Mazda6e EV makes its introduction in Europe

MAZDA has unwrapped the production version of its Mazda6e at the recent Brussels Motor Show, ahead of the model’s on-sale date in the European summer.

The Mazda6e – essentially the European version of the Mazda EZ-6 – is a mid-sized battery electric sedan that claims to offer the “driving performance and functionality” required of European customers’ needs.

Developed through the collaboration between Mazda and Changan Automobile Company, the Mazda6e BEV boasts Mazda’s “signature design, craftsmanship and driving performance”, while utilising running gear and electrical architecture developed by Mazda’s Chinese partner.

Measuring 4921mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1491mm in height, the Mazda6e is comparable in size to the recently axed Australian Mazda6 sedan (4800mm x 1840mm x 1480mm), and rides upon a comparable 2895mm (versus 2830mm) wheelbase.

The Tesla Model 3 rival features a choice of 80.0kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) or 68.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack options delivering claimed driving ranges of 552km and 479km respectively.

Both offerings combine with a single, rear-mounted electric motor outputting 180kW of power and 320Nm of torque. Mazda claims a 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds for the LFP powered variants and 7.8 seconds for the NCM.

DC fast charging times are listed at 22 minutes for the LFP variants and 45 minutes for the NCM (based on 200kW DC charging with a 10-80 per cent recharge).

Mazda Motor Europe says the Mazda6e also features smart functions, including an intelligent drive system that provides support for the driver as well as accident mitigation technology and smart cabin with voice, touch, and gesture controls, all of which it says is aimed at raising the bar for safety and convenience.

There is no word yet on whether the Mazda6e or related Mazda EZ-6 are likely starters for the SUV-centric Australian market. Given the recent axing of Mazda’s slow selling ‘6’ sedan and wagon range, we’d wager it’s highly unlikely.