Mazda CX-6e: New Chinese-built electric SUV spied for the first time

Two days after the upcoming Mazda EZ-60 was officially teased, photographers have now captured a development prototype of the all-new mid-size electric SUV undergoing public road testing in Europe.

Expected to be called the CX-6e in Europe, the new electric SUV is the latest model to emerge from the joint-venture agreement between Mazda and Changan Automobile. It follows the EZ-6 sedan, which is expected to launch in Europe in mid-2025 badged as the 6e, followed by its UK release in right-hand drive form in early 2026.

It’s not yet known when the EZ-60/CX-6e will go on sale in Europe, nor whether it or the EZ-6/6e are on the cards for Australian arrival.

What is known is that both new Mazda electric vehicles (EVs) will utilise Changan’s EPA1 platform. This also underpins models like the Deepal L07, which has been reskinned into the 6e, and the S07, which will likely form the basis of the CX-6e.

The CX-6e is drastically different from combustion-powered Mazda SUVs like the CX-60 and CX-5, headlined by an elongated rear-end that’s shared with the S07. This model was also previewed by the Mazda Arata concept in early 2024.

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Though heavily camouflaged, the model bears a strong resemblance to the Arata concept. It features Mazda’s stylised closed-off grille design and otherwise basic edges and angles, as well as a few other key elements like cameras instead of side mirrors and flush door handles.

Not much else is currently known, though it’s possible the EZ-60 could feature either a 68.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery or an 80kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery – or both.

Looking to the Australian-market Deepal S07 – which has been on sale here since late 2024 – the electric SUV is offered Down Under with a 79.97kWh ternary lithium battery and a single rear-mounted motor, producing 160kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

The 0-100km/h sprint takes a claimed 7.9 seconds, and claimed range is 475km on the WLTP cycle.

Overseas, the S07 EV is also available with a 66.8kWh ternary lithium battery, while there are also range-extender versions with smaller batteries and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Inside, the EZ-60 will likely bear a strong resemblance to the EZ-6, which is headlined by large screens and premium-looking materials – albeit with direct influence from Mazda appearing limited.

Interestingly, the prototype sports a sticker stating “Test vehicle equipped with video cameras for the development of future vehicle technologies” with an accompanying QR code. A website URL is also shown, though its domain has been covered with tape.

Filling in the blank with ‘Mazda’ directs to www.mazda.de/datenschutz, Mazda Germany’s online data protection policy page, meaning this is almost certainly a Mazda disclaimer and undoubtedly a Mazda vehicle – even if it’s unlike nearly every Mazda-branded car that has come before it.

In any case, Mazda’s new electric SUV is expected to be a hugely important model for the Japanese brand, particularly in China where it’ll be built.

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