- The CX-6e comes exclusively with a 78 kWh battery and a rear motor.
- Mazda Australia will sell the CX-6e in GT and Azami configurations.
- Customer deliveries of the all-electric SUV will start in September.
As more Chinese-built EVs make their way into global markets, legacy brands are starting to blur traditional pricing expectations. Just a few months after Hyundai began selling its China-made Elexio in Australia, Mazda has launched its only all-electric SUV in the country, also built in China. The new CX-6e is positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and undercuts it on price, although there is no dual-motor version available.
Read: Mazda’s Global $16,800 Chinese SUV Makes America’s Cheapest Cars Look Overpriced
The CX-6e is produced in China through the Changan Mazda joint venture and is closely related to the Deepal S07, which is already sold in Australia. Pricing for the entry-level GT starts at AU$53,990 (equal to US$38,000 at current rates) before on-road costs.
While it’s cheaper than the base Tesla Model Y Premium RWD that starts at AU$58,900 (US$41,500), it’s also nearly twice as expensive as the same model in China. There, the entry-level CX-6e EV starts at 139,900 yuan (US$20,500 or AU$28,900).
Chinese buyers also benefit from a lower entry point thanks to a range-extended version. It pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a smaller 31.7 kWh battery, effectively using the engine as a generator. That variant starts at 129,900 yuan (US$19,000 or AU$26,900), though it isn’t offered in Australia.
For their money, Australian buyers will get a sharp-looking SUV with a 78 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a rear-mounted electric motor with 255 hp (190 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm). Key features of the CX-6e GT include a huge 26.45-inch central infotainment and passenger display, 19-inch alloy wheels, radar cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 23-speaker audio system.
Tech-Filled, And Cheap
Those with a little more money to spend can opt for the CX-6e Azami, priced from AU$56,990 (US$40,100). It includes the same powertrain but adds digital wing mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and 21-inch alloy wheels.
Both models have a claimed driving range of 301 miles (484 km) over the combined cycle. Mazda Australia hasn’t published the CX-6e’s peak DC charging speed, but notes the battery can be charged from 30-80 percent in 15 minutes, which is decent yet far from class-leading.
No doubt in a bid to help boost early interest in the SUV, the first 1,000 Australian customers who pre-order the CX-6e GT will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Azami. There is only one optional package, a Warm Beige interior trim available on both variants for AU$1,000 ($700).
