Introduction to the 2026 Mazda6e
Mazda has retained a traditional saloon in its model line-up for many years, but in the face of a decline in that segment's popularity, the new Mazda6e adopts a hatchback design and will use an all-electric powertrain in Europe. It is built on a platform architecture that has been co-developed with Mazda's Chinese joint-venture partner Changan and is sold as the Mazda EZ-6 in China alongside the Changan Nevo A07 and Deepal L07.
These days, it's something of a rarity to witness a new saloon car being launched, such is the breadth of crossovers and SUVs on sale. Mazda is a brand that prefers to forge its own path, and while this 6e isn't technically a saloon (by dint of its hatchback configuration), it is both visually and physically a natural successor to the Mazda6.
Our first drive of the European model took place in Germany.
Pros & Cons of the 2026 Mazda6e
Pros: Modern design, roomy interior, reasonable efficiency
Cons: Low-speed ride comfort, some offer more range
Exterior & Design of the 2026 Mazda6e
• Hatchback is more practical than a saloon
• Nice proportions
• Not a fussy design
There has been a Mazda6 of sorts for the best part of a quarter of a century, so it has become an important pillar in the company's model line-up. While the segment is diminishing in popularity, it's refreshing to see what Mazda has done to reinvent this model as the 6e. Other than its overall size and silhouette, there's nothing linking the new car to its predecessor. The lines are less curvaceous, and the bodywork is tauter to present a more modern look.
At 4.9 metres in length, the 6e has presence even though it's relatively low slung, with the roof peaking at 1.4 metres tall. The 6e's notable 2.1-metre width (including its door mirrors) is emphasised by the front's broad grille panel that is sculpted by illuminated elements and gloss black sections.
It's largely for show as the air intake is set much lower, below and around the front registration plate. The light elements perform an animation on unlocking and also indicate when the battery is charging.
As is the case with many electric cars, the Mazda6e's design is such that it cuts through the air more cleanly to further its range, so there are many of the usual design traits. Aero-optimised 19-inch alloy wheel designs accompany door handles that sit flush with the bodywork when locked, for example, and a short rear section has an almost vertical profile.
There is an active spoiler on the tailgate that activates at 90km/h and drops back down automatically below 50km/h, but the driver can activate it manually too.
The flanks carry subtle contouring to the sheet metal, less obvious than what we usually see from Mazda's signature 'Kodo' design language.
The key exterior dimensions for the Mazda6e are:
Length: 4,921mm
Width: 1,890mm (2,156mm including mirrors)
Height: 1,491mm
Wheelbase: 2,895mm
Interior, Practicality, Tech & Safety of the 2026 Mazda6e
• Premium look and feel
• Good space in the rear seats
• Lack of physical buttons
In recent years, Mazda has upped its interior design game both aesthetically and with high material quality. Many still don't classify Mazda as a premium brand, but interiors such as those in the CX-60 put the Japanese manufacturer on par with what you would expect to find from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
However, with the 6e, Mazda has taken a half-step backwards when it comes to the interior. Much of that is down to the overall layout and design, which places the functional emphasis on digitalisation.
Its configurable 10.2-inch instrument display is very much standard fare these days, and this is supported by a colour head-up display. Across both displays the information is laid out in an easy-to-read style.
The multi-function steering wheel gets a flattish bottom and is a decent size and shape, although - unlike on the forthcoming CX-5 SUV - our test car featured the traditional Mazda winged emblem at the centre rather than the Mazda word mark.
Most of the functions on the steering wheel's two spokes are housed within touch-sensitive pads with buttons at their centres. These surfaces are generously sized, so we expect most owners to get used to them over time. While they don't feel quite as good as physical buttons, they're not the worst application of this kind of technique we've experienced.
Wiper and lighting functions are controlled by a column stalk on the left, and drive selection is done on the right, with a column stalk that looks suspiciously Mercedes-like in origin.
Infotainment is controlled via a hefty 14.6-inch touchscreen, which does look like something of an afterthought in comparison to how Mazda typically integrates screens into its dashboards. Absence of physical buttons throughout the cabin means that all of the climate settings are done via the screen and also gone is a separate rotary controller on the centre console.
That means more space between the front seats for storage, plus a ventilated wireless charging pad and two cupholders.
In a move not seen in previous Mazda models, the 6e will also be capable of reacting to gesture controls from the driver. These are in addition to the built-in digital voice assistant and will allow drivers to adjust audio playback, answer a call or even take a photo via the built-in camera that faces the cabin by using predefined hand gestures.
The Mazda6e is also equipped with the latest in-car safety features, including nine airbags to protect the driver and passengers. A new Occupancy Monitoring System uses the interior camera to detect children in the rear seats, and it can project that feed onto the central display.
It will also sound a warning if you leave the car to prevent kids from being accidentally left behind. A front-facing driver's camera continually monitors your actions and uses eye-tracking software to determine if you are not paying attention or are becoming drowsy.
New 'mono-form' seats are comfortable to sit in and look good, and we do like how the driver's seat electrically slides back to make ingress and egress that bit easier. Despite there being a battery sandwiched into the floor, you don't feel as if you sit especially high in the cabin, and headroom is generous.
