I visited Mazda’s Design Studio in Frankford to see a secret new electric car. Could it be the long-awaited MX-5 EV? No, it’s something different: the 6E. Let’s dive into what makes this car special and explore some unique features Mazda has introduced.
Unique Design Features of the Mazda 6E
The Mazda 6E has some intriguing design elements that caught my attention. Starting at the front, it features the iconic Mazda grille, but since it’s an electric car, the grille is filled in. The headlights are particularly interesting—they perform the usual unlocking light show, but they also display the charge level when plugged in. It’s a flashy feature, though it might be annoying to see it blinking outside your house at midnight.
Under the large bonnet, there’s a spacious frunk with a 70-liter capacity. It’s almost as big as the Tesla Model 3’s front trunk, making it a practical addition for storing more than just charging cables.
One peculiar feature is the enormous wiper arm. The car itself is 4.9 meters long, and the engineering behind the wiper arm seems over-the-top.
Moving to the back, the design gets even more interesting with sculpted side panels and a rear spoiler that pops up at 56 mph. However, there’s a potential downside—the rear bumper design could be prone to damage if the car reverses into something.
Practical Hatchback Design
Despite looking like a saloon, the Mazda 6E is a proper hatchback, offering practicality for families. The boot has a 330-liter capacity, similar to the Volkswagen ID.3. However, it seems larger than the official figures suggest. It’s deep but slightly shallow, which might be a concern for dog owners. Overall, it looks more spacious than Mazda claims.
Interior: A Premium Feel
The interior of the Mazda 6E feels surprisingly upscale. One standout feature is the frameless doors, typically found in sporty coupes. It’s a premium touch that adds to the car’s overall appeal.
Inside, the materials feel top-notch. There’s suede-like fabric on the dashboard, reminiscent of luxury cars. The Sony-branded sound system adds another layer of sophistication.
The 14.5-inch touchscreen isn’t the largest, but it’s more than sufficient and comes with useful buttons for everyday functions. There’s also an augmented reality head-up display that projects navigation arrows onto the road through the windshield.
The massive sunroof, which will be standard on all UK models, enhances the airy feel inside the cabin. Even the small details, like metal-feeling window switches and sporty seats, contribute to a luxurious atmosphere.
Space and Comfort
The front seats offer plenty of space, with ample headroom and legroom. The cabin gives a cozy yet premium vibe, with multiple storage spaces.
Gesture controls for the infotainment system add a futuristic touch—though they might result in some awkward moments in front of passengers. For instance, making a peace sign answers phone calls, while placing a finger on your lips mutes the music.
In the back, passengers get the same frameless doors and thick glass, which should contribute to a quiet ride. There’s enough knee room and just about sufficient headroom, thanks to the glass roof.
However, taller passengers might find the headroom a bit tight. The raised floor, due to the battery placement, slightly compromises comfort but shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Powertrain Options and Performance
Mazda offers the 6E with several powertrain options. The standard-range model comes with a 258-horsepower motor driving the rear wheels and a 68.9 kWh LFP battery, providing a 310-mile range. While the range is respectable, it’s not groundbreaking. The efficiency rating of 4.49 miles per kWh is impressive, though.
The 200 kW DC fast-charging capability is at the higher end for this segment, but the 11 kW AC charging speed is underwhelming. A faster 22 kW AC option would have been more practical.
There’s also a long-range version with an 80 kWh battery that offers a 345-mile range. Interestingly, the long-range model has slightly less power (244 horsepower) due to the different battery chemistry. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery can deliver more power without overheating, but the trade-off is slower charging and reduced performance in the long-range variant.
Driving Experience: Will It Live Up to Mazda’s DNA?
Mazda promises that the 6E will retain the brand’s signature driving dynamics. Thanks to its relatively low weight for an EV, the car should handle well and provide an engaging driving experience similar to the iconic MX-5.
However, there’s a potential drawback—the Mazda 6E won’t hit the UK market until 2026. Given how rapidly the EV market evolves, there’s a risk that the 6E might feel outdated by the time it launches.
Would you consider buying the Mazda 6E? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
