New Mazda 6e takes on Tesla Model 3 with 345-mile range
So you think you're S3XY, Elon? Here's Mazda's 6e
Mazda has unveiled its new Mazda 6e electric hatchback saloon (aka fastback) at the Brussels Motor Show this week, with the battery-powered replacement for Mazda 6 saloon aimed squarely at rivals like the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BMW i4.
In a change of tack for Mazda — a company that has been criticised for its comparatively short-range electric vehicles (EVs) — the newcomer will promise an official range of up to 345 miles, which is highly competitive.
This maximum range comes from the bigger of the two battery options that will be offered to customers when the car arrives in the UK in 2026. There will also be an entry-level version of the Mazda 6e that’s fitted with a battery good for 300 miles between charges (officially), thanks to an energy capacity of 68.8kWh.
Charging speeds of 200kW allow the base 6e models to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes using a DC rapid charger, while the larger 80kWh option takes 45 minutes for the same top-up.
Decent if not class-leading performance
Both batteries supply motors that drive the Mazda’s rear wheels, but strangely, the bigger battery is paired with a slightly less powerful motor than the smaller power pack: 241bhp vs 255bhp, meaning the smaller battery provides fractionally better performance. The resulting 0-62mph times are 7.8sec and 7.6 seconds respectively.
Nevertheless, the powertrains both look pretty strong when compared with the BMW i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40 models, and they’re a stark contrast to Mazda’s only other current EV, the MX-30. That car has a “right-size” battery of 35.5kWh and an official range of 124 miles (more like 100 miles in the real world), while its 143bhp electric motor takes it from 0-62mph in almost 10 seconds.
Familiar shape
Though Mazda has reinvented the recently discontinued Mazda 6’s powertrain, the design is still fairly familiar. The old car’s design is reflected in the new front grille, which is now encircled by a full-width daytime running light, while the old Mazda 6’s classic saloon body has developed slightly into a five-door fastback shape.
The Mazda 6e also comes with sculpted surfaces and a full-width light bar at the rear, designed to provide a distinctive light signature, while there’s an electronically extendable rear spoiler intended to improve high-speed stability. Even the alloy wheels have been aerodynamically optimised to improve range.
Lighting is something of a focus, though, with the signature “wings” around the grille appearing to “flutter” when the car is charging, while other lights indicate the car’s charge level, allowing drivers to tell when the battery is full at a glance.
Semi-posh interior
Inside, Mazda has used the panoramic glass roof to bring in plenty of light, which the company says helps to create an airy ambience.
Mazda is clearly building on the semi-premium interiors for which it has become known, with a clean design wrapped in upmarket materials, while there’s also plenty of tech on offer, including a digital instrument display and a large central touchscreen. The former measures 10.2in and is complemented by a head-up display, while the latter is a full 14.6in.
Mazda says passenger space will be excellent, although there are no figures to support that at the time of publishing. The rear luggage space is a claimed 330 litres and there’s a 70-litre front storage area, under the bonnet (don’t call it a “frunk”, please).
Prices and on sale date
Prices are yet to be confirmed for the UK market, but Mazda has announced there will be two different trim levels available, with the Takumi joined by the more upmarket Takumi Plus version. Basic Takumi models will get beige or black artificial leather as standard, while the Takumi Plus provides tan Nappa leather.
“The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles,” said Jeremy Thomson, the managing director of Mazda Motors UK.
“And with the suspension, power steering and braking carefully calibrated by the team at Mazda Research Europe in Frankfurt to match European and UK preferences, I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers the engaging driver experience you’d expect from Mazda.
“When it arrives in UK showrooms in 2026, the Mazda6e will be a fantastic and timely addition to our multi-solution approach that includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric offerings.”
Related articles
- If you were interested in the new Mazda 6e, you might like to read our Mazda CX-80 review: A seven-seat SUV that matches the Germans for quality … mostly
- Also take a look at what Jeremy Clarkson said about the Mazda CX-30: ‘This is why I don’t review affordable cars’
- Mazda MX-30 R-EV 2023 review: A revolution in plug-in hybrids?
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