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The Mazda 6e sedan will soon get competition in the form of a mid-size electric SUV that will compete with the Tesla Model Y. This is part of Mazda's strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup and achieve zero-emissions (ZEV) goals by 2030 and beyond.
Now Mazda has filed a trademark for the CX-6e, giving us a glimpse of what the upcoming model will be called, although technical details remain unknown. Mazda could build the electric SUV on the same platform as the 6e, created through a joint venture with Chinese auto giant Changan, or on its own new “Scalable SkyActiv” electric architecture.
Mazda executives hinted at the possibility of an SUV on this platform late last year. Now, Mazda UK director Jeremy Thomson said it was “something to watch” when asked why the company started its electric range with a sedan rather than an SUV. “We’ll fill all the gaps, these cars will be the core ones you expect. It’s a process – we’re on the way,” he explained.
Mazda will launch the 6e in the UK next year, almost 12 months after its launch in left-hand drive markets in Europe. The sedan will compete with the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BMW i4, and will offer up to 550km of range on a single charge thanks to an 80kWh battery. The 6e will be Mazda's second electric car, following the less advanced MX-30.
That’s why Mazda decided to start its electric car lineup with a sedan. “The SUV sector is a competitive place, so if you want to be aggressive, maybe you should deviate a little bit from the norm,” Thomson said.
The CX-6e's design is likely to blend elements of the Arata concept and the finished 6e sedan. The new electric SUV will take its place in the popular C and D segments of the electric SUV class, dominated by the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron, and based on our exclusive images, we can imagine what it will look like.
The CX-6e is likely to be a five-seater with a boot capacity of over 500 litres (plus under-hood storage), underlining its family-like qualities. The dashboard design is expected to be similar to the 6e, with a large central screen and a minimum of physical buttons, as in current Mazda ICE cars. It is also likely to feature a fully digital instrument cluster.
One of the reasons for using the Scalable SkyActiv platform for the CX-6e is to minimize potential customs duties on cars sold in the EU. Models built in China, such as the 6e sedan, are subject to high taxes, which can make them too expensive for the European market.
If the CX-6e uses the Scalable SkyActiv platform, then the exact details of the powertrain and battery are still unknown. However, it is possible that Mazda will try to improve the performance of the 6e by using its own technologies.
We can expect two battery versions, probably a standard and a Long Range. If the batteries have a capacity of around 75 kWh and 90 kWh or more, then the larger version should exceed 482 km on a single charge, despite the larger SUV body.
Mazda will also likely increase the charging speed for the Long Range model. The 6e's larger batteries have significantly lower charging speeds than the base model, so the company is aiming for a charging speed of at least 180kW to be competitive among its rivals.
Mazda is committed to implementing its philosophy of “jinba ittai,” which means “horse and rider as one,” into the CX-6e. This concept was first articulated during the development of the MX-5 in the 80s and continues to be the foundation for all Mazda vehicles. As such, you can expect a strong focus on handling, ride comfort and ergonomics in the new electric SUV.
The company's executives said the first car on the new Scalable SkyActiv platform is due to arrive in 2027, meaning the electric SUV could arrive in UK dealerships shortly after the sedan. Under the government's current ZEV mandate, 38% of cars sold in the UK by 2027 must be electric, with that figure rising to 80% by 2030 - so this electric car will be hugely important for Mazda.
With the 6e expected to be priced at £40, the CX-000e could start at less than £6, putting it in competition with the popular Model Y.
