Mazda has sold the attractive and opulent midsize electric EZ-6 sedan in China for a couple of yr now in each EV and range-extender hybrid forms, and it can make its technique to Europe because the Mazda 6e this summer. This week on the Shanghai Auto Show Mazda revealed a brand new midsize rear-wheel-drive crossover called the EZ-60 that can share the EZ-6’s platform and powertrains. While not many details can be found yet, Mazda says it can have an estimated 372-mile range for the EV and a bladder-busting 620 miles within the gasoline range-extender model, each on the Chinese EV cycle.
Mazda has never sold a compelling battery electric vehicle here in the US. The closest thing we ever got was the wacky MX-30, which had a pitiful 100-ish mile electric range, however the EZ-6 and the brand new EZ-60 each step Mazda’s EV game up in an enormous way in comparison with the lowly MX-30. Mazda partnered with Chinese automaker Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. to develop its latest stylish electrified models, which implies also they are in-built China, and the EZ-60 is just announced to be sold in China as of now.
Styling that aids aero in addition to aesthetics
At nearly 16 feet long the EZ-60 is about six inches longer than a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its styling is primarily dictated by aerodynamic constraints — there’s air passages on the front of the hood, as an illustration — nevertheless it still manages to look seriously sharp. The angular front end uses an uncharacteristically inoffensive application of the oh-so-trendy split headlight concept that permits for an unbroken light bar that starts within the high-mounted DRLs and continues across the front of the vehicle, accenting Mazda’s signature grille shape. The silhouette is paying homage to the CX-70 and CX-60 with a sharply raked rear window, and the EZ-60’s rear is each more aggressive and fewer fussy. Plus it’s shown here in purple, which is a win for color lovers.
The EZ-60 must be a capable performer, with a claimed 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and four-wheel independent suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Mazda says it incorporates the brand’s renowned driving enjoyment ethos of Jinba-Ittai, which refers back to the connection between horse and rider — that mainly means it must be more engaging to drive than its competitors.
Brimming with tech
The EZ-60 sets itself aside from the EZ-6 sedan with a wider 26.5-inch 5K central touchscreen display that spans unimpeded across the straightforward dashboard. A 23-speaker 3D sound system has a nifty party trick — there are speakers within the headrests of each front seats, which is not all that revolutionary, but each the driving force and passenger can concurrently hearken to different music through those headrest-integrated speakers. Mazda has been using speakers integrated into its headrests for many years, all the best way back to the unique MX-5 Miata in 1990. Other tech features include a 3D head-up display, and automatic parking that might be activated from outside the vehicle just through the use of your voice.
It’s hard to know if the EZ-60 would sell well here within the U.S., but given the success of the similarly handsome and similarly sized Ioniq 5 I’d expect the EZ-60 to search out loads of buyers if Mazda does eventually bring it over, or no less than something prefer it. But with the EZ-60 not even announced for Europe yet, don’t hold your breath.
Mazda
This Article First Appeared At www.jalopnik.com
