The Mazda 6 for the modern day

Mazda chose the Brussels Motor Show to unveil what it calls “a stylish electric hatchback with a fastback saloon style”.

The Mazda 6e is an all-new mid-sized electric car and reinterprets the Mazda 6, which spans three generations from 2002 to 2023. It will initially hit left hand drive European markets before making its way to the UK in the first half of 2026.

Standout design details

Mazda says it wanted a perfect mix of sporty, stylish and functionality with the 6e, giving it a low swooping roofline and a muscly stance.

To create a seamless look, Mazda has gone for frameless doors, integrated door handles and new signature wing lights fitted around the grille. The lights give the 6e a unique face in the Mazda range and feature dynamic illumination, making the wings appear to flutter when the car is charging while also indicating charge status. The rear lamp design and horizontal taillight bar sit above newly designed Mazda lettering, which replaces the brand’s logo badge, and below an electronically extendable rear spoiler.

The Mazda6e sits on 19-inch wheels, which have been aerodynamically designed and feature a sporty five-spoke design with flat black surfaces.

Modern interior

The spacious interior is brightened by incoming light from the panoramic roof, inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’ which emphasises the “beauty of space”.

The material used throughout the interior will depend on which trim level you go for. Takumi models will feature beige or black artificial leather, while Takumi Plus offers premium tan Nappa leather.

In terms of technology, the cockpit features a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch instrument set, complemented by an augmented reality head-up display. There’s also boot space aplenty, with 330 litres in the back and 70 litres in the front.

Two powertrain options

68.8kWh battery

This version offers a range of up to 300 miles, with a 10-80% charge (equating to 145 miles) achievable in 22 minutes through a 200kW DC rapid charger. Thanks to its electric motor delivering 254bhp, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds.

80kWh battery

For those prioritising more range, this version offers 345 miles, although a 10-80% charge takes 45 minutes with DC rapid charging. Like this smaller battery option, accelerating from 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds despite its 240bhp motor. Both versions produce the same 320Nm of torque with a rear wheel drive layout.

The balance between EV legislation and consumer demand

During the reveal of the Mazda 6e, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK, Jeremy Thomson, acknowledged the state of play in the current British automotive market. Recent noise suggested that the new government were set to formally propose reinstating the 2030 ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

He commented: “In the UK we are facing some unique and complex challenges in the balance between EV legislation and consumer demand but at Mazda, we will introduce new models and ensure our product range fits the pace of actual consumer demand in the UK with technologies that are amongst the best in the market.

When it arrives in UK showrooms in 2026, the Mazda6e will be a fantastic and timely addition to our multi-solution approach that includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric offerings.”

The Mazda 6e arrives in the UK in 2026.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Mazda