Mazda CX-80: a newcomer who wants to follow in the footsteps of Mercedes and BMW

The new Mazda CX-80 SUV aims to carve out a niche for itself in an already busy market thanks to the services promised at the level of premium brands. The extended, six- or seven-seat version of the CX-60 now plays the role of standard-bearer for Mazda’s European range.

The CX-80 is a large SUV with a length of 4.99 m, more or less the length of a Mercedes GLE, BMW X5 or Audi Q7. Its styling is close to that of the CX-60 with which it shares its front end. 25 cm more than the CX-80 compared to its younger brother is combined with its increased wheelbase, which reaches 3.12 m. The length of the overhangs does not change. The rear end is certainly different from that of the CX-60, but the style remains close. The CX-80, however, exhibits slightly stronger lines, especially at the level of its traditional quarter panel.

The interior uses the very nice dashboard of the CX-60 which, depending on the version, can receive open materials like one can see on a Volvo dashboard.

It is only from the second row that the CX-80 makes its differences. It offers a three-seat configuration, including two six-seaters and one seven-seater. In the six-seater version, the second-row seats are separated by the option of a central console or with a passage to access the third row, while the sliding seat is installed in the six-seater version. The last two seats can be folded back into the trunk floor.

The boot volume reaches 258 l when the row of three seats is installed, or 687 l when they are folded.

Diesel or plug-in hybrid, but only in 4×4

To compete with the premium brands, the Mazda CX-80 has powerful engines. It inherits the more powerful diesel version of the CX-60, with a 3.3-liter turbo cylinder engine with 254 hp and 48 V hybrid. 2.5 liter four-cylinder and electric motor, with a maximum power of 327 hp. The maximum torque reaches 500 Nm. The 17.8 kWh battery here claims an electric range of 60 km, which is quite low compared to the hybrid competitors of the CX-80.

In both diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, the CX-80 has an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Whatever engine is chosen, its engine is in a longitudinal position and its permanent wheel drive gives priority to the rear wheels. If the CX-60 offers an entry-level version with two wheels, this is not the case for the CX-80 which requires a 4×4 transmission.

Mazda will open the order book for the CX-80 in May. It will be priced from €63,100, or around €20,000 cheaper than its flagship competitors. Mazda is also used to offering a more standard equipment package than premium German manufacturers.