However, behind the expressive exterior lie technical solutions that no longer meet the market expectations of the mid-2020s. This material is intended to provide a sober assessment of the balance between design, practicality, and the actual capabilities of the new Mazda 6e and CX-6e models.
Appearance Versus Reality
The Mazda 6e sedan is a large vehicle approximately 5 meters in length, which looks modern and even futuristic. At the same time, the starting price of around 29,000 euros makes it an outwardly attractive offering in its class. But key questions arise after examining the technical specifications.
The base version is equipped with a battery of 66 kWh usable capacity. For a vehicle of this size, this is a modest figure, comparable in energy reserve to a very small fuel tank in ICE vehicles. The claimed range of about 480 kilometers in practice turns out to be significantly lower, especially when driving in cold weather and at highway speeds.
Charging and Operation
Another important aspect is charging speed. The maximum power of 165 kW appears average by modern standards. Even under ideal conditions, replenishing the charge from 10 to 80 percent takes about 24 minutes. When using less powerful stations, the time increases noticeably, and the cost per additional hundred kilometers becomes high.
As a result, operating such an electric vehicle requires either careful route planning or acceptance of frequent and not particularly quick stops. This is especially critical for a vehicle positioned as versatile and family-oriented.
CX-6e Crossover: The Same Compromises
Mazda applied a similar approach to the CX-6e crossover, presented as a more practical alternative to the sedan. Technically, the model is close to the 6e and is also based on a joint development with a Chinese partner. It uses a 78 kWh battery, which is available only as an option for the sedan.
Despite the increased capacity, the claimed range remains at about 480 kilometers. For a heavier and taller vehicle, the real figure will be even lower. The powertrain features a single 258 hp electric motor on the rear axle, providing acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds—without sporting ambitions and lacking the sharp dynamics characteristic of electric vehicles.
Practicality and Equipment
The crossover also cannot boast outstanding practicality. The trunk volume is 468 liters, supplemented by a front compartment of 80 liters. These values fall short of several competitors. Additionally, there is no full one-pedal driving mode, which many buyers consider a standard for modern electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The Mazda 6e and CX-6e demonstrate a clear imbalance between external appeal and technical content. Against competitors with greater range, faster charging, and advanced features, such specifications appear outdated. At a price starting from around 30,000 euros, the emphasis is primarily on design, while in terms of technology, these models already seem belated at launch.
