production version of the 6e saloon. 

It will probably be a five-seater only, with boot space of around 500 litres (plus frunk) for family needs. Inside will mimic the 6e saloon, with a large central screen and few physical buttons. A fully digital instrument cluster is also expected.

Check out our review of Mazda’s CX-60 PHEV.

While there are few technical details to hand, there are likely to be at least two battery sizes, meaning a standard and Long Range model. With capacity of 75kWh and 90kWh or more, the larger of the two should manage around 500km of range.

Mazda will want to improve the 6e’s charge rates too, especially on the Long Range car which has a slower peak charging speed than the base model. It must be able to hook up to 180kW chargers to be competitive.

Expect a strong focus on driveability and handling, along with decent ride comfort and ergonomics. The CX-6e should rival BMW’s iX1 for driver appeal.

According to the current, government-set ZEV mandate, 38 per cent of cars sold in the UK in 2027 must be electric, rising to 80 per cent in 2030. Therefore this EV will be key to Mazda for that market, especially if it can undercut Tesla Model Y pricing.