Mazda CX-80 – BMW X5 competition | automatically displayed

The large dimensions give the CX-80 a lot of space in the interior. Trunk volume is not lost at all, even with the third row of seats folded. In the third row there is room for adults only for short trips, children also feel comfortable there for a long time. In the second row, a three-seat bench or two individual seats with a large center console can be ordered. The space available here is royal.

The cockpit is then familiar from the CX-60. The CX-80 gets black chrome accents and revised navigation; Both are likely to find their way into the CX-60. The show in a large SUV is quality and appearance, especially in the Takumi equipment of the studio model. The materials are of very high quality and are processed with care, be it fabrics, leather, decorative seams or felt buttons. Many premium German manufacturers can make a difference here.

Too little technology on board?

Those who love technology will then have to cut back a bit. The digital device cannot display full-screen navigation maps or be customized in any way. The infotainment system provides the most important functions, nothing more and nothing less. What may seem archaic is intentional. The CX-80 is not intended to overwhelm the driver with work and sensory overload, but instead to focus on him and drive.

This also makes operation easier. There are buttons logically distributed throughout the cockpit for the most important functions. The CX-80 also offers a head-up color display and facial recognition that automatically adjusts all vehicle settings stored in this profile upon login.

Diesel and plug-in hybrid

When it comes to drivetrains, there are two options in the CX-80. First, a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder turbo diesel with 254 hp and 550 Nm of torque. It has a 48 V mild hybrid system that supports the combustion engine with 153 Nm of torque. The second in the group is a plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The drive has a system output of 327 hp and 500 Nm of system torque. According to WLTP, the 17.8 kWh battery has an electric range of 53 km. Both drivers come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

More driving assistants

The CX-80 offers more driving aids than the CX-60. These include emergency lane departure warning and avoidance assist, intelligent braking and collision avoidance assistance and new driver monitoring. It is also monitored to see if there is anything or someone in the back seats when you exit. If so, the driver is warned.

It’s not the biggest Mazda

The new CX-80 has the role of top model in Europe. In the USA there is also a larger CX-90 with up to eight seats. It is long, wide and has an independent structure, but it may be too big for Europe. On the other hand, we here would also like to see a six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine with 345 hp, which is offered in North America. But that may be wishful thinking.

Text and photos: Moritz Doka