Launch Report: Mazda 6e introduces BEV technology to traditional design
22 October 2025
The Mazda 6e is the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from the Japanese carmaker. On the outside, it has kept to its roots with a sporty design. But does this mask something entirely different? Phil Curry, Autovista24 special content editor, reviews the model alongside regional experts in this latest Launch Report.
Mazda may be more widely known for its roadster and coupé models. Now, the Japanese carmaker has delivered a sleek and sporty fastback, merging practicality and design with an all-electric powertrain.
But does Mazda’s first BEV provide something different for drivers? In an increasingly crowded marketplace, how can it stand out against the competition?
Autovista24’s latest Launch Report benchmarks the Mazda 6e against its key competitors in Austria, Germany and Spain. Regional experts also provide a breakdown of the car’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Bold design for Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e has an impressive appearance. The carmaker has incorporated its ‘Kodo’ design philosophy into the model. This ‘soul of motion’ concept provides flowing lines and a strong look, representing movement even when the car is standing still.
From the front, the grill area features integrated lighting, providing a 3D style on the flat surface. While some BEV models have moved to a no-grill design, Mazda has continued the look. This breaks up the front end of the 6e, giving it a defined, yet subtle stance.
The side profile clearly demonstrates Mazda’s design philosophy. The hatchback features coupé-esque lines and a dramatically sloped rear that encapsulates the sportiness of the brand’s other models. At the rear, this sloping roof provides a longer look. Meanwhile, the indented boot lid arrows the car forward, highlighting the soul of motion.
Therefore, the Mazda 6e has a premium look that belies its pricing points. This should add to its appeal, especially among newcomers to the brand.
A different approach
Inside, the 6e provides a premium feel. The high-backed seats and long central section work to cocoon the driver and front passenger. A floating channel between the front seats also provides plenty of storage space, with drink holders and wireless phone charging.
The dashboard is rather sparse. Behind the steering wheel with its flat base is a 10.2-inch screen for driver information. Central on the dashboard is a larger 14.6-inch screen, while the rest of the cockpit narrows and wraps around to the door cards.
The 6e has been developed in partnership with the Chinese carmaker Changan. The vehicle controls demonstrate this arrangement most of all, as there are no physical buttons in the Mazda 6e.
Instead, all settings are accessed via the touchscreen, a common feature in models hailing from China. For the Japanese carmaker, this feels like a departure, with previous models featuring an array of buttons and knobs for easy access.
While the interior offers a clean and minimalist design, the controls are tricky to access. There is a permanent toolbar at the bottom of the screen, which grants users access to the climate controls.
In the back, the sloping roofline does hamper headroom for taller occupants, while a higher floor does hinder comfort. However, there is plenty of legroom for all, thanks to the model’s size.
The 330-litre boot space is ample. The Mazda 6e also comes with a 70-litre frunk, for cable storage and additional practicality.
Options in the Mazda 6e
Mazda is offering the 6e with a choice of two batteries. The shorter-range model comes with a 68.8kWh LFP battery unit, while the longer-range version has an 80kWh NCM power cell.
According to the carmaker, the smaller battery provides a range of up to 300 miles (482km). Meanwhile, the larger unit offers 345 miles of range. However, it is the LFP that provides better charging times, going from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes. It also provides the electric motor with a 0-62mph performance of 7.6 seconds.
The NCM unit is limited to a maximum charging rate of 90kW. This means a 10% to 80% refresh takes 45 minutes, while it achieves 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds. With a difference of just 45 miles between the two options, buyers will need to consider which is more important: distance or charging time.
A new ride
The acceleration can occasionally feel sluggish, especially at higher speeds. The Mazda 6e does not perform at the level of other BEV models in this regard. Steering is smooth, but it can feel disconnected, while there is very little body roll.
Braking is also good, but there is no option for one-pedal driving, as seen in some other all-electric models. Mazda offers four regen braking modes in the 6e, but these are accessed via the touchscreen, instead of on the steering wheel. This means some drivers may leave the standard braking levels for convenience and miss out on the extra energy.
Overall, the Mazda 6e is an elegant and well-designed car to look at. The driver and passengers will feel comfortable in a car that belies its status. However, the model is a departure for the carmaker. As its first BEV, some of the traditional Mazda elements, such as performance and interactivity, have been lost. Yet for newer drivers who do not have these views of the brand, the Mazda 6e should appeal.
View the interactive dashboard, which benchmarks the Mazda 6e in Austria, Germany and Spain. The interactive dashboard presents new prices, forecast residual values, and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.
