Stunning new Mazda6 guns for Tesla Model 3

Mazda has never been a brand that jumps on a bandwagon, which is one of the the reasons we love it. However, electric cars are more than just a passing fad and Mazda has been slow adding battery-powered models into its line-up. If you wanted an electric Mazda, the quirky MX-30 with its reverse-hinged rear doors, cork interior and real-world range of around 100 miles was you only option… until now. Enter the Mazda6e – an all-electric reincarnation of the Mazda6 which promises a good all-electric range, stylish looks, and a spacious interior. Launched as the EZ-6 at the Beijing Motor Show last year, the Mazda6e is a collaborative effort between Mazda and Chinese manufacturer Changan Automobile. We didn’t initially think it was destined for the UK, but Mazda has confirmed it will be available here next year.
• Replacing the petrol and diesel Mazda6, the Mazda6e is an all-electric mid-size hatchback with saloon styling • The Mazda6e looks like a sleeker version of the old Mazda6 but now features a more modern interior with a large infotainment screen • Promising a range of up to 345 miles • Expected to arrive here in 2026 • UK pricing has yet to be announced

The Mazda6e is a mid-size hatchback styled to look like a saloon. It riffs on the familiar ‘Kodo’ design principles we’ve seen used across Mazda’s line-up – with the Toyota Yaris based Mazda2 Hybrid being a notable exception. The design uses fuss-free lines down the sides of the car and the sense of flow is enhanced using frameless doors and integrated door handles. The large grille at the front is highlighted by the animated wing-shaped light signature which will be able to show the car’s state of charge. At the back, new Mazda lettering replaces the brand’s logo, and a rear spoiler raises and falls electronically depending on the car’s speed.

Inside, the Mazda6e has gone the way of Teslas and other models such as the Polestar 4, featuring a large 14.6-inch central screen and removing physical buttons. There’s an additional a 10.2-inch screen for the driver and the Mazda6e will also be fitted with an augmented reality head-up display. Mazda says premium materials will be used for all levels of trim and a panoramic roof will provide lots of light into the interior. There’ll also be a front book (or frunk) under the bonnet for extra storage.

At last Mazda is offering us an electric car with a larger range, extending its appeal to a wider audience. The Mazda6e will come with two battery options. The smaller 68.8kWh battery provides up to 300 miles on a single charge, it can be replenished from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes and these models will have 285 horsepower. To prioritise range, cars with the larger 80kWh battery will have 244 horsepower. These models will have a 345-mile range, but the equivalent charge takes up to 45 minutes.

Mazda hasn’t revealed UK pricing yet, but thanks to its larger batteries, the Mazda6e is likely to cost more than the MX-30, which starts at just under £28,000.

Alongside the EZ-6, Mazda also revealed an electric SUV at the Beijing Motor Show known as the Arata. We don’t yet know if it will be launched here, but chances are it could be heading our way in the next couple of years.

The Tesla Model 3 is an obvious competitor, while other electric saloon-style EVs include the Polestar 2, BMW i4 and the upcoming the Kia EV4.