- Pure-electric Mazda 6e will joing NZ range next year.
- Joint-venture model with Changan automobile.
- Rear-drive, available overseas in two battery sizes.
Mazda New Zealand has confirmed it will launch the 6e into the local market in the second half of 2026. While it marks the return of the "6" badge (which was discontinued last year), it's not exactly the 6 as we've known it.
First, it's pure-electric. "The [6] model is known for striking design, superb comfort and high levels of driving enjoyment. The Mazda 6e continues this theme whilst offering new levels of technology and a dynamic EV powertrain to our customers," says Mazda NZ managing director David Hodge.
Second, it's not purely a Mazda. The 6e is the product of the long-standing partnership between the Japanese company and China's Changan Automobile. The 6e is already sold as the EZ-6 in China and is based on the platform of the Deepal [Changan's EV brand] SL03.
Partnerships between "legacy" brands and Chinese makers for export markets are now commonplace (and have been the norm in China for decades), especially with EVs. So none of the above should surprise.
The 6e does seem to look the part, with plenty of Mazda6 styling cues reinterpreted for the new model and a sleek, fastback profile. The interior is more EV-mainstream, with a large screen and minimalist controls.
The other key thing about the 6e is that it's rear-wheel drive. That's a huge pivot in the history of the 6, although it's on-theme alongside the CX-60/80/90 family SUVs, which are based on Mazda's rear-drive-biased Large Platform.
Mazda NZ is yet to reveal technical detail or pricing for the 6e. But in Europe and the UK, where it's already on sale, it's available with 68.8kWh and 80kWh battery options, with range from 479-552km.