It’s no secret that Mazda is a bit behind when it comes to electric vehicles.
The MX-30 small electric SUV was a quirky styling exercise with a battery range that barely got you to the store and back, but the brand is finally getting serious – this is the new thing 2026 Mazda 6e.
You may have seen it unveiled at the Beijing auto show as the Mazda EZ-6, a product of Mazda’s joint venture with Chinese giant Changan.
Although it was built in China on a common platform, this is not the case Only a badge engineering job – it’s the spiritual successor to the popular Mazda 6 and is coming to Australia in mid-2026.
We took a quick first drive with a pre-production model on a test site to see if it can actually compete with the sales giant Tesla Model 3.
REGARD: Paul’s video review for the first time with the Mazda 6e
Crucially, Mazda Australia is targeting a starting price of under $55,000 before on-road costs. That’s a critical number because it puts the 6e squarely in the crosshairs of the Model 3 RWD and the BYD Seal Premium.
But here’s the big question: Underneath that stunning sheetmetal, is there still the “Zoom-Zoom” DNA we’ve come to expect from a Mazda, or does it just feel like another soft, generic EV?
How much does the Mazda 6e cost?
Mazda hasn’t decided on the final dollar figure yet, but the forecast is ambitious. The starting price of under $55,000 for a car of this size and features is impressive.
This pricing strategy is clearly aimed at undercutting or matching the market leaders in the segment. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) currently costs around $54,900, and the BYD Seal Dynamic is even cheaper.
If Mazda can bring a high-spec vehicle to market at this price, it will immediately become a value player in a segment where legacy manufacturers have struggled to compete on price.
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What does the Mazda 6e look like from the inside?
If you’ve sat in a CX-60 or CX-90 recently, you know that Mazda puts a lot of emphasis on interior quality. The 6e feels different, however – it’s much more minimalist and clearly takes inspiration from the Chinese market’s penchant for screen-heavy cabins.
At its heart is a huge 14.6-inch infotainment screen that controls almost everything. Unfortunately, Mazda’s tactile dial is gone, as are most of the physical buttons.
This will come as a shock to traditional Mazda fans. You have to use the screen for climate control, side mirror adjustment, and even changing driving modes. It feels very similar to a Tesla in its operation – clean but potentially distracting while driving.
However, the material quality is really plush. The floating center console gives a feeling of spaciousness, and the fit and finish was already first class on this pre-production car.
It uses a mix of soft-touch materials and what looks like a Bentley-inspired two-tone leather steering wheel in the car we drove.
The new platform shines in the back seat. There’s plenty of legroom – far more than in the old petrol Mazda 6 – thanks to the long wheelbase. The floor is flat and even with the panoramic glass roof there is enough headroom for a 1.80 m tall car.
Unusually for a car that looks like a sedan, it’s actually a liftback. The rear window opens along with the trunk lid to reveal a huge opening that makes loading bulky items much easier than on a Model 3.
What’s under the hood?
For Australia we get the best of both drive worlds. In other markets you often have to choose between a larger battery or more power – we get both.
The 6e comes with a 78 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a single electric motor that sends 190 kW to the rear wheels.
This LFP chemistry is a smart choice for Australian buyers. In contrast to other types of batteries, it can be regularly charged to 100 percent without any loss of performance.
Preliminary specifications include:
- Perfomance: 190kW
- Torque: TBC
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Battery: 78 kWh LFP
- Reach: >500 km (according to WLTP)
- Charge: 30-80% in 15 minutes (DC)
How does the Mazda 6e drive?
This is where things get complicated. The car we drove was a pre-production vehicle with a European suspension tune, and it immediately felt very soft.
When driving around the test site, the vehicle behaved incredibly well over small undulations and soaked up poor surfaces better than many solid-moving electric vehicles. It’s quiet, refined and comfortable at city speeds.
However, as soon as you increase the pace, this softness becomes a problem. It feels floating over crests and valleys. Mid-corner bumps tend to unsettle the rear, causing the car to sway a little.
The tied, sporting commitment is missing – that Jinba Ittai (Horse and rider as one) Connection – that’s usually what makes a Mazda.
It reminds me of many other electric vehicles on the Chinese market that prioritize comfort over body control. If you’re looking for a relaxed cruiser, this is wonderful. But if you’re expecting a sports sedan, this isn’t it yet.
The power delivery is gentle rather than violent. We tested the sprint time from 0-100 km/h and measured it at 7.35 seconds.
That’s fast enough for everyday driving and overtaking, even without your head hanging on the headrest like a powerful dual-motor electric vehicle.
The good news is that Mazda Australia is aware of this. It usually runs extensive local ride and handling programs, and frankly this car needs that too.
If Mazda can improve body control without ruining the refined driving experience, they have a winner.
What do you get?
Full specifications haven’t been released yet, but based on the prototype we drove, we can expect a high level of standard equipment given the price.
Likely standard features include:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires
- Central 14.6-inch touchscreen
- Digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Panoramic glass roof
- Electric tailgate (liftback)
- 360 degree camera system
Is the Mazda 6e safe?
The Mazda 6e has not yet been subjected to ANCAP or Euro NCAP crash tests.
However, the vehicle is equipped with active safety technology. One problem we often have with vehicles from China is the calibration of these systems – driver monitoring and lane keeping assistance systems can often be intrusive and annoying.
Mazda says it is working on local calibration of these systems, which will be crucial. If you have to turn off the security systems every time you get in the car because they beep constantly, they are not doing their job.
How much does the Mazda 6e cost to run?
Official efficiency figures have not yet been homologated for Australia, but Mazda claims a range of over 500km on the WLTP cycle.
The 78 kWh battery can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in about 15 minutes using a compatible DC fast charger, which is competitive.
Daily Sparkz’s opinion on the Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e is a promising first step back into the mid-size car segment for the Japanese brand. It looks expensive, feels premium inside and offers excellent electrical specs for the money.
However, it’s not perfect. The suspension in its current form is too soft for Australian tastes, and the lack of physical buttons is a departure from Mazda’s usually excellent ergonomics.
But the bones are good. If Mazda Australia’s engineering team can work on the suspension tuning ahead of its 2026 launch, this could be the electric alternative many buyers have been waiting for.
It offers the security of a heritage brand with a huge dealer network, combined with the technology and value we expect from electric vehicles built in China. When they set the final price and local tune, the Model 3 will finally have a serious fight on its hands.
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