Mazda's Future EV Is Hiding Under A Chopped CX-90 Body

Mazda might have introduced the 6e sedan (EZ-6) and the CX-6e SUV (EZ-60) in China and other global markets, but its North American lineup doesn't include any zero-emission offerings following the discontinuation of the MX-30. This could change over the next few years, as the automaker is working on an in-house-developed EV with a mule making a new spy appearance.

Almost one year after our spy photographers spotted the electric mule testing on US soil, the same vehicle was caught in Europe. At first glance, one could easily mistake it for one of Mazda's Large Platform SUVs, but a closer look reveals some interesting details.

Mazda is preparing significant exterior, interior, and mechanical updates for the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 SUVs due to slow sales. However, the chopped bodywork shows the pictured model isn't your typical camouflaged prototype for an upcoming facelift, but a mule for an entirely new model.

The fully electric vehicle shares most of its body panels with the Mazda CX-70/CX-90, but features a shorter wheelbase, a significantly shorter rear overhang, and noticeably narrower tracks. 

The SUV mule also has a fully enclosed grille and aerodynamic patches, leaving only a small opening on the front bumper for cooling. Finally, it rides on provisional alloy wheels with a silver finish at the front and a black finish at the rear.

The aforementioned modifications suggest that the upcoming Mazda EV will be much smaller in size compared to the CX-70/CX-90. While we can't be 100% certain, its footprint is probably closer to the Mazda CX-50 and CX-5, positioning it as a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the new Volkswagen ID. Tiguan.

Under the skin, the model will ride on an EV-dedicated platform that is being developed in-house by Mazda and might be used in future EVs of various shapes and sizes. This will differentiate it from the Changan-based Mazda 6e and CX-6e, possibly giving designers and engineers more freedom to infuse some zoom-zoom character.

The new EV will reportedly use next generation lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. Those will be built in a new manufacturing facility in Japan, with cylindrical battery modules supplied by Panasonic.

Mazda originally planned to unveil its new EV in 2025, but it later announced it would arrive by 2027. More recently, it has been reported that the project might have been delayed until 2029, although we're still waiting for official confirmation. In any case, we expect the automaker to start testing updated EV prototypes soon, with camouflage wrap hiding the production body.

Baldauf