Update (Oct 31, 2025): Interior section updated following our demo of the car in Zurich.
Every once in a while, we come across forbidden fruits in the American car market. For different reasons, these never make it across the Atlantic. But rarely have I felt such a sense of missed opportunity in a mass-market car as I did when I saw the Mazda 6e at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show.
On the Mazda6 in the U.S.
The Mazda 6e, originally introduced as Mazda EZ-6 in China, is undoubtedly the brand’s most gorgeous sedan. The Japanese automaker vacated the mid-size sedan segment in the U.S. when it axed the Mazda6 in 2021, and this EV could have been an opportunity if there were comeback plans. Moreover, I imagine that the attractive 6e would bring a fresh lease of life to this segment.
Exterior
The Mazda 6e has a bold and sporty exterior with touches of EV-specific styling, such as 19-inch aero wheels, for instance. Elements like the closed and illuminated upper grille area, the almost fully covered wheels, the flush-fitted door handles, and the connected tail lamps are all new for a Mazda.
Overall, though the 6e adheres to the brand’s familiar Kodo Design language, and one might even say, represents its most elevated and mature expression to date.
I’ve always thought the Lucid Air had the best proportions in the EV world, but seeing the Mazda 6e in person changed that for me. Its design feels even more impressive, especially for a car that’s meant for everyday use and doesn’t come with a luxury price tag. It even goes a step further with a practical hatchback and liftgate, unlike the Lucid Air’s regular trunk. I also liked how the rear spoiler stays hidden in the short, sporty deck and only pops up when needed.
Interior
The interior of the Mazda 6e doesn’t have a wow factor, courtesy of a templatized layout typical of Chinese EVs. Then again, it is a Chinese EV in essence, having been derived from the same platform as Changan Auto’s Deepal L07.
The electric sedan features a slim dashboard, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, AR-HUD, bare-minimum physical controls, and generously used vibrant colors and premium materials.
Experience in the Mazda 6e
Ingress in the Mazda 6e is easy despite the low roofline, thanks to the slightly raised entry floor. Once inside, I quickly found a comfortable driving position using the electrically adjustable seat. The front seats are well-contoured with strong side bolstering, and the back support feels excellent. The fixed headrests are large and well-positioned, offering good comfort even for my six-foot frame.
Under-thigh support is also good, and the generous dead pedal adds comfort for longer drives. Headroom is sufficient, even with the glass roof, and outward visibility is good thanks to large windows, extended side mirrors, and small rear quarter panels that reduce blind spots. The cabin feels spacious from the driver’s seat, making it suitable for long-distance trips.
Moving to the rear, ingress requires a slight bend due to the sloping roof. Once seated, the elevated floor makes my knees sit higher than ideal, which can be a bit uncomfortable for taller adults. Knee room is just enough with the front seat adjusted to my position, and my large shoes fit partially under the seat.
The outboard seats have under-thigh extenders that help shorter passengers find a more relaxed posture. The rear headroom is acceptable, though limited slightly by the panoramic roof. The middle seat is usable because of the flat floor, and all three positions get adjustable headrests. Rear passengers have touch-controlled AC vents, an armrest with cupholders, and sufficient visibility.
The 6e clearly prioritizes front-seat comfort. However, it still offers decent rear-seat usability, that is, if you’re not my height!
Specifications
Mazda uses a 68.8 kWh LFP battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of 298 miles in the standard range variant and an 80 kWh NCM battery pack that returns a WLTP range of 343 miles in the long-range variant. The LFP battery pack takes just 24 minutes for a 10-80% charging session, while the NCM unit takes 47 minutes.
The standard range variant’s motor produces 255 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The long-range variant, packing 241 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, takes 7.8 seconds for the same. Both variants have an identical top speed, though – 109 mph.
In China, Changan-Mazda sells the EZ-6 with the high-output motor and two battery pack options: 56.1 kWh LFP and 68.8 kWh LFP. The Chinese version can travel up to 298 miles in its standard range variant and 373 miles in its long-range variant, both as per CLTC.
EREV variant
Also See: 12 Range-Extender (EREV) vehicles expected in the U.S. (2025-2028)
Chinese customers also get a range-extender variant, which can deliver a total range of up to 808 miles.
The EZ-6 EREV also has a rear-mounted electric motor, but one tuned to produce 214 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. This motor gets its juice from either an 18.9 kWh LFP battery pack or a 28.4 kWh LFP battery pack, both charged on the go via a 1.5-liter engine that runs on gasoline stored in a 45-liter tank.
Via an external charger, both LFP battery packs can be charged from 30% to 80% as quickly as 20 minutes. The 18.9 kWh and 28.4 kWh battery packs alone deliver a CLTC range of 81 miles and 124 miles, respectively.
Pricing & Availability
Manufactured by the Changan-Mazda joint venture in China, the Mazda 6e is only available in select Asian and European markets. In Germany, Mazda offers it in standard range and long-range variants, both with a rear-wheel drive drivetrain layout. Prices start at EUR 43,600.
Prices of the EZ-6 in China start at CNY 159,800 for the electric variant and CNY 139,800 for the plug-in range-extender variant.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