There's equally positive news for those sitting in the Mazda6e's rear as both legroom and headroom are in strong supply. The long wheelbase provides good space to stretch out, even if you're sitting behind a tall driver, though we do wish there were a little more room underneath the front seats for feet to go.
On Takumi Plus models and above, rear passengers get a touchscreen on the back of the centre console to adjust climate settings, move the passenger seat forward (if it's unoccupied) and operate the electric sunshade for the glass roof.
There is enough space for three adults to sit in the rear, but as is often the case, the middle seat is narrower, and it also loses out slightly on legroom due to the design of the centre console.
If the middle seat isn't in use, a fold-down armrest is available. Both of the outer rear seats contain ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Boot space in the Mazda6e is rated at 466 litres, but if you need more, the rear seats can fold down, increasing cargo volume to 1,074 litres. Furthermore, there are 72 litres of storage available in the frunk under the bonnet up front.
Performance of the 2026 Mazda6e
• Pleasant to drive
• About 250hp in both variants
• LFP battery option
There are two powertrains available in the Mazda6e; here we're driving the smaller battery version, which uses a 68.8kWh LFP pack. This comes with a motor producing up to 258hp and 320Nm while the WLTP driving range is quoted as 479 kilometres.
There will also be a larger 80kWh capacity NCM battery that comes with a 245hp motor (still making up to 320Nm of torque), extending the range to 552 kilometres.
Both battery packs weigh the same and the cars have very similar performance, so there's not much to separate the two other than the range figures and the charging rates.
The latter is of note, as the smaller-capacity LFP unit gets a peak DC-charge rate of 165kW, which allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 24 minutes. However, the larger capacity battery only gets a peak DC charge rate of 90kW, resulting in a 47-minute time to do the same 10 to 80 per cent charge.
On the road, the Mazda does ride quite nicely and provides a good level of feedback and feel to the driver. With a MacPherson strut setup on the front axle and a multi-link arrangement on the rear, the 6e feels composed through faster bends, demonstrating good levels of body control without feeling overly stiff or as if it's fighting against its own weight.
At 1,962kg, it is relatively light by electric vehicle standards, though we did find that at lower speeds the suspension feels busy over certain surfaces, as if it is a little too firm. This sensation begins to dial itself out as the speeds increase.
The 6e's steering has a direct feel with a reasonable amount of weighting to it, so that's a positive for those who like to feel a bit more of a connection to the car. It's no MX-5, of course, but it's pleasing to steer a car such as this that isn't devoid of feel.
The performance is smoothly delivered, and a sense of modesty is evident, as Mazda chooses not to provide the 6e with excessive levels of acceleration. It doesn't feel lacking either, as it's brisk to get away from a standstill, and there's sufficient roll-on acceleration when required, but it won't strain anyone's neck muscles.
The cabin is well insulated with regard to road and wind noise, and there are no augmented sounds piped inside to replicate an engine's noise.
Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport and Individual modes, which alter the acceleration, steering feel and intensity of the energy recuperation. There are four levels of brake energy regeneration: low, standard, medium and strong, but these can only be adjusted via the touchscreen as there are no paddles behind the steering wheel.
Running costs of the 2026 Mazda6e
• Fast DC charging comes at a cost
• Good efficiency
• Low motor tax as with all EVs
We expect the Mazda6e to be a relatively economical car to run. During our time in the car, it returned good energy consumption that was close to the official 16.6kWh/100km figure. The faster charging rate of the 68.8kWh battery may make it more tempting to use public rapid chargers, but these cost more than AC or domestic charging. The Mazda6e falls into the lowest rate of annual motor tax due to it being an electric vehicle.
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the 2026 Mazda6e
• No official Irish pricing yet
• Pitched as a premium car
• Faces stiff competition
With the market introduction for the Mazda6e not slated to happen in Ireland until 2026, it's too early for official pricing to be confirmed. In some European markets, it is expected to cost from just less than €45,000 putting it up against direct rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.7 but also models such as the BYD Seal and BMW i4.
Verdict - Should You Buy the 2026 Mazda6e
The Mazda6e is a welcome addition to the electric car segment. It's a significant improvement on what Mazda had previously offered as an electric vehicle. The design isn't polarising, while the interior looks and feels well-made. Not only is it decent to drive, demonstrating a bit more character and driver feedback than some other EVs in the segment, but it also offers credible levels of driving range and good battery options.
FAQs About the 2026 Mazda6e
Which battery should I go for?
Without pricing details, it's difficult to say for sure, but on paper, the smaller capacity battery seems to make more sense. There's not that much of a difference in the driving range, and the LFP battery also provides faster DC charging speeds, which could be more convenient for those who spend more time using public chargers.
How is the towing capacity with the Mazda6e?
The Mazda6e is rated to tow up to 1,500kg with a braked trailer on a 12 per cent slope. It can pull 750kg with an unbraked trailer.
What colours is the Mazda6e available in?
From launch, there is a choice of eight exterior colours. They are Soul Crystal Red, Melting Copper, Aero Grey, Crystal White Pearl, Polymetal Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black and Machine Grey.
Want to know more about the 2026 Mazda6e?
If we've not covered everything you wanted to know about the new Mazda6e, feel free to pop along to our Ask Us Anything page and, well, ask us anything.
