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This is like no Mazda 6 or 626 that got here earlier than it.
The Mazda 6e, launched in Australia earlier this yr, is the model’s first rear-wheel drive mid-sizer for the reason that first-generation 626 exited manufacturing in 1982.
It’s additionally the primary new Mazda on this section for the reason that earlier Mazda 6 was launched right here in 2012.
But extra necessary than any of that, the 6e is electrical. Yes, as an alternative of taking up the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, the 6e’s competitors now contains the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.
“Wait,” it’s possible you’ll be considering, “What does Mazda know about building electric vehicles? Wasn’t its last one a flop?”
It positive was. The unloved MX-30 was a distinctively restyled CX-30 small SUV with little vary for some huge cash. And that is why Mazda went again to the drafting board, collaborating with its Chinese three way partnership accomplice, automotive big Changan.
Changan and Mazda have been concerned since 2005, however beforehand the Changan Mazda three way partnership (and its predecessor, which additionally concerned Ford) largely constructed current Mazda fashions.
That modified with this automotive, launched in China in 2024 because the EZ-6. The Chinese and Japanese firms labored collectively, making a mid-sized liftback (no, it isn’t a sedan, and Mazda even calls it a hatch) that makes use of Changan mechanicals however with distinctively Mazda styling inside and outside.
As Mazda dithers by itself in-house EV platform, the 6e is heading to markets as wide-ranging as Australia and Europe.
More lately, it has additionally launched a crossover SUV sibling, the CX-6e, which is carefully associated to the Deepal S07 bought right here; the Mazda 6e has no such Deepal-badged cousin obtainable in Australia.
The Chinese automakers have embraced EVs and positioned themselves as leaders on this house, so do not assume the 6e’s origins are a legal responsibility. Likewise, simply because this is not an SUV, do not assume it will not be sensible sufficient for your loved ones.
How a lot does the Mazda 6e value?
Mazda Australia stunned and delighted when it introduced 6e pricing earlier this yr, with a tantalising worth of $49,990 earlier than on-road prices for the bottom GT, and $52,990 plus on-roads for the top-spec Atenza.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Mazda 6e E35 GT | $49,990 |
| 2027 Mazda 6e E35 Atenza | $52,990 |
Initially, the 6e undercut the bottom Tesla Model 3 by $4910, with the entry-level GT costing simply $800 greater than the outdated turbocharged four-cylinder Mazda 6 GT.
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Tesla has since turned issues on their head with a brand new base RWD grade of its Model 3. While it’s not as lavishly appointed because the 6e, even in base GT trim, it’s priced at simply $45,900 plus on-roads. Oh properly Mazda, you had a superb few months.
The 6e nonetheless undercuts the BYD Seal Premium ($52,990 plus on-roads), and is priced identically to the Kia EV4 Air ($49,990 plus ORCs).
If you’re comfortable to forego the Atenza’s tan leather-based and artificial suede upholstery throughout the dashboard, doorways and seats, in addition to its two-tone steering wheel, it can save you $3000 and go for the GT, at the moment priced at $52,990 drive-away. An additional $1000 will get you a Warm Beige inside, giving it a splash of color in its cabin – albeit not fairly as daring a color as within the Atenza.
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What is the Mazda 6e like on the within?
The 6e makes a superb first impression, notably in Atenza trim with its wealthy tan inside.
It has the upscale look that many Mazda interiors are identified for. The dashboard and the edges of the centre console are completed in soft-touch trim with stitching particulars, whereas artificial suede is used throughout the entrance of the sprint and on the door trims.
Colour-adjustable ambient lighting streams out from the dashboard, the centre console, and even the entrance seatbacks.
Look nearer and also you’ll see some more durable or scratchier plastics, however they’re usually present in locations the place you gained’t actually discover them – for instance, the decrease reaches of the doorways.
They do little to detract from the general atmosphere of the inside, which is notably nicer than that of the opposite new Mazda launched this yr: the utterly in-house CX-5, which has taken a serious dive when it comes to inside materials high quality.
The doorways do not shut with as strong a thunk, however blame using sportier-looking frameless home windows for that.
