The New Mazda CX-6e Appears Futuristic, Yet Its Driving Experience Feels Like 2019 | Carscoops

      Mazda’s CX-6e electric SUV has been unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, showcasing itself as the most visually appealing SUV from the brand in years. However, this premium EV lags significantly behind competitors like BMW and Audi in terms of technology.

      The CX-6e is not exclusively a Mazda product; it is derived from a collaborative effort with Changan, sharing its platform with the mechanically similar 6e sedan, and is manufactured in China alongside the Deepal S07. While Mazda has handled the design, tuning, and branding, the underlying structure is a joint venture.

      Due to its Chinese ties, the CX-6e won’t be available in the US, but it will arrive in European dealerships in 2026, competing against the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, and Audi Q6 e-tron. It is expected to be priced significantly higher in Europe than in China, where it starts at approximately $16,800.

      According to the specifications, the CX-6e is based on a 2,902 mm (114.3 inches) wheelbase and features a 78 kWh LFP battery powering a single rear motor that generates 258 hp (258 PS / 190 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque. Mazda claims a WLTP range of up to 300 miles (483 km), which seems inadequate compared to the recently announced Volvo EX60, which offers up to 503 miles (810 km) of range, and even the basic Tesla Model Y Standard, which provides 314 miles (505 km) on a single charge.

      Performance-wise, the CX-6e is also underwhelming, as it takes 7.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h). The maximum charging rate of 195 kW isn’t particularly competitive, resulting in a 10 to 80 percent charging time of approximately 24 minutes. On the upside, it supports a maximum AC charging of 11 kW, which aligns with its rivals.

      Inside, the CX-6e emphasizes a futuristic design, featuring a prominent 26-inch display stretching across the dashboard, with a heads-up display eliminating the need for a conventional instrument cluster. Key technological features include gesture controls, speakers embedded in the headrests, and screens for the camera-based door mirrors integrated into the door panels.

      In terms of size, the CX-6e is larger than the traditional CX-60 but falls short regarding cargo capacity. It provides only 468 liters (16.5 cu-ft of space), compared to 570 liters (20.1 cu-ft) in the CX-60, and over 850 liters (30 cu-ft) in the Model Y. However, there is an additional 80-liter (2.8 cu-ft) front trunk for cables—an advantage not found in the Tesla.

      While the CX-6e is visually striking inside and out, it seems that its aesthetic appeal and yet-to-be-confirmed pricing will need to compensate for its shortcomings in range, performance, and practicality.