Six months after making its first appearance in Europe, Mazda’s new 6e sedan has landed in local showrooms. Known for turning out some of the most stylish vehicles in the mainstream market, Mazda may have raised the bar again with this one. The 6e is arguably the brand’s most visually striking sedan yet, even if it isn’t entirely homegrown. Beneath the sheet metal, it shares its underpinnings with a Chinese-market vehicle.

Get Ready For A Price Shocker

We’ve previously taken a close look at the EZ-6, the Chinese counterpart to the 6e, highlighting its affordability in its home market. There, the fully electric version starts at 159,800 yuan and tops out at 181,800 yuan, which converts to roughly €20,700 to €23,600 or $22,500 to $25,500, depending on the trim level. That makes it a serious bargain compared to what European buyers are asked to pay.

Read: Mazda’s Sportier 6e Sedan Launches In China With A Price Tag That Feels Like A Typo

In Europe, the 6e is sold exclusively as a fully electric sedan, since the range-extender variant offered in China won’t be available here, at least for now. In Germany, pricing begins at €44,900 ($49,000) for the Takumi trim. Stepping up to the Takumi Plus adds features like a panoramic roof, wood interior accents, and partial Nappa leather upholstery, bringing the price to €46,900 ($51,200).

Even accounting for spec differences and local taxes, that’s well over double the starting price of the Chinese version – 2.17 times higher, to be exact. The stark contrast underlines just how aggressively priced the EZ-6 is in China, and how much more European buyers are expected to spend on what is essentially the same car.

For comparison, Tesla’s Model 3 ranges from €39,990 (around $43,600) for the RWD version to €49,990 ($54,500) for the Long Range AWD, and tops out at €58,490 ($63,800) for the Performance model in Germany. Meanwhile, BMW’s i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe starts at €60,600 (approximately $66,100).

Electric Range and Powertrain Options

Now reaching dealerships across the region, the Mazda 6e is available in two forms. The standard pure EV features a 68.8 kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 279 miles (479 km). Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 255 hp (190 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque.

While its range won’t set any new benchmarks, it should be more than adequate for typical daily driving unless regular long-distance travel is involved. Those who do can opt for with an 80 kWh battery, which boosts range to 343 miles (552 km).

Typically, EVs with larger battery packs pair them with more powerful motors, but that’s not the case here. In fact, the Long Range model makes slightly less power, with a single rear motor producing 242 hp (180 kW) and the same 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. Both versions manage a 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) time under eight seconds and reach a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).

To EV owners, of course, charging speed is of more importance than outright performance. The 68.8 kWh version supports peak DC charging speeds of 200 kW, meaning it can get from 10-80 percent in just 22 minutes. Curiously, the Long Range version charges considerably slower as it is capped at a 95 kW peak. That means a 10-80% charge will take roughly 45 minutes, or double the cheaper model.

It’s worth noting that Europe won’t be getting China’s range-extender EZ-6 variant, which features a 1.5-liter setup producing 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) to feed the battery.

A Clean and Comfortable Cabin

Tech specs aside, it’s not just the exterior of the 6e that looks good; Mazda has also done a fine job with its interior. Yes, it will be a little too minimalist for some, but the steering wheel looks great, the floating center console has a premium aesthetic, and the infotainment screen is massive. There’s also a digital instrument cluster, a wireless smartphone charger, ambient lighting, and a mixture of leather and soft-touch Alcantara for the upholstery.

Now, many EVs currently on sale may offer more in certain areas than the 6e but, let’s face it, apart from logic, in many cases emotion plays a big role in choosing your next ride. If the Mazda’s sexy design can’t convince a sufficient number of buyers (who never leave the tarmac) to get it instead of an SUV, then that bodystyle may indeed be consigned to history books after all.

John Halas contributed to this story

Mazda has faced some criticism for its slow roll-out of compelling EVs. While the new EZ-6 sedan and EZ-60 SUV have garnered attention, they are primarily aimed at the Chinese market and Europe, and both are based on Chinese models. However, that’s about to change.

The company plans to launch its own EVs soon, unrelated to the EZ models shown here. The first of these new vehicles is scheduled to go into production in 2027 at the company’s existing Hofu 2 assembly plant in Japan. Unlike some rivals, Mazda won’t be building a separate EV production line to make it happen.

