The CX-60 adopts Mazda’s Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture for its longitudinal power units, allowing for the SUV to be equipped with two all-new powertrains: Mazda’s first PHEV drivetrain, which combines a four-cylinder 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine with a 129kW electric motor and the all-new six-cylinder 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D MHEV diesel.
With its line-up of all-new powertrains, the Mazda CX-60 has been designed to satisfy electrification and environmental requirements with a multi-solution approach that includes the company’s newly developed in-line six-cylinder petrol e-Skyactiv X petrol engine when it joins the currently offered e-Skyactiv D diesel and PHEV at a later date. All three powerplants are mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system, while the e-Skyactiv D and forthcoming e-Skyactiv X petrol engines are also equipped with rear-wheel drive only.
The Mazda CX-60’s longitudinal powertrain format offers many advantages. These include the ability to mount motors and batteries of different sizes in the same layout for both the Mazda M Hybrid Boost six-cylinder diesel and PHEV. The CX-60’s design also provides the facility to place the motor on the same axis as the engine and transmission.
Mazda’s first PHEV powertrain the PHEV CX-60 combines a modified version of the Skyactiv-G 2.5, four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine found in the CX-5 with a 129kW electric motor and a 355V, 17.8 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The petrol engine develops a maximum power output of 191ps at 6000rpm and 261Nm of torque, while the electric motor delivers 175ps and 270 Nm of torque at 400rpm.
With intake tuning to improve torque at the most frequently used mid-to low-speed ranges, this combination of engine and motor delivers a total system output of 327ps and abundant torque of 500Nm, as a result the Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV accelerates to 60mph in just 5.8seconds. Conversely, and most notably when running on electric motor power alone, the new Mazda PHEV displays outstanding environmental credentials. WLTP combined fuel consumption is just 188mpg and WLTP combined CO2 emissions only 33g/km. Additionally, the Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV offers 39-miles of electric motor-powered driving with the vehicle running at 62mph or less. With normal AC charging, the battery can be fully charged from empty to full in 2hours and 20 minutes.
All Mazda CX-60s feature Mazda’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive gear shifting with clear gear steps, achieving the right balance of dynamic and environmental performance. The new transmission shifts gears in the same manner as a torque converter transmission - via planetary gears and multi-plate clutches but it does not have an hydraulic converter as an input clutch, instead it has a multi-plate clutch as well as an integrated electric motor/generator. By replacing the torque converter with a clutch, the torque of the engine and motor is transmitted directly, with fast and rhythmic shifting much like a manual transmission. In addition, the clutch’s friction transmission and cooling functions have been evolved to achieve smooth starting and high efficiency.
The Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV’s hybrid powertrain allows for the independent power mixing of the petrol engine and electric motor, and the new transmission helps to implement this smoothly at all speeds. The compact design of Mazda’s unique eight-speed transmission and the optimal layout of the entire powertrain effects a smaller transmission tunnel space, minimising the impact on the pedal box space and cabin space.
Standard on all models in the range, the CX-60 also features Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). It offers a choice of drive modes with the aim being to optimise grip, traction, performance, handling and safety in the widest range of driving environments. Each Mi-Drive mode is signified by a change in the TFT driver display, with Sport moving to a red colour and Towing a brown tint, for example.
On the CX-60 PHEV there’s a choice of Normal, Sport, Off-road, Towing and EV mode, while with the RWD 200ps e-Skyactiv D you can select Normal or Sport, while 254ps AWD versions add Off-Road and Towing modes. In Normal mode the system pursues the best balance of fuel efficiency and driving performance for everyday driving. Switching to Sport sees throttle and transmission responsiveness increased to support sportier driving, while the all-wheel drive system increases its clamping force to improve cornering traction. Selecting Off-Road optimises the all-wheel drive system and traction control to deliver traction optimised characteristics for driving on lose surfaces or snow. This mode also offers an ‘off-road traction assist’ function to help drivers free the car if it is stuck in mud or snow.
With a 2,500kg braked trailer rating for the PHEV and 2,516kg on the 254ps diesels, the Mazda CX-60 will be perfect for customers wanting to tow a trailer or caravan and in Towing mode the CX-60’s AWD system is optimised for power delivery with extra weight and improved straight-line stability while towing. And for the PHEV, EV mode makes it possible to drive under electric power alone, ideal for cities or areas with a zero emissions mandate.
Perfectly matched to Mazda’s all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, the CX-60’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system makes use of the rear-wheel drive-based AWD platform to maintain the balanced cornering characteristics of rear-wheel drive with the added stability of all-wheel drive. The PHEV’s hybrid system and the AWD system works with the regenerative braking to optimise front and rear wheel regenerative distribution so more energy can be recovered from all four tyres during deceleration.
Joining the CX-60 line up in March 2023, Mazda’s all-new 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D in-line six-cylinder diesel engine makes its debut in the flagship SUV. Developed in line with Mazda’s right-sizing approach it is available with a choice of two power outputs: 200ps and 254ps. As well as enhancing output performance through increased engine capacity, Mazda has designed the unit to use surplus air to improve combustion. A new, highly innovative, advanced combustion technology – DCPCI (Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition) - further improves engine efficiency, results in a more agile acceleration response and increases thermal efficiency by over 40% for a considerable part of the practical operating range.
One technology in particular ensures all surplus air is used during combustion, regardless of engine speed: the combustion chamber with egg-shaped piston head divides the air-fuel mixture into two regions within the piston bowl, resulting in a more efficient combustion over a wider operating range. A reduction in sound is also achieved due to an ideal combustion period with highly dispersed spray pattern. Together, these two factors contribute significantly to the Mazda CX-60’s outstanding efficiency.
The in-line six-cylinder format produces less vibration due to it’s characteristic ‘perfect balance’ whilst delivering a clean, engaging engine sound. Additionally, the in-line six-cylinder unit uses a simple structure, resulting in an engine weight similar to that of a conventional four-cylinder diesel, thus minimising the difference in handling balance despite the higher engine capacity.
As with the PHEV, the all-new e-Skyactiv D engine is mated to the new eight-speed automatic transmission, and whilst the 200ps unit is equipped with rear-wheel drive, the 254ps engine benefits from Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system. The lower powered e-Skyactiv D engine develops 200ps at 3.000-4,200 rpm and maximum torque of 450Nm at 1,400-3,000 rpm. Combined with 153Nm of torque available from the M Hybrid Boost system’s electric motor, this will accelerate the CX-60 from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. Despite this impressive performance, the 200ps CX-60 e-Skyactiv D still generates CO2 emissions of just 127g/km. With 254ps at 3,750rpm the more powerful version develops maximum torque of 550Nm at 1,500-2,400 rpm, and once again assisted by up to 153Nm of electric motor torque, will accelerate to 62mph in 7.4seconds with CO2 emissions from just 137g/km.
The 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D features Mazda M Hybrid Boost – Mazda’s 48v mild hybrid system. When paired with the diesel engine, it not only enhances fuel economy, but also improves environmental performance by using the electric motor to support the engine with energy recuperated when coasting or slowing in the light load (idle to low speed) range where internal combustion engines are not very efficient. The support provided by the motor when pulling away from a standing start and help delivering smoothness during gear shifts can be felt the instant the driver applies the throttle, contributing to the evolution of the Jinba-Ittai driving experience.
The PHEV Mazda CX-60 is anticipated to be the biggest seller in the UK, but the Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv D MHEV offers the perfect choice for higher mileage drivers looking for performance, refinement and power. In short, a Mazda CX-60 range that features new engines, new electrification technologies and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, once again proves Mazda’s established reputation for powertrain engineering innovation.