The Mazda 6e electric sedan has been spied testing on Australian roads, providing the strongest hint yet that the Japanese brand will offer a local rival to the Tesla Model 3.
The return of the Mazda 6 nameplate – the combustion model went out of production in 2024 – comes from a co-development between Mazda and Chinese car making partner Changan.
Chasing Cars’ road-test editor John Law spotted the camouflaged 6e, which is known as the EZ-6 in some markets, in New South Wales.
The liftback-sedan body is adorned with a body-width rear light and two unmistakably Mazda-style tail-lights – obvious clues that this is a 6e despite the disguise.
The vehicle’s styling, shape, size and brightwork perfectly mirror those of the Mazda 6e, which was first released in China in late 2024.
Mazda Australia told Chasing Cars the test vehicle was part of its evaluation process for bringing the electric sedan to local showrooms.
“The [6e test] vehicle is currently being used for local evaluation purposes and will provide valuable feedback that counts towards the wider business case for bringing the Mazda 6e to Australia in future.”
The 6e could debut next year. It is already earmarked to go into other right-hand-drive markets such as the UK in 2026.
In overseas markets, the Mazda 6e is offered as either a dedicated electric vehicle or as a plug-in hybrid – both powertrains are exclusively rear-wheel drive.
The EV 6e, the most likely powertrain for Oz, offers a choice of 56.1kWh or 68.8kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, 190kW rear electric motor, and an approximate range between 450-600km, depending on battery size.
The Mazda 6e is larger than the discontinued petrol 6, measuring 4921mm long, 1890mm wide, 1485 mm high, and drives on a 2895mm wheelbase.
In Australia, the electric Mazda 6e would chiefly rival other medium-size EV sedans such as the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
The Model 3 costs from $54,900, the Seal starts from $46,990, and the Ioniq 6 is priced from $67,300.