Simply Aesthetic: The Mazda 6e Tested – Beautiful, but is it Good?
Mazda has taken a bold step by deciding to offer its mid-sized Mazda 6 exclusively with an electric drivetrain. The resulting Mazda 6e, developed with the help of Chinese partner Changan, showcases a striking aesthetic appeal aimed at making a statement in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
A Design Worth Noticing
The Mazda 6e stands out with its elegant design. This hatchback sedan features a gently sloping roofline and a prominent grille, complemented by frameless windows. As it glides down the road, it evokes admiration, particularly in the twilight hours when its illuminated grille captures attention.
The interior is another highlight, with its inviting brown upholstery and nubuck-like door covers that create an inviting atmosphere. The car’s dashboard and center console are adorned with decorative stitches that add a touch of luxury, making it feel upscale without the corresponding price tag.
However, the architectural influence of its Chinese counterpart becomes evident in certain areas. The overly simplistic display layout—with bland typography—feels somewhat lacking compared to the overall beauty of the design, reminding passengers that aesthetics can sometimes fall short in functionality.
Spacious Second Row for Comfort
For those concerned about space, the rear seats of the Mazda 6e provide plenty of legroom, ensuring comfort during longer rides. With dimensions of 4.92 meters in length and a wheelbase of 2.90 meters, this sedan is spacious, embodying the essence of a true travel car.
Interestingly, the Mazda 6e engages in the age-old debate surrounding electric drivetrains. The brand has not been particularly quick to embrace electric technology compared to its peers in the automotive market. However, the need to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape has prompted Mazda to offer alternatives that include traditional combustion engines.
Practical Electric Capabilities
While some EVs boast rapid charging capabilities, the Mazda 6e merely offers an adequate experience. The tested model features just under 70 kWh of battery capacity and lacks an extensive 800-volt electrical system. A longer-range version with an 80 kWh setup exists, but it’s less publicized due to its slower charging capacity.
As for the optimal choice, buyers might find a smaller LFP battery more practical. Although it offers a WLTP range of 479 kilometers, its peak charging power of 165 kW allows for quicker energy replenishments. Charging from 5% to nearly 50% takes approximately 17 minutes, with the potential to reach 80% within 24 minutes, which is sufficient for everyday needs.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Mazda 6e is an intriguing paradox. It presents as a sleek, well-styled vehicle but operates on a rather conventional powertrain. It has a respectable output of 258 PS and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. This is a figure that might seem modest compared to some of the more performance-focused electric vehicles, yet it is more than adequate for daily driving scenarios.
One notable aspect is the driving comfort, which leans towards smoothness rather than the handling precision that Mazda is known for. This approach may not cater to thrill-seekers but provides a pleasant driving experience, especially for long-distance travel.
Competitive Pricing
Starting at a base price of €44,900, the Mazda 6e presents significant value in the mid-size vehicle market. With features like a head-up display, electric tailgate, and a surround-view camera included, it offers more than enough for the price.
However, potential owners should be mindful of the numerous driver-assistance features that can sometimes be overly sensitive, leading to annoying alerts. Fortunately, these features can be disabled, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their preference.
Conclusion
The Mazda 6e emerges as a compelling alternative in the mid-size segment, particularly against established German rivals. Although it may not be the fastest in terms of charging and possesses a few quirks in its driver-assistance systems, the advantages in overall comfort and spaciousness can quickly outweigh these drawbacks.
The Mazda 6e may not be a performance powerhouse, but for daily commuting and long-distance travel, it has enough strength to handle various road conditions—all while embracing an aesthetically appealing design.
