Mazda to launch Tesla Model Y rival
Mazda has released preliminary specifications of its CX-6e electric SUV, which targets the best-selling Tesla Model Y.
Mazda’s battery electric ambitions have taken a huge step forward in Australia with details released of the brand’s forthcoming CX-6e medium SUV, due in local showrooms in late 2026.
The battery electric CX-6e will join the all-new Mazda 6e electric sedan, which is slated to launch mid-year, giving the Hiroshima-based car maker a vital two-pronged electric vehicle offering.
The new models will be Mazda Australia’s first EVs since the discontinuation in 2023 of the short-lived Mazda MX-30, which was hampered by its relatively high purchase price and limited 200km of range.
While exact pricing of the two new battery electric Mazda models has not yet been announced, limited range won’t be a problem this time around with the 6e sedan targeting a range of more than 500km, and the CX-6e SUV promising more than 450km (WLTP).
Both vehicles feature a 78kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery and a single rear axle motor with rear wheel drive delivering 190kW and 30-80% charging in around 15 minutes.
The identical electrical architectures, battery technology, and rear-drive electric motor configurations are a clue to the fact the Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV are based on the same EPA1 platform, jointly developed by Mazda and its Chinese partner Chongqing Changan Automobile Co.
In a sign of the growing dominance of China in the EV space, both new Mazda vehicles will be manufactured in China as part of Mazda’s two-decades-old joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co.
While the underpinnings may be Chinese, Mazda is claiming Japanese bragging rights for the styling, which it says has been “hand-crafted by Takumi artisans using traditional clay modelling techniques… incorporating the craftsmanship of Kodo design principles.”
While pricing and final specifications are yet to be confirmed the CX-6e should offer broadly competitive range and power outputs to the entry-level Tesla Model Y Premium Rear Wheel Drive, which boast approximate power outputs of 255kW and a range of 466km (WLTP).
Mazda will need to position the CX-6e within cooee of the best-selling Tesla’s $58,900 (MRLP) purchase price to be competitive, with other key rivals including the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
More articles
Related topics
Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance Products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQI) and arranged by RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO)). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply.
Any advice provided by RDS and RACQO is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a purchase decision on the product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.