Like the CX-5, you get a big central touchscreen however just about no bodily controls, with features managed by way of both the display or a voice assistant.
Key features just like the demisters are situated on the base of the display. Fan velocity requires you to press a button after which modify it on the local weather display, which is a bit cumbersome, whereas urgent the zone temperature brings up a pop-up that’s comparatively straightforward to toggle.
You may also swipe down from the highest of the display, even whilst you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring, to entry extra shortcuts. Weirdly, shortcut buttons for the heated seats are on the anchored footer bar, however toggling the ventilated seats requires you to swipe down from the highest of the display.
There are some extra indicators that you just’re in a Chinese and never Japanese Mazda. We’re speaking little particulars right here, like using title case for sure messages and the best way the voice assistant sounds.
But that Chinese method to the infotainment system can be acquainted to these popping out of a Tesla, with menu after menu of customisable options at your fingertips.
There’s so much you’ll be able to tweak and toggle on this automotive, however the infotainment system makes it straightforward for you to take action.
There’s a slim digital instrument cluster forward of the motive force – one thing you gained’t discover in a Tesla Model 3 – which shows key info like power consumption and tyre stress. There’s additionally a pleasant, clear head-up show, which once more is one thing you gained’t discover in a Model 3.
Unlike each different Mazda bought in Australia, the symptoms are on the left-hand facet of the steering column. This stalk can also be used for the wipers, with the button on the finish spraying water onto the windscreen.
As with many fashionable Chinese EVs, you’ve received a wi-fi charging pad on the centre console, plus a useful shelf beneath the centre console. This additionally incorporates each a USB-A outlet, which is able to information switch, and a USB-C outlet. These are situated on the passenger facet.
While you’ll discover conventional window switches on the doorways and energy seat controls on the facet of the seat, you gained’t discover bodily switchgear for features like reminiscence settings or heating and air flow.
Go to regulate your energy seat and a immediate will seem on the display, asking whether or not you need to save your setting. Heating and air flow, in the meantime, are managed by way of the touchscreen or voice assistant.
The Sony sound system is first rate if not extraordinary, and there are intelligent audio system within the drivers headrest via which you’ll be able to hear cellphone calls, or Siri or Google Assistant.
There are additionally exterior audio system if you wish to park your 6e and use it as one big boombox.
Storage contains bottle holders within the doorways that may match 1.5-litre bottles and a deep centre console bin, plus the aforementioned decrease degree of the centre console.
Step into the again and there’s loads of legroom, thanks partly to an virtually utterly flat ground although, relying on the place of the entrance seats, toe room might be tight. Passengers can also be disturbed by the straightforward entry driver’s seat sliding again in the event that they’re too gradual getting out.
One 193cm-tall passenger discovered headroom to be just a bit bit tight, together with his head brushing in opposition to the headliner.
What seems to be a gap panoramic sunroof is definitely a set glass roof that’s cut up into two panels with a thick bar within the center. It’s unclear why Mazda did this.
Rear-seat occupants have entry to controls close to the air vents in the back of the centre console, which permit them to maneuver the entrance passenger seat and open and shut the sunshade. Surprisingly, there are not any heated rear seats, although there are air vents and a single USB-C outlet.
Why trouble with an SUV? The 6e is the primary 6-badged Mazda with a liftback physique model since 2012.
While there’s no wagon forthcoming, there’s loads of practicality right here because of the wide-opening rear tailgate and a complete of 337 litres of bags house.
While that doesn’t sound like a lot, this can be a fairly usable house because of that liftback, which makes it simpler to hold giant gadgets than the standard sedan boots of the Seal and Model 3.
Under the boot ground, you’ll discover a tyre restore package, not a spare wheel. This isn’t stunning for an EV.
