Ahead of its arrival in the UK, the Mazda6e took the 2026 World Car Design of the Year Award. This prestigious global accolade is recognition of the Mazda6e’s styling and stand-out exterior features. Conceived under a design concept of “Authentic Modern” the Mazda6e’s exterior adapts the essence of beauty inherent in all the brand’s models with a subtle edge fitting Mazda’s next battery electric vehicle.
The parallel lines running down the sides of the Mazda6e enhance the sleekness of its silhouette and its low-to-the-ground appearance. At the same time, the car retains the powerful rear end typical to other models based on “Kodo – Soul of Motion” - Mazda’s time-honoured design philosophy. The light-catching effect of the lower door shapes, inspired by the spray produced by a speedboat dashing across the water, further enhances the free-flowing expression of speed.
Mazda’s now famous grille design with its signature wing surround also moves to a new level on the Mazda6e. The new “glowing” signature wing lights up the face of the Mazda6e. It features dynamic illumination which makes the wing appear to flutter when the car is first placed on charge and the lower bars on either side of the surround indicate charging status. Moreover, the signature wing light sequence as you lock and unlock the car, delivers a dramatic welcome to and from the car, while on the move the front-end styling, narrow athletic headlamp design and illuminated grille surround create a modern, yet unmistakably Mazda front-end look.
The sharp edges of these front elements contrast with the round shapes on the rear, including four distinct cylinder lenses – two in each rear lamp. Punctuating the horizontal taillight bar, they pay homage to the carmaker’s design heritage in cars such as the third-generation RX-7, which shared similar rear light treatment. Also at the rear, newly designed Mazda lettering replaces badge as part of the latest evolution of the Mazda brand visual identity.
Another unique element of the Mazda6e’s styling is how its design offers the visual appeal of a saloon with the practicality of a hatchback. The short rear deck and stylish shapes conceal the fact that it is a practical five-door with a 964mm wide and 619mm high boot opening, which loaded to the roofline hides a 466-litre boot capacity.
The rear-end styling also incorporates a Mazda first – an extendable rear spoiler. The first production Mazda to feature this concept, when retracted the spoiler ensures a clean design but once raised it not only adds another athletic touch but also enhances road stability. It can be programmed to raise automatically above 56mph, or to activate in Sport Mode – it can even rise and fall as part of the cars welcome and goodbye sequence as it is locked and unlocked. An example of form and function working together, it’s another example of how Mazda’s designers have focused on ensuring that the Mazda6e is both stylish and practical.
Both the Takumi and Takumi Plus grades feature the same design of 19-inch aluminium wheel that has a shape that delivers range-boosting aerodynamics to go with the sporty five-spoke design and flat black surfaces. The Mazda6e will be available in seven metallic colours, including Soul Red Crystal, the brand’s signature colour, plus Aero Grey, Crystal White Pearl, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Deep Crystal Blue and Jet Black.