2026 Mazda CX-6e revealed: New Tesla Model Y rival debuts in China as EZ-60

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Mazda has shown the exterior of its new Chinese-built EZ-60 electric SUV ahead of its full reveal later this month in Shanghai – and a likely global launch as the 'CX-6e'.

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Jordan Hickey
 New Tesla Model Y rival debuts in China as EZ-60

The 2026 Mazda EZ-60 electric SUV – a rival to the Tesla Model Y and other mid-size models – has been unveiled in China before its full debut at the Shanghai motor show later this month.

Likely to be exported to other markets – potentially including Australia – as the Mazda CX-6e, the brand's latest electric car follows in the footsteps of its 6e sedan sibling, as both vehicles are based on models from Chinese brand Deepal.

The Mazda EZ-60 is a close relation to the Deepal S07, which has been available in Australia in right-hand drive since the end of last year, along with the Mazda 6e – sold in China as the EZ-6 – and Deepal L07 sedans.

 New Tesla Model Y rival debuts in China as EZ-60

The relationship between the Mazda and Deepal vehicles is enabled through Mazda's joint-venture partnership with Changan Automotive in China, the parent company of Deepal, to allow the use of its EPA1 electric-car architecture.

A Mazda Australia spokesperson told Drive the brand could not comment on the Mazda EZ-60 at this stage.

The Mazda EZ-60 is the production version of the Arata concept unveiled at the Beijing auto show 12 months ago, with a global launch outside of China expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

 New Tesla Model Y rival debuts in China as EZ-60

It is Mazda's third electric SUV following the smaller MX-30 – which was fully developed by Mazda and has been criticised for its short driving range and high price – and a short-lived electric CX-30 for China.

An electric version of the CX-5 is expected to join the CX-6e in Mazda's line-up in 2027, likely based on Mazda's own 'SkyActiv Scalable EV Architecture'.

While the EZ-60 has been toned down compared to the Arata concept, it retains many of its design cues, including slim headlights, an illuminated grille surround and Mazda badge, digital side mirrors, and an exposed air vent by its C-pillar window to improve aerodynamics.

Other design elements shown in a teaser video shared by Changan Mazda include an air vent between its faux grille and bonnet, large-sized machined alloy wheels, and exterior cameras to deliver a 360-degree view.

Mazda will confirm more details about the EZ-60 when it debuts in full on April 23, 2025, at the Shanghai motor show, but it is likely to mirror the 6e sedan with fully-electric or range-extender plug-in hybrid options.

The Mazda 6e for Europe is available with a 68.8kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery for a 479-kilometre driving range on the European WLTP lab-test standard, or an 80kWh nickel-cobalt-maganese unit for the Long Range variant with a 552km range.

The standard-range 6e has a 190kW/320Nm electric motor mounted to the rear axle, while the Long Range drops to 180kW/320Nm.

Inside, the 6e features a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen – the largest ever fitted to a Mazda – a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an augmented-reality head-up display, which are all expected to carry over to the EZ-60 and CX-6e.

More details on the 2026 Mazda EZ-60 – or CX-6e, as it is expected to be named outside of China – will be announced when it debuts at the 2025 Shanghai motor show on Wednesday April 23, 2025.

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Jordan Hickey

Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.

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