1 hour ago
1
Ultra-competitive pricing gives Mazda's Chinese-built 6e electric car its best chance for success against key rivals.
Electric Cars
Mazda’s next all-electric model, the 6e, will arrive in Australian showrooms in July priced ultra-competitively at $49,990 before on-road costs, making it one of the most affordable EVs from a mainstream brand.
This makes it around $5000 cheaper than an entry-level Tesla Model 3 ($54,900), while positioned closely to the base BYD Seal ($49,888).
For the money, the 6e is fitted with a rear-drive electric motor, outputting 190kW/290Nm, while its 78kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery that is rated for a WLTP-certified driving range of 560km.
For comparison, the base BYD Seal Dynamic features a 150kW/310Nm rear-drive electric motor and a 61kWh battery for a 460km driving range rating, while the most affordable Tesla Model 3 punches out 190kW/375Nm and has a 58kWh battery for a 520km range figure.
The 6e is also fitted with a CCS Type-2 charging port that can accommodate a DC fast-charge rate of 194kW, claimed to recharge the battery from 30-80 per cent in as little as 15 minutes.
The base 6e, known as the GT, will come equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 19-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, and a 14-speaker Sony sound system.
There is also a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a wireless smartphone charger.
A full assortment of advanced safety systems is also on hand, including a 360-degree monitor, augmented-reality head up display, blind-spot monitoring with exit warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, a driver monitoring system, and front and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Aside from the GT, a top-spec Atenza is also on offer priced at $52,990 and adding a tan leather and synthetic suede interior.
The only option available to the 6e is on the GT grade – a beige interior that adds $1000 to the asking price.
As a special launch offer, the first 300 customers that pre-order a Mazda 6e will be upgraded to the Atenza version free of charge.
For reference, the new 6e line-up lines up with the outgoing petrol-powered Mazda 6’s GT SP and Atenza grades, which were positioned at $49,190 and $52,590 respectively before being discontinued.
Seven exterior colours are on offer – including Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic – as well as Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, and Aero Grey Metallic.
Astute customers will note the 6e is not a ground-up Mazda model, but is instead built in China by Changan Automobile – or better known as Deepal in Australia.
However, despite its origins, the 6e is still backed by Mazda Australia’s full five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and circa-150-strong dealer network.
Deliveries of the 6e are expected to commence from July.
2026 Mazda 6e pricing in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 Mazda 6e GT standard features:
2026 Mazda 6e Atenza adds (over GT):
Electric Cars Guide
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
