Mazda has whipped the covers from its new CX-6e, an SUV companion to the 6e electric saloon, and using a similar platform and batteries.
What kind of battery and range does the CX-6e have?
Mazda fits a 78kWh battery which uses lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. That gives the CX-6e a range of 484km, and it comes with a high charging speed on DC charging points of 195kW, which allows for a 10-80 per cent charge in just 24 minutes.
How much power does the Mazda CX-6e have?
For now, Mazda has only shown one version of the CX-6e, a rear-wheel-drive model, using a 258hp, 290Nm electric motor, which gives it a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds, and a top speed of 185km/h.
What's the CX-6e's interior like?
As with the 6e saloon, the CX-6e shows that Mazda is moving away from the combination of small screens and physical buttons and towards bigger screens and fewer buttons. And screens don't come much bigger than the 26-inch whopper that's stretched across the dash of the CX-6e, allowing driver and front-seat passenger to use the same screen.
Well, actually, the screen is divided into two areas (imagine trying to stretch across to the passenger seat to reach a menu icon) so although it is one big screen, effectively the people in the front get one each. Instead of an instrument panel, the driver gets a large head-up display projected onto the windscreen in front of them. There's even gesture control for touch-free control of the screen, as well as the usual Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connection to Mazda's own smartphone app.
Will the CX-6e be safe?
Yes, it really will. All models get nine airbags as standard, as well as a network of high-definition cameras, millimetre-wave radar and ultrasonic sensors to enhance visibility and awareness.
How big is the CX-6e?
The CX-6e is 4.8 metres long, and the long wheelbase of 2.9 metres means that there's plenty of rear seat space, plus there's a useful 484-litre boot. Seven colours will be offered, and the car displayed at the Brussels motor show is wearing a new 'Nightfall Violet' colour. Inside, you'll have the choice of three colour scheme options - Warm Beige, Black Maztex or Amethyst and White.
When can I have one?
The new Mazda CX-6e should be on sale in right-hand-drive markets such as Ireland by the end of this year.