When Mazda introduced the EZ-6 at the Beijing Auto Show, they kept things frustratingly vague. Billed as an “elegant, intelligent, and fun new electric flagship,” the EZ-6 features a streamlined Kobo design with a wide grille that is flanked by LED headlights. They’re joined by frameless doors with flush-mounted handles. Other highlights include a panoramic glass roof and aerodynamically optimized 19-inch wheels. Buyers will also find rain-sensing wipers and slender taillights that are connected by a thin illuminated strip. Higher-end variants go a step further as they offer an active rear spoiler and a power liftgate. Mazda also mentioned an external voice command function, which can be used to open the liftgate. In terms of size, the EZ-6 measures 4921 mm long and has a wheelbase that spans 2895 mm. To put that into perspective, the model is 5 mm longer than the Toyota Camry, but has an extra 71 mm between the wheels.
Moving inside, there’s a minimalist cabin
with a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a floating 14.6-inch
infotainment system. Buyers will also find leather or Nappa leather seats with
a matching steering wheel. Rounding out the highlights are a dual-zone
automatic climate control system, a six-speaker audio system, and a 50w
wireless smartphone charger. Higher-end variants are more luxurious as they sport
a heated steering wheel as well as heated and ventilated front seats. Customers
will also find a 64 color ambient lighting system and a 14-speaker Sony premium
audio system.
While Mazda initially said the EZ-6 would
be offered with electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the model actually has
electric and range-extended options. The EV has a rear-mounted motor producing
255 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It’s powered by
either a 56.1 or 68.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The former
provides a CLTC driving range of 480 km, while the latter increases
that distance to more than 600 km. The range-extended variant goes
in a different direction, featuring a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder
engine producing 94hp, which charges the battery, and an electric motor
developing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque that drives the rear wheels. Customers will also
find an 18.9 or 28.4 kWh battery pack.
The smaller of the two batteries provides 105 km of electric-only range, while the bigger unit increases the
distance to 160 km. More importantly, thanks to the engine, the
overall range is in excess of 1,300 km.
Pricing starts at ¥ 139,800 (US$ 19,600) for the range-extended variant, while the EV begins
at ¥ 159,800 (US$ 22,427).
