Mazda’s new electric CX-6e SUV brings a lot of things you’d expect from the brand – distinctive new styling, a spacious and well-appointed cabin, for instance – but its modest range and charging performance leave it trailing some key rivals, and just doesn’t quite feel like a Mazda.

The new model sees Mazda expand its electric ambitions by blending the Japanese brand’s design language with technology and engineering sourced from Chinese partner Changan. The CX-6e is the second product born from the partnership after the Mazda 6e sedan and it shares much of its hardware with the Deepal S07. 

White electric crossover SUV driving on a highway with a forested hillside in the background.
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Mazda has put its own stamp on the vehicle with that eye-catching and detailed exterior styling, combined with chassis tuning designed to give it a character of its own. It doesn’t altogether work, though.

Visually, the CX-6e pushes Mazda into new territory. The familiar ‘Signature Wing’ grille treatment is illuminated and flows into slim LED daytime running lights, while the main headlights sit lower in the front bumper alongside large air intakes.

Aerodynamic details include a small spoiler on the leading edge of the bonnet, concealed windscreen wipers and air channels incorporated into the rear pillars. Higher-spec versions also replace conventional mirrors with cameras, displaying their feeds on screens mounted inside the doors. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches, while available colours include Soul Red Crystal, Air Stream Blue and Nightfall Violet.

Unlike many electric SUVs, there’s only one drivetrain. A 78kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery feeds a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 190kW, with Mazda claiming up to 483km of driving range.

That figure falls short of several key competitors, while the CX-6e’s maximum DC charging rate of 165kW is also relatively modest. Mazda says a 10–80 per cent recharge takes 24 minutes, while a full charge at home can be completed in around eight hours.

Interior view of a modern car with a long horizontal touchscreen dashboard and purple leather seats, seen from the back seat toward the windshield.
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Performance is measured rather than spectacular. The rear-wheel drive CX-6e takes 7.9 seconds to reach 100km/h and has a top speed of around 249km/h. Power delivery is progressive rather than neck-snapping, with Normal, Sport and Individual drive modes available.

On the road, the rear-drive layout gives it clean, accurate steering, while good body control helps disguise the SUV’s size. The suspension can feel busy over rougher surfaces, though, suggesting there’s room for improvement in the damping. Refinement is a stronger point, however, with impressive suppression of road and wind noise at higher speeds.

Inside, a huge 26-inch widescreen display dominates the dashboard and is paired with a head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, although some touchscreen functions are fiddly and the numerous driver-assistance systems can be a little too enthusiastic.

Passengers get plenty of space, particularly in the second row, with headroom and legroom among the CX-6e’s strengths. ISOFIX mounting points are fitted to both outer rear seats and the front passenger seat.

Mazda steering wheel close-up with a right-side control panel of multimedia buttons
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Boot capacity is 486 litres, expanding to 1434 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats folded, while an additional 80-litre storage compartment sits beneath the bonnet. Braked towing capacity is rated at 1500kg.

The CX-6e is an intriguing alternative to the increasingly crowded field of electric SUVs. Its dramatic styling, spacious interior and refinement make a strong first impression, but middling range, charging performance and a driving experience that lacks some of Mazda’s traditional character prevent it from separating itself clearly from the pack.