Mazda reveals the gorgeous 6e all-electric sedan
The Chinese Mazda EZ-6 gets a European twin aimed at driving enthusiasts.
Both the gas-powered Mazda6 that ended production for the U.S. market in 2021 and the all-electric Mazda MX-30 that was killed off in 2023 feel like distant memories. But that doesn’t mean Mazda is giving up on family sedans or electrification, as evidenced by the debut of the new Mazda 6e EV, which showed off its gorgeous body and interior at the Brussels Motor Show.
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The slinky hatchback sedan is the European version of the sub-$20k Mazda EZ-6, which started selling in the Chinese market in 2024. The Mazda 6e was developed through a partnership between Mazda and Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. as a visually identical sibling with a more engaging experience.
Mazda states that the 6e is designed primarily for European customers, focusing on driving performance and functionality. Enhancements to the brakes, steering calibration, and suspension are intended to satisfy these needs. Mazda
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The Mazda 6e is way sexier than the Tesla Model 3
The 6e aims to compete with the ubiquitous Tesla Model 3 and it’s going to easily upstage it in the looks department. As good as the last Mazda6 looked, the 6e exhibits a more refined and upscale use of the brand’s Kodo “Soul of Motion” design philosophy with its sleek profile and elegant, simple lines free of complex curves.
There’s a prominent faux grille in front, flanked by thin-bladed DRLs below the headlights. Mazda carried the rounded taillight design over to the 6e where they're united by a full-width light bar that wraps around the sides. Mazda 6e exterior
The interior of the 6e might qualify as the Mazda's best showing yet. There’s ample headroom in both rows, and the materials appear high-end. It comes with two large screens, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, and an expansive 14.6-inch center display that is aided by a prominent head-up display. From the photos, it appears that Mazda has eliminated much of the physical controls and opted for touchscreen controls, a trend we hope doesn’t continue for future models.
The 6e boasts plenty of power and range along with rear-wheel drive
The standard Mazda 6e will be powered by a 68.8 kWh battery pack that boasts 298 miles of range and 255 horsepower. The Mazda 6e Long Range will get the larger 80 kWh unit with 343 miles and 241 horsepower. Both models deliver 236 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. One thing to keep in mind is that these range figures are based on the WLTP cycle, which tends to be lower than EPA estimates.
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Given the size discrepancy, the Long Range takes 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent in fast-charge mode, while the base variant will do it in 22 minutes. Note that fast charging is not available on the Chinese market.
The Mazda 6e goes on sale in Europe later this year with no plans for a U.S. release. There’s no word on pricing, but its EZ-6 twin sells in China for the rather unbelievable equivalent of USD$19,600. Mazda 6e interior
Final thoughts
Mazda appears to have invested significantly more thought into the 6e than in the previous 100-mile-range MX-30. Sedans remain popular in Chinese and European markets, where the EV market is thriving, making the 6e a logical choice.
Hopefully, we'll see something this stunning and practical reach our shores in the near future.
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