Mazda has unveiled its latest electric saloon, the Mazda EZ-6, at Auto China in Beijing, developed in collaboration with partner Changan and designed specifically for the Chinese market.
The Mazda EZ-6 is positioned as the successor to the previous combustion-powered Mazda6 saloon, now featuring an electric drive system, though not exclusively electric. Mazda will offer the EZ-6 as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with an expected range of around 600 kilometres, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. Technical specifications for both versions have not yet been released, but reports suggest that the plug-in hybrid model may function more as a range extender, utilizing the combustion engine solely to generate electricity on board.
Externally, the EZ-6 maintains a conventional combustion saloon appearance, featuring a long bonnet and classic proportions, including a radiator grille (closed on the electric version) in Mazda’s signature design style.
Under the hood, Mazda has utilized a platform from joint venture partner Changan, specifically the EPA1 architecture also used in the Deepal SL03. The Deepal saloon features a 163 kW electric motor and an LFP battery from CATL, offering a range of 700 kilometres in the Chinese CLTC standard test. The SL03’s range extender incorporates a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine to generate electricity, paired with a 192 kW electric motor. The Mazda EZ-6 will be slightly longer than the Deepal, at 4.92 metres, while sharing the same width (1.89 metres) and height (1.49 metres).
There is speculation that the range extender version of the EZ-6 could feature a combustion engine from Mazda, and there are possibilities for a dual-engine version with all-wheel drive, unlike the SL03, which is rear-wheel drive only. However, these details remain speculative until Mazda releases official technical data.
Additionally, Mazda presented the Arata, a design concept for an electrified SUV that will be developed into a production model called the EZ-60. Details for the EZ-60 are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to also utilize the Changan platform, aligning with Mazda’s strategy for the Chinese market.
