Mazda CX-6e locked in for Australia as Model Y rival

Mazda will soon add another electric vehicle to its Aussie model range, with the Japanese brand today confirming a mid-size SUV to rival the popular Tesla Model Y. 

Dubbed the Mazda CX-6e, the new addition is earmarked to arrive towards the middle of 2026 and will sit alongside the upcoming 6e mid-size sedan, giving Mazda credible rivals for both the top-selling Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Like the 6e, the CX-6e has been developed in partnership with Chinese manufacturing giant Changan and will be built in China — a notable departure from Mazda’s traditionally Japan-sourced line-up.

First unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai motor show last April, the CX-6e is known as the EZ-60 in China and is closely related to the Deepal S07 mid-size SUV. It shares the same EPA platform as the 6e sedan and measures 4850mm long, 1935mm wide, 1620mm tall and rolls on a 2902mm wheelbase.

That makes it slightly longer and narrower than a Tesla Model Y, which is 4792mm long, 1982mm wide and 1624mm tall with a 2890mm wheelbase. Other local mid-size EV rivals include the BYD Sealion 7 and the aforementioned Deepal S07.

Globally the EZ-60 is available either as an EV, a PHEV or a petrol-powered range extender hybrid but in Australia it’s likely to be offered solely as an electric vehicle.

Final Australian specifications and pricing are yet to be confirmed, but Mazda Europe has already locked in details for its market, giving an indication of what we can expect locally.

The euro-market CX-6e is rear-wheel drive and is powered by a 190kW/290Nm electric motor that draws charge from a 78kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery. DC fast charging is rated at 195kW while driving range is quoted at 483km on the WLTP cycle. Performance is swift with Mazda Europe citing a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds.

For context, Australian versions of the 6e sedan will use the same core hardware: a 78kWh LFP battery and a single e-motor with 190kW and WLTP driving range of “over 500km”.

Just like the 6e, the CX-6e features exterior styling that is distinctly Mazda. Things are a bigger departure inside compared to Mazda’s existing models where buyers will find a screen-heavy, button-scarce layout.

“Confirming the Mazda CX-6e for the Australian market is a monumental moment for Mazda Australia, adding yet another hugely compelling option for our customers and expanding our multi-solution approach,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“The design is bold and striking, bringing a new evolution of the Kodo Soul of Motion philosophy that Mazda customers know and love. And when you pair this unmistakable craftsmanship with the acclaimed Jinba-Ittai driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology, it’s clear that this is not just another EV, it’s a Mazda through and through.”