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Built on the same platform as the Deepal S07, Mazda's incoming EV expected to be called CX-6e could make its way Down Under.
Mazda is teasing a new global electric SUV called the EZ-60, which is expected to arrive in Europe as the CX-6e and could even make its way to Australia.
Not to be confused with Mazda’s new, in-house electric vehicle (EV) due in 2027, the EZ-60 will be the production version of the 2024 Arata concept, and is built in conjunction with partner brand Changan in China.
Built on the EPA1 platform, which also underpins the Deepal S07 already on sale in Australia from $53,900 before on-road costs, could pave the way for the new Mazda EV to arrive in local showrooms.
With a full reveal expected soon, possibly at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month, a global launch is expected later this year, pushing a potential Australian birth to 2026.
This would equip Mazda Australia with a mid-size all-electric model to take on the Tesla Model Y and other China-sourced rivals like the Kia EV5, Leapmotor C10, BYD Sealion 7, and Geely EX5.
It would also be the brand’s latest – and only – electric car after the discontinuation of the MX-30 EV after less than two years on sale.
The EZ-60 or CX-6e would also arrive ahead of the aforementioned all-Mazda global EV due in 2027, helping the Japanese brand meet New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES).
The teaser revealed little about the production car, but taking the EZ-6/Mazda 6e as an example, the road-ready EZ-60/CX-6e will likely retain many of the ‘Kodo’ styling elements as the Arata concept.
Expect to see door handles, as well as larger side mirrors, but the sleek, chiselled silhouette could remain.
In China, the EZ-60 is expected to mirror the EZ-6 and available with an all-electric or electric range-extending powertrain, the latter aided by a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine.
The European CX-6e however – which is more likely attractive to Australian buyers – is expected to be an all-electric offering like the 6e sedan.
The Long Range variant meanwhile, drops outputs to 180kW/320Nm but pushes battery capacity to 80kWh and changes its chemistry to a nickel-cobalt-manganese, enabling a WLTP-tested driving range of 552km.
Driving range in the EZ-60/CX-6e will likely drop due to its less aerodynamic SUV size and shape.
Expect more information on the Mazda EZ-60 soon, as well as details on the European version.
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.
