Mazda has confirmed that its first long-range electric vehicle (EV) for Australia, the 2026 Mazda 6e, will arrive in local showrooms by the middle of next year. The upcoming model is essentially a re-engineered version of a Chinese-built electric car and marks Mazda’s boldest move yet into the electric sedan market. With an expected starting price below $55,000 before on-road costs, the 6e is positioned to compete aggressively against well-known rivals such as the Tesla Model 3 RWD ($54,990) and the BYD Seal Premium ($52,990) — and could even undercut them in some trims.
The 6e was originally unveiled in China in 2024 under the name EZ-6, developed in partnership with Changan Automobile. Following its introduction in China, Mazda confirmed plans to launch the car in Europe and the UK, which in turn opened the door for its Australian release. Unlike Mazda’s traditional lineup, which has always been designed and developed entirely in-house, the 6e stands out as a collaborative project. Its platform and electric architecture are derived from Changan’s technology, while Mazda contributed design refinements and driving dynamics. In China, Changan sells its own version under the Deepal brand.
Mazda’s first electric model, the MX-30, was based on a petrol-powered platform and offered limited range, making it more of a transitional EV. The Mazda 6e, however, represents the company’s first fully electric, purpose-built model — a major step toward electrification. Although a range-extender version with a petrol generator exists in China, Mazda has confirmed that only the pure-electric variant will be offered in Australia.
According to Daniel Wakelam, Mazda Australia’s head of product strategy, the local 6e will feature a 78kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack paired with a 190kW rear-mounted electric motor. This configuration delivers a driving range of over 500km under WLTP testing standards. By contrast, European versions come with slightly different setups — including an 80kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery offering up to 552km of WLTP range or a 68.8kWh LFP battery providing 478km of range. Mazda Australia has also revealed that recharging the LFP battery from 30 to 80 percent will take around 15 minutes using a DC fast charger, which is notably quicker than the 47-minute recharge time claimed for the European NMC variant.
While complete pricing and local specifications will be detailed closer to its release, Mazda’s pricing strategy positions the 6e directly against its most formidable electric sedan rivals. The Tesla Model 3 RWD offers 208kW of power and a 520km WLTP range, while BYD’s Seal Dynamic delivers 150kW and 460km of range for $46,990, with the Seal Premium providing up to 570km of range from $52,990.
The Mazda 6e also distinguishes itself through its five-door hatchback design, a body style Mazda has not used in the 6-series since 2012. Unlike the current petrol-powered Mazda 6, which offers both sedan and wagon options, the 6e will be sold exclusively in hatchback form, emphasizing a sportier and more practical appeal.
European specifications highlight the model’s upscale ambitions, featuring a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, 14-speaker Sony sound system, three-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Advanced safety systems include 360-degree cameras and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. Full details of Australian equipment levels are expected to be released ahead of the car’s second-quarter 2026 launch, when the Mazda 6e officially marks the brand’s next step into the electric era.