Across three generations from 2002 to 2023 the Mazda6 was a popular model in the UK and always well-regarded for its dynamics and driving experience. Bringing a fresh take on the Mazda6, the Mazda6e has been designed with the same focus on the driving experience as its combustion engine predecessors.
Launched in Europe last year with two powertrain options – a 68.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) or 80kWh Nickel, Cobalt and Manganese (NCM) battery - the UK specification Mazda6e simplifies the offering with a single 78kWh LFP battery that combines the best of both in terms of range, performance and charging times. The new 78kWh battery delivers a combined WLTP range of 348 miles, while with a maximum charging power of 200kW, 10 to 80 per cent charging on a 200kW DC charger takes just 24 minutes and from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes.
With a 258ps power output the rear-wheel drive Mazda6e will reach 62mph in 7.3seconds and with 290Nm of torque delivers great real-world performance. Combined energy consumption is 3.9 miles/kWh meaning the Mazda6e is designed to strike a customer pleasing balance between performance, efficiency and range.
While all three previous generations of combustion engine Mazda6 had a front-wheel drive chassis set-up (with all-wheel drive in some markets), the Mazda6e’s rear-wheel drive set-up and balanced 47:53 weight distribution takes the Jinba Ittai car and driver as one driving philosophy into a new era, transforming it for the electric age. With fine-tuning carried out in both Hiroshima, Japan and Oberursel, Germany at Mazda’s European R&D Centre, every detail of the Mazda6e has been developed to deliver precise handling, intuitive response and a natural sense of control.
To meet the expectations of European and UK customers, steering, suspension and pedal calibration have been precisely adjusted to create a harmonious and reassuring driving feel. The rear-wheel drive drivetrain and multi-link rear suspension delivers confident handling and direct feedback, which combined with strong body control and carefully tuned steering and damper characteristics, mean the Mazda6e has the precision and dynamic ability you’d expect of a sporty saloon car.
An integrated brake control system permits smooth transitions between acceleration and braking, while the active rear spoiler increases downforce at high-speed for improved stability. Deploying automatically at 56mph and retracting at 36mph – you can choose to deploy permanently.
The Mazda6e offers three drive modes: Normal, Sport and Individual – allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience to their specific requirements. Normal Mode ensures smooth driving by harmonising range and performance, making it ideal for everyday use. In this mode, acceleration is smooth, regenerative braking is set to a standard level as is power steering weighting. Sport Mode is designed to deliver a more engaging and dynamic experience, it offers strong acceleration, medium regenerative braking and increased steering weighting.
Choose Individual Mode allows the driver to choose the acceleration, regenerative braking and steering characteristics to their personal preferences. Acceleration can be set to either medium or strong, regenerative braking is available in four levels—low, standard, medium, strong - and steering resistance can be adjusted between standard and sport settings.
On top of the dynamic ability and adjustability of the Mazda6e, it also sets a new standard for a Mazda in this segment when it comes to refinement. A well-judged ride is combined with low levels of road and wind noise, so that on the motorway the Mazda6e is smooth and relaxing. Proving its all-round capabilities the Mazda6e also has a 1,500kg braked towing capacity.
Overall, the Mazda6e represents the evolution of Jinba Ittai in the age of electrification, introducing a new level of precision, responsiveness and refinement. The powertrain delivers smooth performance with competitive battery range and charging times, while the chassis ensures intuitive handling. Simply put, the sort of road behaviour one would expect from Mazda with its decades of experience creating fun-to-drive cars.