Mazda removed the 6 from its lineup in the US market back in 2021, and then stopped selling the 6 in the UK last year and in Japan a few months ago. Technically, however, the Mazda6 is a midsize sedan/station wagon that has never disappeared in Europe and other markets. Now in China, there is finally a new Mazda6, but this has nothing to do with the old models that have been around since 2012.
Say hello to the Mazda EZ-6 at the Beijing Motor Show!! Developed as part of a Changan Mazda joint venture, this sleek four-door sedan is available in both pure electric and plug-in hybrid versions. On the outside, the EZ-6 adopts the iconic Kodo design language, but comes with a partially illuminated front guard and pop-up door handles. We saw some Jaugar in the taillights and headlights. Above the light bar at the back of the car is an active spoiler, a design we didn't expect to see on a Mazda sedan.
The Mazda EZ-6 is equipped with 19-inch aerodynamic wheels with a large panoramic glass roof and frameless doors. According to sources from China, the electric/plug-in hybrid sedan is based on the Changan Shenlan SL03, but with a more elaborate interior for the premium market. The car's interior doesn't seem to have much in common with Mazda's globally sold products, which explains its ties to China. The instrument panel looks like a great design, and the whole "floating" center console is also interesting.
In addition to these official images, there are some early specs to refer to. The Mazda EZ-6 is an electric model with a rear-wheel drive configuration. It boasts a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a multi-link rear suspension system. The unspecified battery pack provides a range of 600 km according to the China Light Vehicle Test Specification (CLTC). The PHEV plug-in hybrid model can travel up to 999 km before running out of petrol and battery power.
As for the body size, the EZ-6 is 4,920 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,484 mm high. This makes it slightly larger than the old 6. Currently, this rear-wheel drive chassis platform is used in four SUVs: CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. As for the EZ-6, it will be sold in the Chinese market after its public debut at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. The electric/plug-in hybrid midsize sedan is unlikely to be exported to other markets.