The new Mazda EZ-60 shares its platform with the Deepal S07 from Changan.
Mazda has so far only announced specifications for the range-extender version.
It uses a range-extender powertrain with a 1.5-liter engine and 255 hp electric motor.
Many legacy carmakers have struggled to keep pace with Chinese startups and their innovative new EVs. However, earlier this week, Mazda revealed an electric SUV known as the EZ-60, and it’s already garnered quite a lot of attention in the country. It is also proving to be a hit with customers, with more than 10,000 pre-orders placed within just 48 hours of its debut.
The EZ-60 is unlike any Mazda sold elsewhere. Technically, it is not even a full-blooded Mazda. Thanks to a partnership with Changan, the SUV rides on the same platform as the Deepal S07, one of the latest electric models to roll out of China. It is a clear example of Mazda adapting to a fast-changing market, even if it means leaning on local expertise to do it.
As reported by CarNewsChina, Mazda secured 10,060 pre-orders for the EZ-60 in the two days since its unveiling. This comes despite the fact that the SUV has so far only been showcased in range-extender form and details about the battery-electric version have yet to be announced.
However, one shouldn’t mistake pre-orders for actual sales. For starters, shoppers are in no way obligated to follow through with purchasing the car. Additionally, pre-orders can be placed for just 10 yuan, the equivalent of just $1.40. Not all people who did will go through and buy it, but that’s the norm in the industry anyway – only the percentage varies in each case.
Mazda may be borrowing a Chinese platform, but the EZ-60 looks every bit like a Mazda should. That is important because it will not be limited to China. In other markets, including Europe and possibly Australia, it will be sold as the CX-6e. Unfortunately, if you are in the United States, you are out of luck, because there are no plans to bring it here.
The range-extender version of the EZ-60 presented at the Shanghai Auto Show has a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that acts as a generator for the 31.7 kWh battery, which drives a 255 hp electric motor at the rear axle. As mentioned, Mazda has yet to reveal specifications of the all-electric version, and it’ll be interesting to see how buyers react to that one.
The Mazda EZ-60 shares its platform with the Deepal S07 from Changan.
It will be offered in both pure EV and range-extender EV powertrains.
Interior packs six screens including a 26.5-inch display and 100-inch HUD.
Update Mazda has officially unveiled the new EZ-60 compact SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show. While it will be sold globally, the U.S. market will be left out. In Europe and other regions, it’s expected to carry the CX-6e name. For the first time, we’re getting a glimpse inside the SUV. Read the updated article below for the full breakdown and a new set of photos.
Mazda has been playing catch-up in the EV world, but now it’s showing a bit more of its hand. A few days ago, the company revealed the first official images of the EZ-60, a fully electric SUV aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y and other players in the segment. Now, we’re getting a more complete picture of what to expect, including confirmation that a range-extender variant is on the way.
While Mazda continues to produce strong internal combustion models and even set a US sales record last year, its electric efforts haven’t exactly impressed. The MX-30, the brand’s first EV, was limited by high pricing and a frustratingly short range, making it an expected but still disappointing flop in the States.
That puts a lot of weight on the shoulders of the EZ-60, which represents Mazda’s next serious push into the global EV market. Outside of China, including Europe, the compact crossover will be sold under a different name, the CX-6e, but the mission remains the same.
Sharp Looks
The design of the new EV takes inspiration from last year’s Arata concept, and while it’s clearly identifiable as a Mazda, it looks much more menacing than any other SUV currently in the brand’s range. The signature grille shape has been retained, although the front end now sports slim LED DRLs and an LED strip running beneath the faux grille. The Mazda logo also lights up for some extra visual drama.
According to newly released specs, the EZ-60 measures 4,850 mm (190.9 inches) in length, 1,935 mm (76.1 inches) in width, and 1,620 mm (63.7 inches) in height. Its wheelbase stretches 2,902 mm (114.2 inches). For reference, the Tesla Model Y is slightly smaller in most dimensions, coming in at 4,790 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase. The EZ-60 is also closely matched in size to the Zeekr 7X, one of China’s more promising new EVs expected to reach global markets soon.
We also now know the EZ-60’s curb weight falls between 1,992 and 2,048 kg (4,391 to 4,515 lbs), making it heavier than a base Chevy Silverado with the 8-foot box and nearly as heavy as an entry-level Ford F-150. For context, Mazda’s own CX-50 and CX-5 weigh in at 3,741 and 3,679 lbs, respectively.
Chinese Bones
Built on the EPA1 modular platform (also used by Changan’s Deepal S07), the EZ-60 will come in both full EV and range-extender versions. Mazda hasn’t released full specs for the battery-only model yet, but the range-extender variant has been detailed.
It uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that functions solely as a generator, supplying power to a 31.7 kWh battery. That battery, in turn, powers a 255 hp electric motor driving the rear axle. While Mazda hasn’t shared range figures for the EZ-60, the related EZ-6 sedan R-EV offers up to 99 miles (160 km) of electric-only range, and up to 808 miles (1,300 km) when the engine is used to recharge the battery.
Inside: Screens, Screens, and More Screens
Moving to the interior, the biggest surprise is the dashboard. Despite its close ties to Mazda’s local EZ-6 sedan, which will be sold in Europe as the 6e, the EZ-60 features a massive 26.5-inch 5K display that spans the entire width of the dash. Unlike other setups that combine multiple screens under a single pane of glass, this is a single, uninterrupted panel.
If that’s not enough display real estate, there’s also a 100-inch augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield. On the downside, Mazda seems to have removed physical controls from the center console altogether, taking a cue from Tesla’s minimalist approach.
As you might expect, the EZ-60 is loaded with tech. In total, the cabin features six screens, including streaming media rearview mirrors on both sides and a dedicated control screen for rear passengers. It’s a departure from Mazda’s typically restrained interior design, but that’s to be expected from a model primarily aimed at competing in the tech-forward Chinese market.
Mazda also confirmed a few comfort and convenience features, such as heated and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, and a 23-speaker sound system. Despite the tech overload, the company didn’t forget about utility. There are 20 storage compartments throughout the vehicle, along with a modest 350-liter rear trunk that expands to 2,036 liters with the seats folded down. A 126-liter front trunk adds extra practicality.
Mazda just dropped a new teaser focused on its upcoming electric EZ-60 crossover.
The EZ-60 closely resembles the Arata concept shown at last year’s Beijing Auto Show.
It’s expected to be offered in Europe as the CX-6e in pure electric and range-extender forms.
Concept cars are all fun and games, but the percentage that make it to market in original form is very low. That figure ticked up just a touch today, though, as it appears like Mazda is going to bring the Arata concept to production almost unchanged. The production version will be called the EZ-60, at least in China, though it will wear a different badge in other markets. Mazda is hoping this one lands better than the underwhelming MX-30.
You might recall we recently reported that the European version of this electric SUV might end up being called the CX-6e. That tracks, because Mazda just pulled a similar move with the Chinese-market EZ-6 sedan, a car co-developed with its Chinese partner Changan, that’s being rebranded as the 6e in Europe. Since it’s built in China, it won’t be sold in North America.
Mazda released a short teaser to hype the EZ-60. The video shows the SUV’s silhouette rendered in digital wind tunnel graphics. In short, this crossover looks identical in profile to the Arata concept from the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. That car was aimed at the Chinese market and more specifically, the Tesla Model Y. Mazda called its design theme “soulful + futuristic x modern.”
In its post about the teaser video, Mazda stated, “Control the wind to shape the invisible, drive the electricity to the future.” No doubt, any EV benefits from good aerodynamic design and minimal drag. Clearly, Mazda is emphasizing that with the EZ-60.
A closer look at the teaser shows a long, teardrop-style rear section that should help cut through the air more efficiently. It’s noticeably more stretched out than current Mazda SUVs like the CX-50, CX-70, or CX-90. Inside, the EZ-60 will likely borrow heavily from the EZ-6 sedan’s cabin layout, which could mean a clean, minimalist setup with a few upscale touches to give it some premium feel.
Shared DNA with Deepal
At this point, Mazda hasn’t released drivetrain specs, but we have a decent idea of what to expect when details do land. Like the EZ-6 / 6e sedan, the EZ-60 will ride on Changan’s EPA1 platform, the same architecture underpinning the Deepal (a.k.a. Shenlan) SL03 sedan and the S7 SUV. That likely means the EZ-60 will share more than just a few bolts with the Deepal S7. Expect similar powertrain options and tech, including both all-electric and range-extender variants.
Assuming it follows the EZ-6 / 6e’s formula, the EZ-60 / CX-6e may come in a standard E-Skyactiv EV setup with 254 horsepower and a 68.8 kWh battery, good for an estimated 300 miles (480 km) of range. There could also be a long-range version offering 241 hp and an 80 kWh battery, stretching the range to about 342 miles (550 km). For buyers not ready to go full electric, a range-extender version is also likely, using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a smaller battery pack to provide backup power when needed.
That’s the general roadmap for now. As soon as Mazda reveals more concrete details, we’ll keep you posted.
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