Rotary hybrid hero packs 375kW and 800km driving range: Mazda Vision-X Coupe concept previews future brand halo

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Mazda unveiled a concept previewing a new rotary range extender hybrid hero at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. 

Called the Vision-X Coupe — ‘X’ being pronounced ‘cross’ — the slinky four-door grand tourer promises 375kW paired with 160km of EV-only driving range, for an 800km total in the real world. 

It is not yet clear if this concept is a direct preview of a new Mazda production car, which would be positioned as the brand’s halo above the Iconic SP sports car, or simply a design and technology showcase. 

If the Vision-X went into production, it would be the first time since the Eunos Cosmo (1990-1996) that Mazda has a true, coupe-like flagship in the range to sit alongside the current CX-90 large SUV. 

Measuring 5.05 metres long and nearly two metres wide, the low 1480mm roofline and stretched 3080mm wheelbase give the cab-rearward Vision-X Concept sleek, sporty proportions. 

The concept shows Mazda’s ‘Kodo Soul’ design language with illuminated grille detail, not unlike the Changan-built Mazda 6e sedan, with an almost Ferrari F12 Berlinetta silhouette, though with four doors, digital mirrors and four seats inside. 

Interestingly, Mazda has fought back against screen overload inside with three analogue, watch-face like dials set above the thin-rimmed steering wheel, and touchscreen off to the side. 

Inside, the Vision-X Coupe’s theme includes subtle green cabin fabrics off-set with warm wood trim — it’s almost Aston Martin.

This concept is clearly a statement, but Mazda has surprised us in the past with its commitment when carrying over designs to production. Remember the eye-catching 2017 Mazda Kai concept? That went on to become the 2019 Mazda 3 with minimal styling compromise. 

Another interesting detail is the stitched automatic gear selector on the centre console, which has traditional ‘P-R-N-D’ lettering along with a manual sports mode.

Mazda says the Vision-X Coupe uses a rotary range-extender powertrain, likely a plug-in hybrid and powering all four wheels via twin electric motors, so the shifter could indicate simulated gear ratios. 

These are all the rage for electrified cars right now, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and more recently Honda Prelude. 

As part of the Vision-X concept, Mazda sees it as a testbed for Mobile Carbon Capture technology, which would be built into the car that theoretically runs on Algae-derived sustainable fuels.