- Pure-electric CX-6e cheaper than flagship CX-5 Takami.
- Single -specification includes digital mirrors and monster interior screen.
- Sister model to 6e liftback, collabs with China's Changan Automobile.
Mazda New Zealand has confirmed a $58,990 price for its forthcoming CX-6e EV-SUV. That represents true price parity between the new pure-electric SUV and rival petrol/hybrid family models, and places the newcomer in the middle of the brand's two top-end CX-5 models: the $57,990 Homura and $61,990 Takami.
The price is especially significant considering the single CX-6e model to be offered is a high-specification Takami, featuring digital side mirrors (aero-friendly exterior cameras feed live video to the interior OLED displays in the doors), and a single 25.45-inch screen in place of the usual instrument/infotainment combo.
A striking Nightfall Violet purple is the hero exterior colour for CX-6e. The interior is available in two colour variations: "Maztex" synthetic leather in either full black or an Oyster White and black combination.
The CX-6e is the same price as the just-launched 6e liftback; both are the product of a collaboration between Mazda and China's Changan Automobile. They are on a shared platform, although the SUV's wheelbase is 7mm longer and styling is different inside and out.
The CX-6e shares the 6e's 78kWh battery, 200kW maximum charge rate and rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor. WLTP range is 468km (nearly 100km less than the lower, 100kg-lighter 6e).
The CX-6e is part of what Mazda NZ product and communications manager Paul Sherley calls a "trifecta" of models that will form a medium-SUV multi-powertrain strategy. The new CX-5 is ICE-only for now, but there's a full hybrid (aka Z-SkyActiv) coming next year. The CX-6e takes care of the BEV option and Mazda NZ is keen to point out that the top CX-5 Takami dovetails with the CX-60 MHEV.
Sherley says Mazda NZ is looking for a broad range range of buyers for CX-6: "There will be people that go, 'I have to have an EV'. But this could also be people's first EV in some cases.
"If you've made a step from internal combustion to hybrid, what's next? Real world range, very affordable price, great level of equipment, solid dealer network... we have a lot of things going for us."
