Mazda brings its CX-6e SUV to Europe

Mazda is trying something different with its newest car. The Japanese carmaker just showed off a new vehicle called the CX-6e at the Brussels Motor Show. This new model is an electric SUV, apparently made specifically for drivers in Europe. But actually, the car is not entirely new - it is based on the technically identical EZ-60, built and sold in China.

The new EV is a big step for Mazda, revealing how car companies are working together across the world. The CX-6e uses the same basic parts as a car from a Chinese company called Changan. The platform is the Changan EPA1, allowing Mazda to get electric cars into the market faster. Although the roots are Chinese, Mazda says the car still drives like a Mazda. They call their driving feel "Jinba Ittai," which means "horse and rider as one."

The CX-6e has a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with 78 kWh of capacity. The battery sends power to a single electric motor that sits on the back axle. The motor puts out a rather subdued 254 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are acceptable for a family car, but it is not a race car, though. It takes 7.9 seconds to go from a standstill to 62 mph. The top speed is limited to 115 mph.

Mazda claims the new CX-6e can drive up to 300 miles on a full charge. This number comes from the European testing cycle, so real-world driving might be a little bit less. Thankfully, when the battery gets low, it charges quite quickly. If you find a fast DC charger, you can fill the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. The car can accept charge speeds up to 195 kW.

Mazda excels at its interiors, and the inside of the CX-6e looks very modern. The first thing you will notice is the huge screen - it measures 26 inches across. It sits in the middle of the dashboard, and it has a split layout, allowing the passenger to look at things without bothering the driver. There are almost no buttons. You can even use hand gestures to control things like music. There is no screen behind the steering wheel, either. Instead, the car projects maps and speed directly onto the windshield.

The car is quite large inside. It has a long wheelbase of 114.3 inches, creating plenty of legroom. The trunk is also a useful size at 16.5 ft³. If you fold the back seats down, that space grows to 50.6 ft³. The CX-6e comes with nine airbags, and it uses cameras and radar to see the road. These tools help the car stay in its lane and stop if there is danger ahead. It also warns you if a car is in your blind spot.

The Mazda CX-6e will arrive in stores in Europe this summer. The company has not said how much it will cost yet. When it arrives, it will be available in seven colors, including a special purple called Nightfall Violet that changes its look in the light.

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