New Mazda 6e Will Compete with Tesla Model 3

Mazda has wheeled out an electric successor to its Mazda 6 saloon. Dubbed the 6e, and known in China as the EZ-6 where it is already on sale, the Mazda 6e five-door hatchback isn’t due in the West until next year. That’s because right-hand drive versions will come out of China rather than Japan.

However, Mazda has already provided details on the newcomer, apart from pricing. 

It is big at 4921mm in length, 1890mm wide and 1485mm tall. So it is larger all round than Tesla Model 3. It is closer in size to a Hyundai Ioniq 6 with pricing likely to be similar. Styling features include frameless doors and integrated door handles.

Once it goes on sale, there will be a standard E-Skyactiv EV version and a Long Range model. The former comes with a 68.8kWh battery, giving an official range of 475km. Power flows to a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 189kW and 320Nm. Its 0-100km/h time is a claimed 7.6 seconds while top speed is 175km/h. 

The Long Range version gets an 80kWh battery for WLTP range of almost 550km. The motor in the Long Range has a little less power (180kW) but the same 320Nm of torque, allowing for a sprint time of 7.8 seconds. Top speed is the same.

The standard range model has a 200kW charging rate versus 95kW for the other variant. So a 10 to 80 per cent recharge takes 22 minutes for one, 45 minutes for the other. Charging status can be monitored outside of the car (on the front fender). 

Mazda says the 6e has 50:50 weight distribution, a multi-link rear suspension and a deploying electric rear spoiler for improved stability. Five-spoke aero 19-inch wheels feature a ‘range-boosting’ design. Expect eight exterior colour options.

Inside is a 14.6-inch touchscreen that combines with a 10.2-inch driver’s display and a head-up unit. The sound system is a 14-speaker Sony PRO set-up. 

In the rear is another touchscreen for climate settings, sunshades and adjusting the front passenger seat position when the vehicle is parked. A panoramic sunroof and floating centre console are standard.

Luggage space is a stated 330L, almost 100L less than that of Model 3’s 425 litres. However, a 70-litre frunk in part compensates. The interior will evidently accommodate full sized adults comfortably. Two trim levels are Takumi (artificial leather) and Takumi Plus (the real thing).

Mazda unveiled the Mazda6e at the Brussels Motor Show recently. As to whether it make it here, we’d suggest unlikely given Mazda6 sales were discontinued recently. However, never say never.

Mazda NZ says “We do not have anything to announce at this time, but as RHD is being developed for the Mazda6e 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.”