For the better part of a decade, Mazda fans in Australia have been playing a bit of a waiting game. While the Japanese brand has consistently delivered some of the best-selling petrol SUVs in the country—the CX-5 being a perennial favourite—its journey into the electric era felt more like a tentative toe-dip than a full-blown dive. The quirky MX-30 was a charming urban experiment, but it lacked the “legs” most Aussies need for the long haul.

That all changed this morning.

In a landmark announcement on January 12, 2026, Mazda Australia officially pulled the covers off the all-new, all-electric Mazda CX-6e. Fresh off its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show just days ago, this isn’t just another “me too” electric SUV. It’s a dedicated, tech-laden, and strikingly designed mid-size crossover that is aimed squarely at the heart of the Australian car market.

At EV Evolution, we’ve been tracking the development of the “EZ-60” (as it’s known in China) for months, and seeing it finally confirmed for local soil under the CX-6e badge is a “fair dinkum” moment for the brand. This is Mazda getting serious.

A New Soul for a New Era: The Kodo Evolution

Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design language has always been about sculptural beauty and the play of light. With the CX-6e, that philosophy has evolved into something Mazda calls “FUTURE + SOUL x MODERN.” Measuring 4,850mm long and sitting on a generous 2,902mm wheelbase, the CX-6e is slightly larger than a Tesla Model Y but lower and sleeker than its petrol-powered sibling, the CX-60. The design highlights include:

• The Illuminated Wing: An ultra-thin LED signature that wraps around a digital grille.
• Frameless Doors: A touch of premium coupe styling that also helps reduce aerodynamic drag.
• Nightfall Violet: A new signature color that shifts from deep purple to ink-black depending on the light—designed to make a statement on Australian streets.

It looks athletic, premium, and undeniably “Mazda.” It manages to look like a high-tech EV without losing the organic, flowing lines that have made the CX-5 a household name across Australia.

Inside the Cabin: The “26-Inch” Statement

If the exterior is an evolution, the interior is a revolution. Mazda has traditionally been the king of tactile buttons and elegant, understated dashboards. The CX-6e, however, takes a giant leap into the digital future.

The centerpiece is a jaw-dropping 26-inch combined 5K display that spans nearly the entire width of the dashboard. This integrates the driver’s instrument cluster and the central infotainment system into one seamless piece of glass.

But don’t worry, Mazda hasn’t forgotten about ergonomics. The “Ma” (minimalist space) philosophy ensures the cabin feels calm rather than cluttered. Highlights include:

• Head-Up Display (HUD): Standard across the range, ensuring you never have to take your eyes off the road.
• 1280W 23-Speaker Sound System: Features speakers integrated into the headrests, allowing for individual “sound zones.”
• Maztex Vegan Leather: High-quality, sustainable materials with titanium accents, proving that luxury doesn’t have to mean traditional hides.

At EV Evolution, we think the tech-savvy Aussie family is going to love this. It feels less like a car and more like a high-end lounge on wheels.

Performance: Real-World Power for Australian Roads

Under the skin, the CX-6e is the result of a collaboration between Mazda and Chinese giant Changan. While the hardware is shared, Mazda Australia is adamant that the Jinba-Ittai (oneness between car and driver) driving dynamics have been honed specifically for international markets.

The Australian-spec CX-6e will feature:

• Powertrain: A rear-mounted electric motor producing 190kW (258PS) and 290Nm of torque.
• Battery: A robust 78kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack—the same “Blade” tech known for its longevity and safety.
• Range: A claimed WLTP range of up to 483km. This is the magic number that makes Sydney-to-Canberra or Melbourne-to-Bendigo trips a breeze.
• 0-100km/h: A respectable 7.9 seconds. While not a “drag strip hero,” it provides the smooth, effortless torque we’ve come to love from electric drive.

One of the standout features for the Aussie market is the 195kW DC fast charging. Mazda claims you can add roughly 240km of range in just 15 minutes, or go from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. That’s essentially a quick coffee break at a highway service station.

Market Positioning: The Price War Begins

While official car price changes for 2026 haven’t been locked in down to the cent, the industry consensus is that Mazda is aiming for the throat of the Tesla Model Y and the BYD Sealion 7.

With the Mazda 6e sedan expected to start under $55,000, we anticipate the CX-6e SUV will land in the low-to-mid $60,000 range. This positions it perfectly to take advantage of various state-based EV incentives and FBT (Fringe Benefits Tax) exemptions for novated leases.

Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director of Mazda Australia, called the arrival of the CX-6e a “monumental moment.” He’s not wrong. For years, Mazda has been the “safe” choice for the suburban family. Now, they are offering that same safety and brand trust in a package that requires zero petrol.

EV Evolution’s Brand Voice: Why This Matters

At EV Evolution, we see the CX-6e as the “Missing Link” in the Australian EV transition. Many drivers have been hesitant to switch to brands they don’t recognize or designs that feel too “alien.”

The CX-6e solves this. It looks like a Mazda, it’s serviced by the massive Mazda dealer network, and it retains the high-quality interior finish that has seen the brand move into the “semi-premium” space. It’s an electric car for people who love cars, not just gadgets.

The fact that it’s built in China (via the Changan joint venture) is actually a win for the consumer—it allows Mazda to offer higher specs and bigger batteries at a price that would be impossible if it were built in Japan. It’s a pragmatic, smart move that reflects the reality of the 2026 automotive world.

Conclusion: Is the CX-6e Your Next Car?

The 2026 Mazda CX-6e is a statement of intent. It brings together a massive 483km range, class-leading interior tech, and that unmistakable Kodo style. Whether you’re a long-time Mazda owner looking to ditch the fuel pump or an EV enthusiast looking for something with a bit more “soul” than the minimalist competition, the CX-6e demands your attention.

It’s scheduled to land in Australian showrooms in late 2026. If you’re planning your next vehicle purchase, this is the one to watch.

🤖 Got Questions? Ask Our EV Evolution AI Chatbot!

The unveiling of the CX-6e has opened up a lot of questions for Aussie drivers. From charging speeds on the Evie network to how it compares to the CX-5 in terms of boot space, we have the answers.

Start a conversation with the EV Evolution AI chatbot! Our AI is updated daily with the latest specifications and market trends.

Try asking our AI these specific questions:

• “How does the Mazda CX-6e range compare to the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive?”
• “What is the expected braked towing capacity for the CX-6e in Australia?”
• “Will the Mazda CX-6e be eligible for the FBT exemption in 2026?”
• “Explain the ‘Jinba-Ittai’ tuning in the CX-6e versus its Chinese counterpart.”

Click the chat icon and let’s get you ready for the electric evolution.

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EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.