Mazda has launched an all-new version of the Mazda6 sedan for Europe, and it’s electric. While that sounds like good news, there’s a catch and it’s a big one. See, the Mazda6e, as it’s called, is not 100 percent a Mazda through and through, but rather, it’s built off a platform and runs on a powertrain developed by Changan in China.
Mazda made sure to scrub all references to China in its official European press release, but in its global one they’ve made it quite clear. The Mazda6e is the European version of the Mazda EZ-6 sedan which was shown at the Beijing Auto Show last year.
For the European market, Mazda is offering two powertrain options. The 68.8-kWh version offers a range of up to 479 kilometers and with the capability to fast charge up to 200 kW, it can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 22 minutes. This version delivers 258 horsepower enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds.
Meanwhile, for those who want longer range, there’s one powered by an 80-kWh battery. This one delivers up to 552 kilometers on a single charge. Surprisingly, it makes less power (244 horsepower) resulting to a slower century sprint (7.8 seconds). 10 to 80 percent charge takes 45 minutes. Both variants have the same 320 Nm torque driving the rear wheels.
While it’s a Changan Deepal L07 underneath, Mazda says the Mazda6e has its own “signature design, craftsmanship, and driving performance.”
Mazda says that the Mazda6e is tuned differently compared to the Changan and the Mazda EZ-6 in that Mazda Research Europe, based in Frankfurt, tweaked its suspension to deliver “an engaging driver experience you’d expect from Mazda.” No details on what changes were made.
In China, the EZ-6 has a 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/45R19 tires, and features a deployable spoiler to improve high speed stability.
Measuring in at 4,921 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,491 mm in height (including the roof antenna), the Mazda6e is much larger than the Mazda6 it’s replacing. Style-wise, the Mazda6e has unique front and rear ends which the Europeans still “Kodo,” but the global release simply refer to as “Authentic Modern.”
Meanwhile, its wheelbase, which stretches to 2,895 mm, delivers impressive cabin space. Now, the basic cabin layout is close to that of its Changan sibling, down to its overreliance on touchscreens, but Mazda did put their own twist to the materials which include the use of tan Nappa leather. It also has a 330-liter rear trunk and a 70-liter front trunk too.
Deliveries in Europe start by mid of this year starting with left-hand drive countries first. Right-hand drive countries will follow in 2026.
if you cant beat them, joined them and just beat them later. Japz late in the game on EV's, but dominates on ICE and hybrids. But sooner they would catch up on EV's...with the help of china😂😂😂
ReplyDeleteI dunno, the proportions look ugly.
ReplyDeleteChina is stupid for helping japs. When japs master ev in a few years, China cars with no brand equity will remain a joke and japs will still win. Good strategy by japs
ReplyDeleteIt’s not surprising that the longer range is a bit slower since it will be heavier because it has more batteries.
ReplyDeleteIt's also because it packs a weaker motor. Typically when carmakers come up with a long range version they give it more power too.
DeleteMaybe mention what you said in the article re engine power so it’ll become clearer 😊
ReplyDeleteNo need. Regardless, longer range variants are 99.9 percent faster and offer more power than standard range variants. Battery weight has nothing to do with it. This is the first time I've ever encountered a long range variant that's slower and offers less power than the standard range variant.
DeleteInteresting… so you’re saying that since it’s very uncommon so you find no reason to include an explanation… should be the other way around..?
ReplyDeleteAlso, all things being equal (e.g., car body, engine, size of tires, etc.) then it comes down to weight isn’t it? That’s why same car model is faster when there’s only one or two passengers vs a fully loaded vehicle… or in this case, more batteries.
Hey, it’s your site so your rules 😊
Glad to have a discussion with you. And I say this with utmost respect 👍👍👍
It is very uncommon...but hey...maybe Mazda (or in this case, Changan) has a good reason for it.
DeleteYou're right though, it does come down to weight, that's why larger battery EV variants typically have a more powerful electric motor to achieve similar to better power-to-weight ratio than the standard range one.
And always happy to have a discussion here on the website.
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