But like many EVs, there’s additionally a second space for storing, situated beneath the bonnet. It’s a great spot to go away your charging cables and even some groceries or a small carry-on.
| Dimensions | Mazda 6e |
|---|---|
| Length | 4921mm |
| Width | 1890mm (excl. mirrors) |
| Height | 1485mm |
| Wheelbase | 2895mm |
| Cargo capability | 337L – to belt line, incl. under-floor storage |
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
While there’s an extended-range electrical car (EREV) model supplied in China, the Mazda 6e is bought right here with a single electrical powertrain. There’s no dual-motor all-wheel drive possibility just like the rival Model 3 and Seal, and Mazda has no plans to supply one.
| Specifications | Mazda 6e |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Power | 190kW |
| Torque | 290Nm |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2090kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.35 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 15.9kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as examined) | 13.3kWh/100km – inner-city, suburban and freeway loop 15.2kWh/100km – over the course of per week |
| Claimed vary | 560km (WLTP) |
| Max AC cost charge | 11kW |
| Max DC cost charge | 195kW |
| Braked towing capability | 1500kg |
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Mazda 6e drive?
How you discover the Mazda 6e driving expertise relies on what you examine it to. If you’re evaluating it to the outdated Mazda 6, it’s possible you’ll be disillusioned.
While the prospect of an reasonably priced rear-wheel drive Mazda household automotive tantalises, the 6e feels out of its depth in additional aggressive driving.
In its customary mode, the steering feels overly gentle and disconnected. Sport mode for the steering does add some weight, though the tiller remains to be missing in really feel.
Regardless of mode, the steering by no means actually masses up in corners. It’s like giving CPR to a dummy – your inputs are by no means met with indicators of life.
It’s a disgrace as there’s a balanced chassis right here, and the 6e doesn’t really feel too heavy and cumbersome.
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But you’re extra more likely to be spending your time commuting within the 6e than chasing hairpins, and that’s the place the Mazda shines.
That steering that feels so gentle on the highway makes this straightforward to park, with an honest 11.2m turning circle.
It doesn’t really feel as low-slung as some sedans, however you additionally don’t really feel perched fairly as excessive as in an SUV. It strikes a surprisingly good steadiness between the 2.
You don’t press a button to begin the automotive. As quickly as you get inside, it’s on. You merely put your foot on the brake after which transfer the column-mounted gear shifter into Reverse or Drive. Park is chosen utilizing a button on the finish of the stalk.
This additionally means you don’t have a button to press to show the automotive off, so the primary couple of instances you drive it it’s possible you’ll be stunned to seek out your music nonetheless enjoying after you open the door to get out.
While its outputs aren’t staggering on this period of ever-faster EVs, the moment torque you get with an EV means the 6e is lots zippy off the road.
You can flick between Normal and Sport modes, or customise an Individual mode, which lets you select between Medium and Sport energy; between Low, Standard, Mid and High ranges of regenerative braking depth (there’s no full one-pedal drive mode); and between Normal and Sport steering.
Regardless of drive mode, given the absence of adaptive dampers, the trip is unquestionably on the smooth facet.
On sure highway surfaces, we noticed the Mazda 6e’s tendency to bob barely, nevertheless it’ll by no means make you queasy. It additionally lapped up all method of craggy city and rural roads with out exhibiting affect harshness or poor physique management.
The 6e is each a cushty cruiser and a quiet one as tyre and wind noise are saved to a minimal on the freeway regardless of the frameless home windows.
You can flip off the Mazda 6e’s synthetic propulsion sound, which is barely actually noticeable once you’re rushing up or slowing down, however we discovered it nice and unobtrusive.
If solely let’s imagine the identical about Mazda’s Cruising and Traffic Support system.
In the brand new CX-5, it’s excellent, protecting the car centred inside the lane and making freeway driving an absolute breeze. The 6e’s model of Cruising and Traffic Support, nonetheless, feels too nervous and hyperactive.
It gained’t jerk the steering wheel, nevertheless it feels as if it’s always nibbling at it. On a number of events, the system warned that it was cancelling itself and that I wanted to take over the steering, despite the fact that there was no obvious difficulty.
You can flip off the Cruising and Traffic Support and simply use customary adaptive cruise management.
The common lane-keep help is well-calibrated and doesn’t annoy, and whereas an alert will chime in the event you go over the velocity restrict – a characteristic that at all times turns again on once you restart the car – it at the least chimes softly.
