Update: Specifications and Price & Release Date sections revised
While the UK market offers a wide range of electric SUVs across segments in 2026, choice in the electric saloon space is limited. The mid-size segment, currently served by the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, will welcome a new entrant this summer in the form of the Mazda 6e, the Japanese brand’s first long-range EV.
We recently took a close look at a global-spec left-hand-drive example to understand the styling, features, and comfort levels customers can expect. Here are our first impressions.
Design
The Mazda 6e might be a mid-size saloon by its official classification, but in person, we noticed it looks closer to the VW ID.7 business saloon than its direct rivals. It possesses a more mature, poised appearance than the Mazda6 saloon that it virtually replaces.
It is no secret that Mazda developed the 6e on the same platform as Chinese automaker Changan’s Deepal L07, but we are happy to report from our experience that this is not a rebadging exercise. The proportions are similar, but everything else is unique to the Japanese model.
The slim daytime running lights lend the 6e a striking look, and along with the long bonnet, give it a powerful presence. The glowing wing signature lights around the faux grille introduce a measured sense of visual drama. The dipped beam lights have been integrated in a separate housing discreetly below the DRLs and beside the faux grille.
The fastback roofline, the short and curvy greenhouse, and the flush-fitted door handles continue the sleek look along the sides. At the rear, however, the connected tail lamps introduce visual clutter in what is meant to be a graceful saloon, particularly by Mazda standards.
The deployable rear spoiler, while attracting viewer interest, doesn’t feel convincingly functional. The concave surfacing of the bootlid and wings aren’t our favorite parts of its design.
Interior
Inside, the slim dashboard seamlessly flows into the door panels, and we particularly like the outer air vents extending out, giving the panel a floating look. The long, flattish centre console stretching along the same horizontal axis serves as a reminder of the car’s generous dimensions.
A panoramic sunroof fills the large cabin with natural light, making it feel like an even more inviting space in the front. In the dark, a 64-colour ambient lighting system highlights key design elements of the interior with a soft, indirect illumination.
Our only gripe about this interior is the high degree of digitalisation. The lack of key physical controls asks for heavy reliance on the 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a problem we certainly wouldn’t face in a true Mazda, one engineered entirely in-house.
Experience in the Mazda 6e
As a six-foot adult, getting into the Mazda 6e is manageable despite the low roofline, helped by the slightly raised roof. Once inside, I used the electrically adjustable seat to move back and quickly found my driving position.
Back support feels strong, and the side bolstering holds me in place. The headrests are fixed, but they feel generously sized. Under-thigh support is good, and headroom feels decent even with the glass roof.
Outward visibility feels helped by the long mirrors and the large side windows. I also noticed small rear quarter glass panels that support rearward visibility. A generous dead pedal adds support for longer drives.
Moving to the rear with the front seat set to my position, rear ingress feels less comfortable than expected. Once seated, the raised floor makes my knees sit noticeably higher. Knee room remains acceptable, but the seating posture feels less natural for my height.
The rear bench includes under-thigh extenders on the outboard seats, which add support. The floor is flat, and the middle seat looks usable, with three adjustable headrests fitted. Headroom is acceptable, though the raised floor affects overall comfort in the second row.
Rear amenities include twin air vents, and the rear passengers get touch controls for adjustment. The middle seatback can fold down as an armrest with two cupholders. My size-10 shoes fit under the front seat with limited clearance. I felt the front seats suit adults better than the rear in this car.
Specifications
While Mazda launched the 6e in Europe with two battery options, the UK specification gets a single 78 kWh battery configuration across a two-grade line-up: Takumi and Takumi Plus.
The UK model supports charging at up to 11 kW (AC)/195 kW (DC) and delivers a combined WLTP range of 348 miles. With a rear-wheel drivetrain layout, its motor produces 190 kW (258 bhp) and 290 Nm (214 lb.-ft.) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 7.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph).
Price & Release Date
Also Read: First Look Review: BMW i5 eDrive40 is the electric 5er that I’d buy
Mazda has confirmed the 6e is priced at GBP 38,995 for the Takumi grade and GBP 39,995 for the Takumi Plus when it arrives in the UK this summer.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