Flexible Production, Lower Costs

Instead of following the traditional route of investing in an entirely new EV manufacturing process, Mazda has developed a flexible system that allows its electric vehicles to be made alongside hybrid, gas, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models. According to Mazda officials who spoke to Auto News, this innovation will help slash investment costs by a whopping 85%, all while reducing production lead time by 80%.

“A dedicated EV line isn’t necessary because our lines can already accommodate mixed production,” Taketo Hironaka, managing executive officer in charge of production engineering, told Autonews. “This plant is at the cutting edge of Mazda’s manufacturing.”

Read: Mazda’s New Pure Electric SUV Has Spilled Its Secrets

The Hofu H2 site currently produces the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90. It no longer uses fixed conveyors; instead, it utilizes flat pallet platforms that slide across the factory floor. Automatic guided vehicles are then used to transport a vehicle’s powertrain and guide it into place, regardless of whether that vehicle is a PHEV, a diesel, or an EV. This flexible setup also means Mazda only needs seven days to extend a production line, whereas it previously took six weeks.

Mazda is also adopting a lean asset strategy that will enable it to maximize the utilization of its existing production facilities. According to the managing executive officer in charge of production engineering at the Hofu 2 factory, Taketo Hironaka, Mazda will keep capacity utilization at the factory near 100%. The flexibility will also allow it to quickly adjust production levels of hybrids and EVs should demand for EVs ever temporarily slump or spike.

“Doing mixed production means our BEV ratio will change according to customer demand at a given time,” Hironaka said. “We may see a BEV ratio of 100 percent, or it could be 0 percent. We have been able to build such a flexible production system this time. For a small player like us, we think using our production lines 100 percent by employing mixed production is a smart way to go. Under our lean asset strategy, we will maximize the use of our existing production facilities to ride out the initial stages of shift to electrification.”

Tariffs and the U.S. Market

Efficient production isn’t just about cost-cutting, it’s also a buffer against external pressures. Mazda is bracing for the impact of the United States government’s new 25 percent tariff on vehicles and parts, a move that could hit the company hard in its largest market outside of Japan.

“The 25 percent figure is outrageous,” Hironaka told the publication. “We will control what we can. “The key is not having any waste in fixed costs and capital investment. In that sense, this Hofu No. 2 plant is a plant that is at the forefront of our approach,” he added.

Drivers may love the promise of hands-free, mind-at-ease driving, but not all advanced driver assistance systems are created equal. Tesla has long marketed its vehicles as tech-forward and autonomous-ready, but fresh data from Euro NCAP tells a different story, especially when it comes to how clearly the system communicates with drivers.

More: Chinese SUV Beats Porsche Macan To Become Euro NCAP’s Safest EV In 2024

The Model S earned just 30% in Assistance Competence, a category where even smaller and more affordable EVs outperformed it. For comparison, the Kia EV3 scored 74% and the Renault 5 managed 73%. Both vehicles cost significantly less and make fewer promises about automation.

Euro NCAP’s Assisted Driving Grading program is built to evaluate how safely and responsibly automakers implement partially automated features. The scoring system weighs two key areas: Assistance Competence, which looks at how well the system communicates with the driver, and Safety Backup, which assesses how the car handles actual safety interventions, such as collision avoidance.

In the most recent round of testing, both the Tesla Model S and the Volvo EX30 received a “Moderate” rating, an underwhelming result for two companies that lean heavily on safety and tech in their marketing.

Tesla’s Language Problem

Tesla’s latest Autopilot system in the Model S did deliver a strong 94% score for Safety Backup, but its poor Assistance Competence score pulled the overall rating down. Euro NCAP cited the misleading “Autopilot” branding and promotional language, which they say overstates the system’s capabilities and can mislead drivers into overestimating how autonomous the system really is.

“Tesla is misleading consumers about their Autopilot system’s capabilities simply through its name and marketing, which could have potential safety implications,” said the organization. “A well-designed system will co-operate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks.”

Another problem noted by the testers is that the steering input of the Model S is resistant to a driver attempting to override it, and when they do, it automatically disengages.

