There was a regional premiere for this new model at the start of the year, the 6e having been presented to the European press at the Brussels motor show in January. Brim full of revolutionary changes compared to its multi-body and ICE-powered predecessor, the new car comes only as a rear-wheel drive electric hatchback.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Another big difference compared to the long-lived 6 (built in Japan from 2012-2024) is where it’s manufactured: China. Mazda and its local partner Changan got together to create the car, betting that the major changes to what went before would be well received both in the PRC and export markets. For the moment at least, Japan isn’t one of the countries which will import the 6e but never say never.
Made in Nanjing for all countries
Cars for another right-hand country, namely the UK, were recently confirmed as being on the way for summer 2026 and the media given a chance to drive LHD European-spec examples in south-west England. Official details are yet to be confirmed and on the preview event at least, only high-trim and large-battery examples were available to drive.
For EFTA and EU markets, there is a choice of 68.8 kWh UFP or 80 kWh NCM batteries with the smaller of the two having an official maximum range of up to 300 miles. And with 200 kW DC charging, it’s claimed that those cells can be refilled from 10 to 80 per cent of their capacity in 22 minutes. In theory, that’s 145 miles added in a quarter of an hour. Power is 190 kW (258 PS) and 0-62 mph is said to take 7.6 seconds.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataBigger battery = a little less power
Unusually, four-wheel drive isn’t available but perhaps that might come later, in combination with dual motors. So for now, the only other drive alternative is a 180 kW motor paired with the 80 kWh battery. That’s right: it has less power than the 69 kWh variant. Torque is 320 Nm in each case. Mazda says the big battery means up to 345 miles while the zero to 62 mph time is 7.8secs. Hook the car up to a DC fast charger and that same quoted 10 to 80 per cent capacity refill takes 45 minutes.
Known as the EZ-6 in China, the car has been in production there since July 2024, three months after a world premiere at the Beijing motor show. Interestingly, we in Europe are yet to hear about the other drive system which Chinese buyers may choose, that being a 70 kW 1.5-litre range extender engine which can charge a 19 kW or 28 kW battery. However, conversely, the 80 kWh battery option is only for export markets so Mazda Motor Europe clearly believes the larger cells pack has more appeal here.
Quality on the cars available at the UK drive event was faultless. And aside from Chinese characters as well as English on the puncture repair kit which I lifted a boot floor panel to find, there are few other signs of this being a Mazda that’s made in Nanjing. There is though a small plaque which says Changan Mazda at the base of one of the B pillars. Incidentally, whilst the 6e was co-developed by both OEMs, the platform is Changan’s EPA1. One small thing which is unusual on a Japanese brand car (aside from Subarus) is the position of the charging flap: it’s in the same place as where the fuel filler is for most European brand cars.
Huge boot, lots of lounging space
Driving was relatively brief and conditions dry. I found the car to have a good level of steering feel while the 2,900 mm wheelbase helping with not only generous back seat space but a really comfortable ride. The ADAS is keen to let you know it wants to have a constant say on where the front tyres should be and deactivating Lane Assist takes many presses of the touchscreen, unfortunately. And for me, the lack of a wash-wipe for what is a small rear window would be the only other thing I’d say would be a requested modification.
Having been prepared to hate the Tesla- and Volvo-style mirrors and lights controls being on a screen, these were in practice fine. Wiper controls are there too though you do at least get a screen wash function on the end of the left-hand stalk. I also found giving this a light press will see the wipers perform one sweep.
When will it be available in Britain?
Mazda won’t yet talk about sales expectations for the car in the UK but with an impressive 1.5-tonne towing capacity the 6e might well find a ready market with the caravan set. This group of buyers especially loved the 6 estate for more than a decade in many European markets, not just Britain. Pricing isn’t known, nor are any firm specifications but all of this will be announced closer to the “by summer” launch date.
