FYI: Mazda’s highly anticipated mid-size electric sedan, the Mazda 6e, combines striking looks with innovative engineering and an impressive feature set.
Mazda Enthusiasts Rejoice: The Mazda 6e
Mazda has delivered the sleek, rear-wheel-drive sedan electric vehicle car enthusiasts have been clamoring for. Meet the Mazda 6e, an all-electric replacement for the much-loved, front-wheel-drive Mazda 6 sedan, which was discontinued in the United States in 2021. The 6e is ready to hit European roads, offering beauty, performance, and advanced technology.
A European Legal Stellar Debut
Initially available this summer in Europe, the Mazda 6e won’t be reaching American shores anytime soon. This model mirrors China’s Mazda EZ-6, which draws inspiration heavily from the Deepal SL03. Mazda collaborated with partners to expedite its market release, cultivating cost-effective development processes—ultimately ensuring an efficient arrival for this gorgeous EV.
Engineered Excellence with Battery Options
Two distinct battery choices define the Mazda 6e’s offerings.
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Base Version: Features a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Charged, it offers an impressive range of 297 miles (WLTP). Equipped with a rear-mounted motor generating 254 horsepower and 236 lb-ft torque, it also supports DC fast charging up to 200 kW, replenishing from 10% in just 22 minutes. Expect an 8-hour charge using an 11 kW AC charger.
- Long Range Version: Available with a larger, 80 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery, extending the range to 343 miles on a single charge. Despite a slower DC charging speed of 95 kW (45 minutes for a 10%-80% top-up), it maintains the same torque at 236 lb-ft but slightly reduced horsepower at 241 hp compared to the base model.
Both versions maintain nearly identical weight due to the similar dimensions of both battery packs. The balance further cements itself in a fantastic driving experience thanks to precise weight distribution and dynamic handling.
Stylistic Brilliance
The Mazda 6e measures 193.7 inches long, 84.8 inches wide (mirrors included), and stands 58.7 inches tall, with a 113.9-inch wheelbase. Despite merely 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space partnered with a small 2.4 cubic-feet front trunk, the interior exudes spaciousness and luxury. A stand-out feature is the 50-inch augmented-reality head-up display, broadcasting vital information on the windshield.
The infotainment setup consists of a centrally mounted 14.6-inch touchscreen, paired with a 10.2-inch instrument panel and a secondary system for rear passengers to control climate functions. A practical center console provides connectivity and storage options.
Safety and Advanced Features
The Mazda 6e targets a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, complete with nine airbags and the advanced i-Activesense assistance system, including functions like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning. The comprehensive safety suite, utilizing M-pixel cameras and radar systems, ensures surveillance and emergency response readiness.
Exterior charisma shines through in the distinctive grille and aerodynamic details like the retractable spoiler, rising above 56 mph for increased stability. Standard 19-inch wheels and a proven suspension layout—multi-link at the back and MacPherson struts in front—promise an exhilarating driving encounter.
Conclusion
The Mazda 6e is a pivotal leap for the automaker in the EV domain, blending style, efficiency, and performance into a cohesive offering. Although American enthusiasts will have to wait, European fans have a lot to look forward to. For further updates and insights, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
