Mazda has entered the world of electric vehicles with a model that enthusiasts have long been anticipating – the Mazda 6e. As the successor to the famous Mazda 6, it enters the electric sedan market with the ambition of becoming a competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and premium models such as the BMW i5.
Mazda The 6e isn't just another generic electric sedan. No. Mazda stays true to its design philosophy Code – design in motion. Even when the car is stationary, it looks like it is flying along the road. Length 4.92 meters – yes, longer than the Tesla Model 3, but a little shorter than BMW i5. But what strikes you is the elegance. The closed front grille with its illuminated logo looks more like a monolith from a science fiction movie than a “classic” EV front end.
And as you start walking around the car, you notice the subtle details – the long lines, the almost “coupe” silhouette and the rear end with a light strip across the entire width. And yes, the trunk opens “fastback style” – that is, the entire rear end, which is super practical.
Interior Mazda 6e: Tesla minimalism, but Mazda-style
If you loved Mazda's previous interiors with their large physical buttons, then, well... you might need a minute to digest the change. Mazda has also embraced minimalism - big 14.6-inch screen, digital meters with 10-inch the instrument panel and the disappearance of almost all physical buttons. Even the climate control is now on the screen. But hey, everything is still made with that Japanese attention to detail. The materials are top-notch – from the faux leather to the Takumi Plus microfiber. The seats are comfortable but firm enough to maintain that sporty feel.
Some more great moves: glass roof is standard and allows for a lot of light in the cabin, but if you're not a fan of the sun on your head, you'll have to buy an additional manual sunshade or opt for the electro-chromic option. And if you're traveling with children or a dog? Yes, it's available “dog fashion”, which maintains the internal temperature while shopping – completely Tesla-style.
Space Mazda 6e? Spacious as a living room, even though you sit a little higher
Wheelbase 2.90 meters It offers a lot of space for rear passengers. There will be no problem with your legs, even if you are almost two meters tall. But – and this is a characteristic of EVs – the battery under the floor means that you sit a little higher than in a classic sedan. For shorter passengers this is not a problem, but taller ones may feel like they are “floating”.
Technical numbers: Is this Mazda's Tesla?
The Mazda 6e has two drivetrain options:
- Basic version:
- Battery: 69 kWh (LFP chemistry – more durable for long term use)
- Power: 200 kW (272 hp)
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h 7.6 seconds
- Real drange: approximately 400 km
- Version with larger battery:
- Battery: 80 kWh (NMC chemistry – longer range, but more sensitive)
- Power: 210 kW
- Acceleration: 7.8 seconds
- Real range: around 500 km
What does this mean in the real world? If you're not a chaser for seconds on acceleration, the base version is probably the winning choice. Why? It charges faster and is cheaper. Charging from 10 % to 80 % takes only 22 minutes at a fast charger (200 kW). With a larger battery, 45 minutes, as it has a lower peak power (95 kW). which is a bit strange, but understandable given the battery chemistry itself. Mazda at smaller batteries use LFP chemistry (lithium-iron-phosphate), which is more resistant to fast charging and has greater endurance when charging up to 100 %. The larger battery uses NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt), which allows for higher energy density, but is more sensitive to fast charging due to its more complex chemical composition.
It drives on the rear wheels and promises a “Mazda feel”
Although Mazda hasn't revealed all the driving characteristics yet, they've gone to great lengths to keep that "driver-in-the-focus" feel. The car has rear-wheel drive - like a true sports sedan - and improved steering with Mazda technology. G-Vectoring ControlAs a result, the feel on the road should be more “natural” and dynamic than some of its more sterile electric competitors.
The Chinese story and price: “Made in China”, but therefore cheaper
The Mazda 6e will come to European roads from China, more precisely from the company's factory Changan Automotive, with whom Mazda has been working for years. This allows for a lower price, which will still be subject to additional European duties on EV imports from China.
But Mazda is betting that it will still be competitive in price: the base version will cost less than 45.000 €For comparison: The Tesla Model 3 starts at 41.000 €and the BMW i5 at 67.000 €. With Mazda you get more space, standard equipment (glass roof, head-up display ...), so even a slightly higher price can justify the difference. Of course, it is necessary to emphasize that Tesla is also an autonomous robot that can drive itself even on European roads. Mazda does not mention such technology.
Conclusion: A Samurai Sedan with an Electric Heart
The Mazda 6e delivers something that electric sedans often lack – character. It’s not perfect, but if you’re looking for a spacious, dynamic electric sedan with plenty of features and a design that puts you in a good mood every time you look at it, then the Mazda 6e could be the one. The only question remains – will it really be as fun to drive as Mazda promises? We’ll have to test that out.
What do you think - would you give the Mazda 6e a chance or remain a Tesla fan?
