Mazda CX-60 2022: premium midsize SUV leaked ahead of official reveal later tonight

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Leaked images of Mazda’s highly anticipated CX-60 premium midsize SUV have appeared online just hours ahead of its official unveiling later tonight.

The white CX-60 pictured shows a strong resemblance to teaser images officially released by Mazda, as well as previous leaks of the CX-60 being filmed late last year – all but confirming this is the official model. 

Official images and information are embargoed until 3am AEDST Wednesday, following the CX-60’s international unveiling at Frankfurt in Germany later today.

The CX-60 premium midsize SUV is the first of several models intended to sit on Mazda’s newly-developed Large Product Architecture, featuring longitudinal engine placement and rear- or all-wheel drive.

The CX-60 is a narrower-bodied design intended to compete in crucial markets like Australia and the European continent against upmarket rivals such as the new-gen Lexus NX, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60.

What will power the new CX-60?

The CX-60’s powertrain line-up will consist of three engines to begin with, including a new plug-in hybrid featuring a 2.5-litre ‘SkyActiv-G’ naturally aspirated four-cylinder combined with a battery and electric-motor set-up.

Expected output of this PHEV system is north of 224kW (300hp) – pointing to considerable performance potential for the plug-in hybrid CX-60.

The other two engines will be a ‘SkyActiv’X’ in-line six-cylinder petrol and a ‘SkyActiv-D’ in-line six-cylinder diesel – each featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid systems for maximum efficiency gains. 

A new-generation eight-speed automatic is expected to be the sole transmission option for these three engines.

Breaking down the CX-60’s styling

While previous leaks and official teasers have exposed the front-end design of the CX-60, the latest images reveal the striking rear end and multiple angles of the luxurious interior.

The exterior design of the CX-60 shows off an evolved form of Mazda’s current design language, such as the CX-5 midsize SUV and CX-9 large SUV, with a large new grille design that crowns a long nose designed to house straight-six engines mounted north-south (or longitudinal).

At the rear, an elegant new LED tail-light design with an upmarket appearance is enhanced by the quad exhausts and what appears to be 20-inch alloy wheels on this high-spec variant.

High-end interior showcasing upmarket ambitions

Mazda has evolved its interior design significantly with the CX-60, sporting a cleanly detailed dashboard layered with a padded and stitched material across the facia, matched with white Nappa leather upholstery that was teased previously.

The interior also debuts Mazda’s first digital driver’s display, as well as a sizable dash-top screen that appears to be larger than the 10.25-inch unit used in Mazda’s current line-up.

Between the seats is a centre-console design that is clearly inspired by the high-design MX-30 small SUV, complete with a split-folding armrest like that offered on a CX-9.

Other interior images reveal a dual-pane sunroof – a big step forward for Mazda – and what appears to be natural-wood inlay in the upper door sections. 

More information and imagery will be released later this evening so stay tuned to Chasing Cars.