Automotive
Mazda is stepping back into the EV ring with a contender that would shake up the segment — and this time, they’re not going at it alone. Meet the brand new EZ-60, a sleek electric SUV born from a deepening collaboration between Mazda and its Chinese partner Changan. While the nameplate may sound unfamiliar to Western audiences, the model is predicted to hit markets outside of China because the CX-6e, bringing fresh energy to Mazda’s global electrification efforts.
Unveiled through China’s Weibo social platform, the EZ-60 follows last yr’s debut of the EZ-6 sedan, effectively transforming that formula into SUV form. This vehicle represents a production-ready version of the Arata concept and offers a much-needed evolution from the slow-selling MX-30. Early visuals point to a striking design with a coupe-like silhouette and a touch of flair because of unique flying buttresses — an unexpected design detail on this segment. Like many latest Chinese-market EVs, the EZ-60 also swaps out traditional side mirrors for camera-based systems, a technology that’s been legal in China for a few years now.
Underneath its stylish shell, the EZ-60 is predicted to share its platform with the Deepal S07, a product of Changan’s own electric sub-brand. That likely means buyers will see each a totally electric version and a range-extender option using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Nevertheless, it stays to be seen whether that range-extender variant can be offered in Europe, where Mazda is currently selling the sedan version (EZ-6) exclusively as a pure EV.
Inside, details are being kept under wraps until the SUV’s official public reveal at Auto Shanghai 2025 later this month. Still, it’s protected to anticipate a cabin layout mirroring the EZ-6 — minimalist, tech-forward, and enhanced with premium materials to tell apart it from local Chinese counterparts. Think a big central screen, touch-sensitive controls, and a refined aesthetic more in keeping with Mazda’s upscale ambitions.
The launch of the EZ-60/CX-6e isn’t a one-off move. Mazda and Changan are reportedly considering two more joint-venture EVs between now and 2030. Within the background, Mazda can also be developing its own EV platform, with the primary in-house model planned for a 2027 release. This two-pronged strategy allows Mazda to stay competitive in China — the world’s largest EV market — while concurrently constructing a foundation for future global offerings based by itself engineering.
For now, though, the EZ-60 is Mazda’s strongest electric effort yet. It has the looks, the potential for prolonged range, and, most significantly, a partner with the local manufacturing and EV know-how to make it occur. While the MX-30 quietly continues in select markets with its quirky rotary range extender and mild-hybrid variant, the CX-6e might be the turning point that offers Mazda an actual foothold within the rapidly growing electric SUV space.
With competition just like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 dominating EV sales charts, Mazda’s next move needs to be daring. And from what we’ve seen to this point, the CX-6e is perhaps the boldest step the brand has taken in years.
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This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
