With the Mazda 6e, Mazda has created both a new Mazda 6 and a serious EV in one fell swoop. The question, however, is whether it is also a serious Mazda, and the answer to that might disappoint you.
Mazda 6e? Should I read that as ‘sixth’?
No, but try explaining that to Microsoft Word. It’s ‘6-ee’, where the 6 refers to the car type and the ‘e’ to the electric drivetrain. In the Mazda 6 line, this is the fourth generation, the long-awaited successor to the previous 6 that appeared in 2012 and disappeared in 2024.
Quite special, such a large mid-size car without an SUV body.
Indeed. Mazda still sees a market for it, but that naturally happens under the strict condition of an electric drivetrain. As a fully electric 6e, the Mazda can compete with cars like the Volkswagen ID.7, Hyundai Ioniq 6, BYD Seal, and even the Tesla Model 3, although the latter are a bit smaller. With a length of 4.92 meters, the Mazda is just slightly shorter than the Volkswagen, but it is still a hefty car.
And it’s just a sedan?
No! Secretly, like the ID.7, the car has a large liftback tailgate. This fits in nicely with the liftback versions that Mazda offered in the past for the 6 and 626. The luggage space is 465 liters, slightly smaller than the previous 6 sedan, but that is a fine trade-off with that handy large tailgate. Moreover, the 6e can tow 1,500 kg and has a sizable ‘frunk’ in the nose, adding another 72 liters to the total. In 2025, the liftback is also the only body style, with which Mazda hopes to offer a good compromise for both station wagon-loving Europeans and sedan-loving people in China.
China?
Yes, China. The Mazda 6e is much more Chinese than Japanese, and it was created in China in collaboration with Mazda’s local partner, Changan. That explains the new platform and the similarity to the Deepal L07, with which the Mazda shares many components. In China, the same Mazda is called EZ-6 and has been available since 2024, also with a ‘range extender’ on petrol.
And how about the Mazda 6e’s powertrains in Europe?
Here in Europe, the 6e is always a rear-wheel-drive BEV (battery electric vehicle), available with two battery packs. The Long Range does indeed go a bit further with 552 against 479 kilometers than the standard version, but the cheaper variant is the car you should have. The ‘entry-level’ has a much more modern LFP battery, can therefore be charged up to 100 percent without penalty, still offers a very decent range, and – importantly! – can charge much faster. The entry-level peaks at 165 instead of 90 kW. Specifically, according to Mazda, charging from 10 to 80 percent at a suitable fast charger with the entry-level takes only 24 minutes, while with the Long Range you will be at the charger for as much as 47 minutes.
What does the Mazda 6e cost?
The Mazda 6e is available for you from €44,990, and because the basic powertrain is actually better than the more expensive one and the basic equipment is already very generous, you are pretty much set for that amount.
And then you also have quite a nice car. What’s it like inside?
The interior looks like nothing we are used to from Mazda. Here and there, an attempt has been made to connect things design-wise, but qualitatively, this interior cannot stand in the shadow of that of other Mazda models. Moreover, we do not recognize anything of Mazda’s own, but well-thought-out operating approach. Where other Mazdas try to limit the digital ‘overload’ to a minimum and deliberately use screen inches, adjustment options, and striking colors sparingly by today’s standards, this is primarily a modern Chinese EV inside.
Does the car at least drive like a real Mazda?
Unfortunately, the Mazda content of this car is disappointingly low even when driving. The steering is completely numb and the chassis is not very refined, mainly because bumps are transmitted in a noisy manner. However, thanks to the rear-wheel drive, the Mazda can transfer its power well, has a lot of grip in corners, and accelerates faster than average. Also in that respect, the basic version is superior to the more expensive Long Range, because with 258 against 245 hp, the cheapest variant is just a bit more powerful.
What is your preliminary conclusion about the Mazda 6e?
For this money, it is indeed a good offer in this segment, but the handling, interior, and therefore Mazda content of this car are disappointing. It hurts to say that, because we also find Mazda a sympathetic brand as a small and quirky player. However, it would be an insult to other Mazdas to pretend that the 6e can measure up to them, because that is simply not the case in terms of driving, interior, and overall quality impression.