Feature article
New Car Alert. Can the Mazda 6e Rival the EV Sedans of New Zealand?
Mazda has announced the arrival of a fully electric liftback sedan, the Mazda 6e.
Last updated: 2 December 2025
Mazda New Zealand is rolling out the welcome mat for a familiar name, but with a radical new heart. The Mazda 6e, a sleek, fully electric liftback sedan, is confirmed to arrive in Aotearoa in the second half of 2026.
This move is a bold step, marking Mazda's serious return to the EV passenger car segment after the release of the MX-30. It revives the beloved '6' badge, known for its driving dynamics, but positions it squarely against the dominant new guard of electric sedans, including the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.
Mazda NZ Managing Director David Hodge says the 6e carries the spirit of its predecessors. “All generations of the Mazda6 have been held in high regard in Aotearoa. The model is known for striking design, superb comfort and high levels of driving enjoyment. The Mazda 6e continues this theme whilst offering new levels of technology and a dynamic EV powertrain to our customers.”
Does Mazda have a strategic partnership with China?
To compete effectively in the fast-paced global EV market, Mazda has strategically partnered with Chinese manufacturer Changan Automobile.
The 6e is essentially the EZ-6 from the Chinese market, built on a shared platform with Changan’s Deepal L07 liftback. While Mazda was responsible for the eye-catching 'Kodo: Soul of Motion' styling, Changan handles the core chassis and electronics. This collaboration allows Mazda to rapidly bring a competitive, long-range EV to market.
This joint venture is key to the 6e’s proposition. It combines Mazda’s expertise in design and handling (the concept of Jinba-Ittai – 'horse and rider as one') with the advanced, cost-effective EV technology coming out of China.
What should we expect from the Mazda 6e?
While final New Zealand specifications and pricing are yet to be announced, the model planned for our market and Australia gives us a solid expectation of what's coming:
| Feature | Detail | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Body Style | Five-door liftback (the rear glass opens with the boot, like the old Mazda6 hatch). | Five-door liftback (the rear glass opens with the boot, like the old Mazda6 hatch). |
| Drivetrain | Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD), single electric motor. | Rear-wheel drive (RWD), single electric motor. |
| Power/Torque | Power/Torque | 190kW / 320Nm (Est.). | 190kW / 320Nm (Est.). |
| Battery (Expected) | Battery (Expected) | 78kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP). | 78kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP). |
| Range (Claimed) | Range (Claimed) | More than 500km (WLTP cycle). | More than 500km (WLTP cycle). |
| Charging (Claimed) | Charging (Claimed) | DC fast charging from 30 to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes. | DC fast charging from 30 to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes. |
| Price (Estimated) | Price (Estimated) | Starting equivalent to around $62,000 NZD (based on Australian target pricing). | Starting equivalent to around $62,000 NZD (based on Australian target pricing). |
The interior marks a significant departure for Mazda. It moves away from physical controls towards a large central touchscreen, similar to its rivals, though it is expected to maintain a high level of fit and finish.
How will the Mazda 6e compare to other popular EV sedans?
The arrival of the 6e instantly heats up the mid-size electric sedan segment, which has been dominated by two key players. The 6e’s success will hinge entirely on how it stacks up on price, range, and crucially for Mazda fans, driving experience.
| Feature | Mazda 6e (Est.) | Tesla Model 3 RWD | BYD Seal Dynamic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (NZD) | Starting Price (NZD) | ~$62,000+ | ~$62,000+ | $63,900+ | $63,900+ | $55,990+ | $55,990+ |
| Range (WLTP) | Range (WLTP) | ~500km+ | ~500km+ | 513km | 513km | 460km | 460km |
| Power (kW) | Power (kW) | 190kW | 190kW | 208kW | 208kW | 150kW | 150kW |
| Key Selling Point | Key Selling Point | Premium Design and Jinba-Ittai driving feel. | Premium Design and Jinba-Ittai driving feel. | Technology, charging network, and performance. | Technology, charging network, and performance. | Value for money and features. | Value for money and features. |
| Body Style | Body Style | 5-door Liftback | 5-door Liftback | 4-door Sedan | 4-door Sedan | 4-door Sedan | 4-door Sedan |
The Mazda 6e's expected 500km+ range is highly competitive, matching or exceeding the standard Model 3. Its RWD, 190kW powertrain promises an engaging drive, though early reviews suggest that while it's comfortable and refined, it may lack the sharp 'zoom-zoom' agility that older petrol Mazda6 drivers are used to, thanks to the inherent weight of the batteries.
Why does the introduction of the Mazda 6e show positive signs for Kiwi car buyers?
Mazda’s decision to commit to a serious EV sedan, not a crossover, shows faith in a segment that has been neglected by other traditional manufacturers in Aotearoa.
The price point, expected to be in the low $60k range, puts the 6e in a direct competition with the volume sellers. The fact that Mazda is returning to a passenger car of this size after dropping the petrol Mazda6 at the start of 2024 is telling. The EV platform provides the opportunity to create a vehicle that is not only desirable but also economically viable.
For buyers on Trade Me Motors, the 6e offers a compelling third option:
- If you want cutting-edge tech and raw pace, you look at the Tesla Model 3.
- If you want maximum features for minimum dollar, you look at the BYD Seal.
- If you want world-class design, a comfortable ride, and the legacy of a great driver's car, the Mazda 6e is worth waiting for.
Despite the recent challenges in the wider EV market, namely the end of the Clean Car Discount and the introduction of Road User Charges, the new wave of long-range, affordable electric vehicles like the 6e suggests the market is simply adjusting. Value and range are still king, and the 6e delivers both while wrapping it up in a package that stays true to the Mazda brand's dedication to beautiful, well-crafted cars.
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