Mazda unveiled its new flagship EV, the Mazda 6e, at the Brussels Motor Show this week. This sexy and certainly sleek electric saloon is dead set on challenging the likes of EV Goliaths the Tesla Model 3 and iconic BMW i4. This new, all-electric offering marks a bold future-proofing step for Mazda as it shifts some of its fleet towards electric powertrains. Replacing the since-discontinued Mazda 6, the all-new Mazda 6e combines traditional Japanese elegance with cutting-edge electric technology wrapped in an eye-turning, sophisticated package.

Design, Style, Technology and Features

Inspired by Mazda’s long-standing design ethos, Kodo, or the Soul of Motion, this latest Mazda design features sleek, flowing lines, a long bonnet, sharp LED lights, and a sporty, grand touring stance. The five-door fastback exudes a classy but modern aesthetic with an illuminated front grille, aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels, and an extendable rear spoiler. On the inside, the 6e offers passengers a gorgeous floating center console, a 14.6-inch touchscreen, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. Technological gadgetry aside, the interior on this one is nothing short of premium posh. Mazda reports the 6e will be available in two trim levels: Takumi and Takumi Plus, the latter of which features premium Nappa leather and quilted seats.

Available with two battery options: a 68.8kWh battery offering a range of up to 300 miles, and an 80kWh battery providing up to 345 miles, drivers are provided a healthy dose of Zoom-Zoom in what promises to be a fun and rewarding RWD platform. Both trim and battery size options will support 200kW DC rapid charging, and while neither of the 6e models are lightning quick, per se, the soul of Mazda has rarely been straight-line acceleration, favoring dynamic, responsive, and well, "just plain fun" driver-engagement instead. Here the entry-level version delivers 258hp, accelerating from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, while the larger battery version offers 245hp with a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds. Reports suggest the Mazda may have plans for dual-motor version as well, which, if true, would deliver an equally as enticing all-wheel drive model in the future, as well as the promise of more range. We’ll have to wait and see on that, but with any luck--fingers seriously crossed here--it would be phenomenally exciting to see the return of a Mazdaspeed 6e, even if it were in very limited numbers.

Mazda confirmed the 6e will be launched in left-hand drive for European markets later this year, before arriving in the UK in 2026. Prices and final specifications will be announced closer to the sale date. Additionally, there is potential for an Australian launch, as the UK spec right-hand drive version opens the door for broader market availability down under. It’s certainly still early, and while Mazda has not yet revealed plans for releasing the 6e in the States, those plans may change if this model takes off within these cross-pond markets.

Stunning and Luxurious Interior Space

Already well-regarded for their generally upscale interiors, Mazda designers pulled out all the stops here. The interior on this rolling work of art is indisputably jaw-dropping, featuring high-quality materials, a massive panoramic roof, intuitive  controls, and the kinds of premium features--like zero-gravity reclining seats—that ought to be reserved for the bourgeoisie.  Equipped with an array of advanced technologies, the 6e comes standard with a large central touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda’s latest, most advanced driver-assistance systems. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert systems, and a first-of-its-kind 50” augmented-reality HUD which projects a swath of information directly onto the windshield. Yeah, you read that right…

Global Impact and Future Plans

Whether this next tidbit will off-putting to consumers remains to be seen, but truth be told, Mazda’s newest EV is actually a shared project partnership with Chinese car maker, Changan. The company, relatively unheard of here in the States, is actually the fourth largest automotive manufacturer in China and played a significant role in the development of Mazda’s new EV. The Mazda 6e shares its platform with the Deepal L07 sedan, a fact that—given looming threats of Chinese tariffs—further reduces the likelihood of a 6e landing on our shores any time soon. The 6e will be exported from China to Europe, where it aims to meet the EU’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates. Looking ahead, Mazda plans to introduce its first dedicated EV on a new platform in Japan, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable mobility.

While the market is rapidly evolving, the Mazda 6e is expected to be a strong contender against the Tesla Model 3 on the world stage. With its sleek design, innovative technologies, and solid performance potential, Mazda aims to make a significant dent in the lucrative EV market, and if that dent gets big enough, it could help bring this sexy saloon to a freeway near you sooner than you may think.  Fingers Crossed.