Mazda6e revealed as brand’s all-electric rival to Tesla Model 3
Mazda has unveiled its second EV for Europe – the Mazda6e – promising up to 258 and a range of more than 340 miles.
As the name suggests, the new model is an all-electric replacement for the Japanese firm’s ageing 6 saloon, and is set to rival the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BYD Seal.
Based on the EZ-6 already on sale in China, it will go on sale in Europe in 2025 before arriving in the UK in early 2026. It will sit alongside the MX-30 SUV as Mazda slowly begins to expand its EV line-up.
The rear-wheel drive fastback will be offered with two marginally different powertrains. The more performance-leaning model packs a 254bhp motor and 68.8kWh battery offering a range of up to 300 miles and a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds.
For buyers looking for extra range, there’s an 80kWh variant that also features a less powerful 241bhp motor to improve efficiency. In that guise, the Mazda6e will cover up to 345 miles and go from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.
Both versions pack 236lb ft of torque and feature 200kW DC charging, allowing for a 10-80% to-up in just 22 minutes for the smaller battery and around 45 minutes in the longer-range model.
Despite being based on a Chinese model, Mazda says the 6e’s steering, suspension and braking have been carefully recalibrated to suit UK and European driving styles.
At 4.9m long, the Mazda6e is roughly 10cm longer than outgoing petrol-powered 6 and Mazda says it brings the next evolution of its Kodo ‘Soul of Motion’ design philosophy. Unlike the 6, the Mazda6e is fastback with a hatchback tailgate rather than a traditional saloon boot. In keeping with Mazda’s pared-back design approach, the Mazda6e features smooth flowing lines enhanced by touches such as flush-fit door handles.
The car’s front end features illuminated ‘wings’ around the grille which are animated to ‘flutter’ when the car is charging. At the rear, the upswept tail includes a full-width light bar and extending spoiler for improved high-speed stability.
Inside, the Mazda6e’s cabin looks and feels airy thanks to a panoramic sunroof and a floating centre console and instrument panel. Mazda’s usual focus on premium materials is in evidence, including the use of tan Nappa leather in the top-spec Takumi Plus model.
Like many rivals, the Mazda6e ditches the company’s usual sensible physical controls, relegated everything to a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. This is supplemented by a 10.2-inch digital instrument display ahead of the driver and an augmented reality head-up display. Rear passengers also get their own touchscreen controls for a three-zone climate system.
Commenting on the car’s reveal at the Brussels Motor Show, Jeremy Thomson, Mazda UK’s managing director, said: “the Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles.”
