The Mazda6e boasts top-of-the-line features and a long range. (Photo: © Mazda)
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The Mazda6e aims to impress with an attractive price and a full range of features. We've thoroughly examined what else this all-electric sedan has to offer.
Mazda Hiroshima took its time transitioning to the electric age. While the competition had long since launched fully electric vehicles, only the... MX-30 – a pretty but short-lived city electric car with a range of around 200 kilometers. With the new 6e, however, Mazda finally wants to take off: It is the first electric Mazda for the mid-range segment – elegant, spacious and with a range of up to 572 kilometers, finally suitable for long distances..
The nearly five-meter-long, all-electric successor to the Mazda6 was developed in collaboration with the Chinese automaker Changan developed where it rolls off the assembly line as the structurally identical "Deepal SL03". Considering the overall package, the Starting price of 37.731 euros net for the Mazda6e Surprisingly fair. Already the basic model is lavishly equipped and rolls on, among other things, a 14,6-inch touchscreen, One Panoramic glass roof as well as numerous driver assistance systems. Even a Head-Up Display , and a Sony sound system It's already included in the entry-level version. For comparison: A VW ID.7 costs around €45.500 net and is far less comprehensively equipped.
There will no longer be an estate version, like the one offered by VW and the one available for the previous Mazda model with a combustion engine. Instead, the stylishly designed hatchback sedan Mazda's new model features a large tailgate that is only visible upon closer inspection beneath the coupé-like roofline. It has a Luggage compartment capacity from 466 to 1.074 liters. Towing capacity of up to 1.500 kilograms is remarkable for an electric car.
At 4,92 meters long, the 6e makes a visual statement. Its silhouette is reminiscent of classic sedans, but appears lower, more elongated, and significantly sportier. The front features the typical Mazda face with an illuminated logo.The charging pad gently pulsates – a subtle yet harmonious detail. The rear of the electric car also displays character: clean lines, short overhangs, and striking taillights. Mazda has given the model a distinctive design, a unique tuning, and a clearly perceptible brand DNA.
When getting into the cockpit, taller drivers in particular would like a greater adjustment range on the steering wheel, as it cannot be pulled out far enough. Also, the The user interface is rather unusual for a Mazda. Because the gear selector was located on the right behind the steering wheel, the Chinese-Japanese no longer a classic lever for the windshield wipersThis function was introduced in the 14,6-inch screen the multimedia system has been relocated. While there are two freely assignable buttons on the steering wheel for programming the windshield wipers, which works reliably in everyday use, the purpose of this unnecessary detour is hardly clear.
Same goes for that Adjustment of the exterior mirrorsSince Mazda largely dispensed with physical switches in the 6e, these functions to be found in one of the many nested submenus of the touchscreen.At least a shortcut button can be placed on the home screen using widgets, making the function quickly accessible when needed. The motto here is regression rather than progress – Tesla sends its regards once again.
The climate control functions are now also integrated into the monitor. However, the one in the Mazda works differently. Standard voice and gesture control (for audio and telephone) largely reliable. However, it No more central button to deactivate annoying driver assistance systems The fact that features like the speed warning or lane keeping assist are sometimes disabled is extremely annoying. Previously, this could be done with a single movement in modern Mazda models, and then everything was quiet. At least the Japanese manufacturer is working on a solution for the latter problem.
But a real highlight – and currently unique in this class – is the huge 50-inch head-up displayIt projects driving data and navigation instructions directly onto the windshield and uses Augmented Reality to display vehicle position, distances, or hazard pointsIn "snow mode," the display colors change from white to blue for improved visibility. It looks futuristic but not gimmicky. The build quality of the Mazda6e is also impressive: tight panel gaps, high-quality surfaces, and a pleasing tactile feel – just as it should be.
Let's talk about space. Even if a station wagon is no longer an option for Mazda, no one needs to feel cramped in the mid-size sedan. There is ample freedom of movement, and the rear seats in particular are very comfortable.The wheelbase of almost 2,90 meters provides surprisingly good handling. Plenty of legroom, the seats are padded for long journeysThe large tailgate opens wide enough for bulky cargo. An additional 72-liter "frunk" is located under the front hood, providing storage for the charging cable or smaller everyday items.
The Japanese offer the rear-wheel-drive 6e in two versions. The base model starts at €37.731 net., provides 190 kW (258 PS) and uses a Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP with 68,8 kWh capacity, For 39.076 euros net There is the so-called long-range variant, which instead has a Nickel-cobalt-manganese battery (NCM) 80 kWh Energy content used. In conjunction with the larger battery, the power output of the Mazda 6e Long Range is 10 kW lower at 180 kW (245 hp) – so far so good.
The differences between the two battery variants are most apparent at the fast-charging station. While the base version charges at 165 kW at a DC charging station and goes from 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes, the long-range version takes significantly longer: 47 minutes, because it only operates at 90 kW charging power. The range advantage is also smaller than expected. The base version has a range of up to 479 kilometers., the Long-range version 552 kilometers That's just 73 kilometers more. This makes it clear which version is the more practical choice. Bernhard Kaplan, head of Mazda Germany, knows this too. He expects that around 90 percent of customers will opt for the base version with the smaller battery.
On the road, the Mazda6e shows what it can do, and impresses with its agile driving characteristics, A near perfect weight distribution The 47:53 weight distribution between the front and rear axles, the low center of gravity of the battery, and the rear-wheel drive ensure balanced handling. The tested base model with 258 hp accelerates powerfully from zero to 100 km/h in 7,6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 175 km/h.
There are three driving modes to choose from: Normal, Sport and Individual.This allows the driving experience to be specifically tailored. In normal mode, comfort and efficiency take center stage. This is also reflected in the steering, which then provides little feedback in the center position. Switching to sport mode is more sensible, as the steering response becomes significantly more direct and precise. Even more attractive is the Individual mode with its numerous settings options, which satisfies the dynamically ambitious driver. The overall firm, but never unbalanced, suspension tuning suits the character of the Mazda6 e well.
But the Japanese car proves to be not only handy, but also economical. With a measured consumption of just 15,4 kWh, the electric mid-size sedan, despite its considerable dimensions, even fell below the stated WLTP average consumption of 16,6 kWh. That's a clear advantage that we think is really great.
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