Mazda 6e electric car a consideration for Australia
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Mazda Australia only just axed the Mazda 6 sedan, but it could already have a replacement waiting in the wings.
The Mazda 6 sedan was only recently discontinued in Australia, but local representatives of the brand are already considering a replacement in the new electric Mazda 6e.
The Mazda 6e sedan started life as the Mazda EZ-6 strictly for the Chinese market only, but since then, the model is now on its way to Europe as the Mazda 6e, and confirmation of right-hand-drive models for the United Kingdom have opened up the door for consideration by Mazda Australia.
Speaking to Drive at the launch of the facelifted 2025 Mazda BT-50, Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said Mazda Corporation's desire to sell the electric 6e in other overseas markets places the car on the consideration table for Australia.
"If [Mazda Corporation's plan to supply the model elsewhere] comes to fruition, then we can consider whether that’s an option for us [in Australia]," said Bhindi.
"I’ve got to say the commentary we received about the design of it is fabulous.
"Purely on that, yes I would like to consider whether [the Mazda 6e] is a good possibility for us."
MORE: Beijing Motor Show 2024 – Mazda EZ-6 electric car to take on Tesla Model 3, not for Australia yet
The Mazda 6e marks the return of the Mazda 6 nameplate to the UK after it was discontinued two years ago. The ageing model was also axed in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, and New Zealand in recent years.
Australia was one of the last worldwide markets to sell the Mazda 6 until it was discontinued in January 2025.
Passenger sedan sales have dwindled in recent years, and with the advent of new ADR requirements to have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology included with new cars as standard, time was called on the Mazda 6 locally after 12 years of the current generation.
MORE: Mazda 6 axed in Australia– Time called on long-running family car after 22 years
In its place is the Mazda 6e – a rear-wheel-drive electric sedan based on the Chinese-market Deepal L07 sedan. Entry-level versions of the Mazda 6e feature a 68.8kWh battery with a 479km WLTP-rated driving range. The car supports charge speeds up to 200kW on a DC fast charger.
The Mazda 6e features unique styling on the outside and is finished in a similar fashion to the larger Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs inside the cabin.
Mazda Australia is open to the model’s introduction as long as Australian buyers are calling for it.
"[The Mazda 6e's local introduction will be] driven by consumers' desire for sedans or battery EV sedans," said Bhindi.
The Mazda 6e will go on sale in select European markets this year, followed by right-hand-drive production for the United Kingdom in 2026.
The post Mazda 6e electric car a consideration for Australia appeared first on Drive.