There is a driver distraction alert, nevertheless it by no means appeared to activate as soon as, which is nice as a result of some manufacturers merely can not work out easy methods to calibrate this with out it changing into a whole nuisance.
Occasionally, a voice will play via the audio system saying that the demister has been turned on attributable to humidity, or that the surround-view digital camera has been activated since you’ve pulled onto a slope – slightly un-Mazda-like touches.
Visibility out the rear window is subpar, with the deployable rear spoiler virtually utterly obstructing the view out the again. There’s no digital rear-view mirror, though weirdly there may be an in-car digital camera that you should use to take photographs and video.
The far more helpful surround-view exterior digital camera system affords excellent decision.
As with many new Chinese automobiles, plus Teslas, you push the gear selector stalk, which is mounted on the steering column, all the way down to activate adaptive cruise management. Plus and minus controls on the steering wheel let you modify the set velocity.
While we all know loads of drivers are used to stalk-mounted cruise activation by now, it nonetheless strikes us as a daft concept, very like making the gear stalk so related in dimension to the indicator stalk.
Overall, we predict there’s actual potential right here with the Mazda 6e.
If Mazda engineers gave it a little bit bit extra of that Jinba Ittai by recalibrating the steering and even perhaps tweaking the trip – although hopefully with out making it too agency – this may very well be a extra entertaining automotive to drive, whereas retuning the Cruising and Traffic Support system would make it extra habitable.
As it stands, although, it’s plush, snug and fairly nice.
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are two members of the Mazda 6e lineup in Australia.
2027 Mazda 6e GT tools highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
- Power tailgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Keyless entry and begin
- Bluetooth key
- Augmented actuality head-up show
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- 14-speaker Sony sound system
The Atenza provides:
- Tan leather-based and artificial suede seat trim with quilted stitching
- Tan artificial suede trim on the dashboard and doorways
- Two-tone black and leather-based steering wheel
While a lot of the exterior finishes come at no additional value, together with our tester’s Crystal White Pearl Mica, you may must pay a further $795 for Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey or Soul Red Crystal metallic finishes. Don’t be boring and get white – Soul Red Crystal or Deep Crystal Blue are the picks of the palette.
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the Mazda 6e secure?
The Mazda 6e has a five-star ranking from impartial security authority ANCAP, primarily based on testing performed in 2025.
| Category | Mazda 6e |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway person safety | 74 per cent |
| Safety help | 79 per cent |
Standard security options embrace:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Junction help
- Pedestrian and bike owner detection
- Reverse AEB
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cruising & Traffic Support
- Driver monitoring system
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep help
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic signal recognition
- Surround-view digital camera with see-through view
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 9 airbags
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Mazda 6e value to run?
As with mainly all its rival manufacturers bar Tesla, Mazda expects annual visits to its dealerships, nevertheless it affords capped-price servicing for the primary seven years.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda 6e |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres – car 8 years, 160,000km – battery |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years, 140,000km |
| Average annual service worth | $406.50 |
| Total capped-price service value – 7 years | $2846 |
To see how the Mazda 6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Take on the Mazda 6e Atenza
We’ve been ready 14 years for a brand new technology of Mazda 6. We’ve been ready even longer – shut to a few a long time – for a rear-wheel drive sedan from the Japanese model, following the demise of the 929.
The Mazda 6e may not be the turbocharged inline-six, Japanese-built car that many have been anticipating, nevertheless it’s a completely nice, sharply styled and sharply priced EV.
It’s snug and refined, has a spacious and cozy cabin, and boasts an extended record of normal tools.
Does it really feel like a Mazda? Perhaps not. Not with out some extra tweaks, at the least, together with to the steering and a few of the security expertise. But what the Mazda 6e is is a bloody good EV at a worth that’s not solely sharp, however sharp for a Chinese automotive. And that’s saying one thing.
Interested in shopping for a Mazda 6e? Let CarExpert discover you the very best deal right here
Click the photographs for the total gallery. Photography by Eliot Tsai.
MORE: Explore the Mazda 6e showroom
This car was equipped by Mazda Australia for analysis.
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