“The name ‘Autopilot’ of Tesla’s system, as well as its promotional material, all suggest full automation, which is deemed inappropriate by Euro NCAP and led to a downgrade in their score,” said Euro NCAP. “Additionally, unlike the Porsche, its steering input is resistant to a driver attempting to override it, and when the driver does, the system automatically disengages, limiting its usefulness.”

EuroNCAP

As for the Pilot Assist system fitted on the Volvo EX30, it scored 72% for Safety Backup and 62% for Assistance Competence. The main reason for the relatively low scores is that the driver has to take their eyes off the road in order to check the system alerts on the centrally mounted touchscreen. Furthermore, the driving assistance systems were found not to disengage, even after repeated hands-off alerts.

Other vehicles in this round had mixed showings. The MG ZS also landed in the “Moderate” category, while the Mazda CX-80 and the Chinese XPeng G9 fared better with “Good” ratings.

The Pleasant Surprises

More encouraging results came from four models that earned a “Very Good” rating. The Porsche Macan’s, using its InnoDrive system with Active Lane Keeping, scored 92% for Safety Backup and 85% for Assistance Competence, the highest in this round. Euro NCAP praised the clarity of its status displays and the transparency of its promotional materials.

More: The Brands With The Most 5-Star Safety Ratings Over The Last 10 Years

Other good performers with intuitive systems included the facelifted Toyota bZ4X crossover and the Kia EV3 small SUV. Finally, the Active Driver Assist package of the Renault 5 electric supermini impressed Euro NCAP’s testers, who praised it for “demonstrating how assisted driving systems can perform just as well on more affordable cars”.

Adriano Palao, ADAS Technical Manager at Euro NCAP, said: “The safe operation of Assisted Driving systems can only be achieved if consumers clearly understand their role as drivers, know how to operate the system, and are aware of its limitation…A well-designed system will cooperate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks.”

Below you can find the scores of all nine models that participated in this testing phase.

EURO NCAP ASSISTED DRIVING 2025 TEST RATINGS

Mazda introduced the EZ-60 crossover at the Shanghai Auto Show last month. While the initial focus was on the range-extended variant that will be sold in Europe as the CX-6e, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has now revealed a number of details about the fully electric model.

On the styling front, the design isn’t much of a surprise as it looks virtually identical to the range-extended crossover. As such, it features split lighting units and a fully enclosed grille, as well as digital side mirrors, flush-mounted door handles, and plenty of plastic body cladding.

More: Mazda’s New Electric SUV Packs Six Screens And A Range-Extender Powertrain

That much we were already aware of – the real news is the release of performance specifications. According to the Chinese ministry the EZ-60 will have a 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) electric motor that enables the crossover to hit a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h), a lithium iron phosphate battery, and a curb weight of up to 4,806 lbs (2,180 kg).

Many details are still unknown, but Mazda has previously said customers can expect a CLTC range of around 373 miles (600 km). For comparison, the rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y delivers 368 miles (593 km), while the all-wheel-drive version manages 447 miles (719 km) under the same, highly optimistic Chinese driving cycle. Mazda also revealed the BEV variant of its crossover will have a 47:53 front/rear weight distribution as opposed to the 50:50 setup found in the range-extended model.

That’s not a lot to go on, but Mazda recently revealed they have received more than 18,000 pre-orders since the EZ-60 debuted last month. Bear in mind, though, that those numbers never translate into actual sales – they are just an indication of the public’s interest. Moreover, anyone could place a pre-order by paying a deposit that started at just ¥10 ($1.39), or practically pocket change.

Regardless, the EV should feature a classy cabin with a 3D heads-up display and a 26.45-inch screen. We can also expect an AI ​​assistant, a 23-speaker audio system, and zero-gravity front seats with eight massage modes.

The FD-generation of the Mazda RX-7 is often hailed as one of the most stunning Japanese sports cars of the 1990s, and even today, it still turns heads. Decades after its release, it still looks the part, and well-loved examples can fetch more than MSRP at auction. But this one, listed over on Cars & Bids, offers something a little different.

Also: This Is One Twisted Creation You Have To See To Believe

Under its fetching curves and Montego Blue paint lies a Tesla drivetrain. It makes 362 horsepower (269 kW) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. That’s good enough to keep up with or even beat its original form. The best part though is that it weighs less than it did when it had a rotary engine.

