Mazda confirms electric 6e sedan for Australia
Japanese car maker confirms Chinese-made Mazda 6e electric sedan will join its lineup in 2026.
Mazda Australia has confirmed the local launch of the electrically powered Mazda 6e sedan in mid-2026, giving the brand a rival for the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.
The new model carries the familiar nameplate of the long-established Mazda 6 medium sedan and wagon, which was discontinued in early 2025 after a 22-year run due to declining sales.
But unlike ICE-powered versions of the Mazda 6 which were built exclusively at Mazda’s Hofu Yamaguchi plant in Japan, the battery-electric Mazda 6e is manufactured in China as part of Mazda’s two-decades-old joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co.
Mazda Australia’s confirmation of the Mazda 6e follows the new model’s reveal in China in April 2024, and its confirmation for export to European markets including the right-hand drive UK market in early 2025.
Boasting stylish and contemporary looking five-door lift-back styling, the new model will be Mazda Australia’s second battery electric model and its first long-range electric vehicle, after the relatively short-lived Mazda MX-30.
Launched in 2021 and discontinued in 2023 the MX-30 was an all-electric crossover SUV with distinctive ‘freestyle’ rear-hinged doors but was hampered by its relatively high $65,490 purchase price and its limited 200km of range.
Mazda is reportedly targeting sub-$60,000 pricing for its new electric sedan, which also boasts a larger battery and a range of more than 500km, both of which will make it competitive with key rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.
The company hasn’t yet released full details on the new model but has confirmed the Mazda 6e will feature a single electric motor sending 190kW to the rear wheels.
A 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery helps deliver a driving range of ‘more than 500km’ and 30-80% charging in around 15 minutes.
By comparison, the Tesla Model 3 has a starting price of $54,900 for the rear-wheel drive variant which also uses a single electric motor (188kW/350Nm) and boasts a claimed 520km (WLTP) range.
The BYD Seal offers two single motor rear-wheel drive variants, each with different batteries, power and range; the Dynamic ($46,990) and Premium ($52,990) with respective WLTP range of 460km and 570km and power outputs of 150kW and 230kW.
Managing Director of Mazda Australia Vinesh Bhindi described the confirmation of the Mazda 6e as a watershed moment for the company
“The 6e is a car we are extremely excited to add to our portfolio, opening up a whole new realm of opportunity for our customers who still desire our acclaimed Jinba Ittai dynamics and unmistakable design, but also want to experience the myriad benefits of its electric drive and a host of next-generation technologies, which are some of the most advanced we’ve ever launched in a production vehicle,” Bhindi said.
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