Mazda CX-6e makes its world premiere in Brussels

At the Brussels Motor Show, Mazda has pulled the covers off the all-new Mazda CX-6e, a mid-size electric SUV that immediately makes clear where the brand wants to go in its EV era: stylish, human-centred and surprisingly “driver-first”. Not an anonymous electric crossover, but a model that translates Mazda’s familiar Jinba Ittai philosophy (car and driver as one) into a fully electric context.

The CX-6e arrives in Europe later this year and, together with the Mazda6e, forms the next step in Mazda’s electric line-up. At the same time, the brand keeps its “multi-solution” approach: not one dogma, but several paths towards lower CO₂.

Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive, 258 hp and instant torque

The CX-6e opts firmly for rear-wheel drive, something you increasingly rarely see on new EVs in this segment. The electric motor on the rear axle delivers 258 hp and 290 Nm, paired with a single-speed transmission for linear, predictable acceleration.

Mazda quotes a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. So no brute performance SUV, but a setup that clearly aims at balance and control, exactly Mazda.

The energy comes from a 78 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. LFP is interesting because it typically excels in durability and thermal stability, which allows Mazda to put efficiency and everyday reliability first.

Range and charging: 195 kW DC and 10-80% in 24 minutes

Mazda positions the CX-6e as an EV for stress-free long-distance driving. The quoted range is up to 300 miles WLTP (about 483 km, WLTP). For those who know the difference between theory and practice: this is a figure that can be realistically usable if Mazda keeps consumption well under control, and that is traditionally one of its strengths.

Fast charging is possible at up to 195 kW DC, taking it from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes. Home or public AC charging is via 11 kW three-phase (Type 2), so fully European-compatible.

Interior: a 26-inch cockpit that brings calm

Mazda goes all out with a cockpit that clearly wants to convey more “premium tech” than we are traditionally used to from the brand. The eye-catcher is the large 26-inch touchscreen, with a dual-split layout so that occupants can see plenty of information without overwhelming the driver.

On top of that you get an extensive head-up display that projects navigation information visually onto the road, plus gesture control to quickly manage routes or media. With this, Mazda wants to create a cockpit that is digitally rich, but creates less distraction than classic “everything on one screen” interfaces.

The CX-6e supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also gets its own app with functions such as remote control, battery management and even Bluetooth key sharing.

Safety: cameras, radar and 9 airbags

Mazda throws the safety package wide open. Every CX-6e gets nine airbags, supplemented by a network of HD cameras, millimetre-wave radar and ultrasonic sensors. On top of that is a full suite of driver assistance systems, including Smart Brake Support, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring.

The intent is clear: this is a family SUV that wants to be high-tech, but above all must inspire confidence.

Design: Kodo becomes “Soulful Futuristic Modern”

Visually, Mazda extends its Kodo - Soul of Motion into a more futuristic direction, but without lapsing into sci-fi kitsch. The CX-6e gets a long wheelbase of 2,902 mm, short overhangs and a muscular, flowing profile that looks sporty and elegant at once.

It stays practical too: the boot measures 468 litres and grows to 1,434 litres with the rear bench folded flat. Seven colours are available, with the hero colour being Nightfall Violet, a deep shade that shifts between purple and almost black depending on the light.

Inside, Mazda references the Japanese concept of “Ma”: the beauty of space and calm. There are several interior themes, including Warm Beige or black Maztex (Takumi) and a striking two-tone Amethyst/White Maztex (Takumi Plus).