Rebranded version of China’s new EZ-6 comes with two battery options and up to 345 miles of range
January 10, 2025 05:08
- Mazda has unveiled the all-electric RWD 6e for Europe, which will be available by the end of 2025.
- Tesla Model 3 competitors offer 68.8 and 80 kWh batteries, and ranges of 300-345 miles.
- There are two power options available, with the most powerful offering 255 horsepower and a 0-62 time of 7.6 seconds.
Considering buying a new Tesla Model 3? If you live in Europe, you might want to hold off until the end of the year, because Mazda’s new electric 6e looks like it might be worth your attention.
The European version of China’s EZ-6 launched last year, the 6e is a good-looking sedan whose lift-back tail gives it a practical advantage over the Model 3. The 6e continues Mazda’s Kodo design language, with an LED frame grille that flashes to indicate battery status when charging.
RELATED: The new Mazda EZ-6 is China’s electric Mazda6 sedan
Frameless door glass, a low roofline and an active rear spoiler give the 6e a sporty look, and the rear-wheel-drive chassis layout means the driving experience is likely to live up to that promise.
It’s not that 6e is incredibly fast in any of its available forms. Mazda will offer two types of batteries for electric vehicles. The smallest 68.8 kWh unit offers up to 300 miles (483 km) of electric range and can charge at 200 kW and charge from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes, or add 145 miles in 15 minutes ( 233 km) cruising range. The larger 80 kWh battery extends range to 345 miles (555 kilometers), but takes 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent.
Opt for the smaller battery and you get 255 hp (258 PS) in the 6e, which can get you from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds. Opting for the larger battery pack drops output to 241 horsepower (244 PS), an increase of two-tenths to 62 times. Both cars look underwhelming compared to the Model 3, with even the base Model 3 accelerating to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The cabin looks more attractive and simpler than the Model 3, but there’s the same emphasis on digital displays. A 10.2-inch unit handles instrumentation duties in front of the driver along with a head-up display, and most vehicle functions are handled via the central 14.6-inch touchscreen.
The 6e will be available in continental Europe in the second half of 2025, with sales in the UK starting early the following year.
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