That last point might sound strange. Most EVs are very heavy, and even electromods can end up with weighty battery packs and questionable balance. Not this one, though. It’s been carefully built around a 42 kWh water-cooled lithium-ion pack. Upgraded Ground Control coilovers and Eibach springs help the Mazda handle as it should, too.

Finally, No More Pretending to Love Oil Changes

Of course, with a project of this sort, range is the big tradeoff. This RX-7 features just 120 miles (just shy of 200 km) of range, if you’re careful, so don’t expect to take it on a grand tour. That said, it’ll go long enough to enjoy some serious canyon carving, a cars and coffee meetup, or an everyday work commute in silence. It’s hard to argue with the convenience factor, too. Forget oil changes. No need to worry about Apex seals either. No compression tests are in its future. Unplug and go. That’s this car’s motto.

Even the details appear dialed in. The builder kept the pop-up headlights, added in a rotary-style shifter, and Speedhut gauges. That includes a fuel-level gauge repurposed to show battery charge. A Tesla accelerator pedal sits on a custom-printed bracket. The car even features an updated sound system from Alpine. That all said, it’s not perfect.

It needs work to get the air conditioning running, some of the seats need work, and the body and cabin sport the kind of wear you’d expect in a car from 1993. In the end, though, it’s possible that this is a faster, more reliable RX-7 than it was originally. For many gearheads, that’s a trade-off worth making. It might not drink fuel anymore, but it’ll still burn rubber.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of an electric RX-7 and think you’re up for owning something that blends ’90s nostalgia with a modern twist, check out the listing here and place your bid.

Credit: Cars&Bids

Update: While Mazda still hasn’t confirmed whether the new mid-size EZ-6 Sport Edition will make its way to Europe, the Japanese automaker has officially launched the electric sedan in China, complete with pricing.

Available in four sub-trims, the EZ-6 Sport Edition starts at ¥161,800 (approximately $22,500) for the extended-range (ER) “Smart Elegant” version. The price rises to ¥171,800 ($23,900) for both the ER Extreme and Pure Electric Zhiga trims, and tops out at ¥181,180 ($25,300) for the flagship Pure Electric Supreme.

For comparison, the most affordable Mazda currently sold in the U.S. is the 191-horsepower, compact-sized Mazda3 Sedan, which starts at $24,150 before taxes and destination fees.

Original story follows below.

Mazda’s latest creation is here, and it looks even sharper than before. The 6e sedan already boasted sleek styling and a refined interior, but it was crying out for a sportier edge, think something along the lines of BMW’s M Sport trim. Well, Mazda listened and has finally delivered.

The Japanese automaker and Changan have come up with the EZ-6 Sports Edition for the Chinese market, EZ-6 being the Asian name for the car we in the West know as the 6e.

Also: 2026 Mazda 6e EV Debuts In Europe To Battle The Tesla Model 3

Black exterior brightwork, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers help the Sports Edition stand out from more laid-back EZ-6 models from the outside, and the performance vibe continues inside through the use of Alcantara upholstery and flashes of red on the seat stitching and seats.

Mazda has also added red backlighting for the interior surfaces and a mesh-look aplique for the console that looks very similar to the trim pattern used on sportier CX-60 grades. The same 14.6-inch infotainment screen used on other EZ-6/6es, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, and a 14-speaker Sony audio system come standard, according to Car News China.

Photos Mazda Changan

The Sports Edition was revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show last month but managed to slip under our radar. Mazda and Changan didn’t specify whether it was packing more power than the stock sedan, but we suspect this is merely a trim package. We also strongly suspect Mazda will very soon launch a similar trim option for the European market 6e – Car News China reports that the Sports Edition was jointly developed by Mazda and Changan in China and Mazda Europe.

We’ve asked Mazda Europe about the powertrain, whether the Sports Edition is coming west, and what it’ll be called if it does, and we’ll let you know when we hear more.

One thing that will definitely be different about the Chinese and Western versions is the choice of powertrains, even though production for both models takes place in the same Changan plant. China’s EZ-6 is available with either a 1.5-liter range-extender setup making 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or a 255 hp (258 PS / 190 kW) pure-battery alternative, but Europe’s 6Es are EV-only.

Photos Mazda