XXL version of the CX-60 that is not like it (video presentation)

Did you like the Mazda CX-60? You’ll love the CX-80. Because the new Japanese 7-seater SUV is very similar to the five-seater version that appeared last year. Finally, it is the same within 25 cm, the necessary extension for the accommodation of the third row of seats, while saving a minimum amount of space in the trunk.

And it’s a real tour that Joe Stenuit, director of its design Mazda Europe hanged. Because we only see fire. THE “toughness of grace” (elegant stability) since designers, especially at Mazda, like to mix with words and concepts, they are always there. We think that durability is shown here by the large grille. As for the aesthetics, it can be a person with a lamp finish to create a common face between the two models.

But it’s not just the lights that give off the finesse. The profile also plays its part with the CX-80’s sleek lines, such as its short length of 1.70 meters, makes this 4.99 meter big baby look like a water sedan in a station wagon version, rather than an SUV designed as a safe.

But it is inside, and especially in the back seats, that the CX-80 emphasizes its place, that of premium. Even more than its brother CX-60 that showed this change of direction, this large SUV gives a signal: Mazda, which does not know which foot to play, between generalist and high-end, is over. From now on, the Japanese want to keep up with BMW, Audi and Mercedes, so to speak. And the field of very large SUVs, at the moment, is really their kingdom.

Nappa leather, maple wood, gilded fabric, the atmosphere on the dashboard is pleasant, but be careful: there is no bling-bling in the Mazda. Takumi’s end of the range is more “quiet luxury”. Excuse me? It’s about this trend style discreet luxury. We wear simple clothes, but made of chic materials and often signed by big names like Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli or Stella McCartney. We don’t wear Zara, in short, but only those featured.

It remains to convince buyers of BMW’s annoying details: these finishes under the dashboard are not at all standard, or this eternal screen that, specific to the brand, is sensitive to touch only when stationary. A 12.3-inch screen, exactly the same size as the one sitting in front of the driver to remind him of various driving information.

This driver who, even lending his CX-80 to his mother-in-law who always messes up everything, will find his seat or steering position thanks to facial recognition. Even the recommended radio and air conditioning temperature will be automatically reset to the owner’s preferences.

To gauge the difference between the CX-60 and CX-80, we’re asked to move back

But as we said, these different pieces of equipment, like the majority of the driving equipment, are the same as those of the CX-80. On the other hand, it is in the back seats that the gap between the two models increases. Extended doors enable access in high-leg limousine style. The bench seat, sliding 12 cm, is rather welcoming and leaves enough space for the feet. Above all, it is adapted according to the wishes of the customers. Because they can choose a standard 3-seater bench seat, or an option “captain’s seat” two separate seats, which can even carry a central console.

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Separate the bench or seats, you will have to fold them to reach the third row. Obviously, tall people will have to find refuge elsewhere, not because of weakness in terms of ceiling height, which is quite correct, but to avoid taking the vacation route with their knees under their chin. The fact remains that these two third-row seats are comfortable and no less practical than those of the competition. They even allow you to keep a small trunk of 258 liters, close to the size of a Suzuki Swift city car.

Of course, putting 7 people’s luggage in it is a fantasy. On the other hand, when this third row of seats is closed (very easily) it provides a large trunk, of 687 liters, which has the only drawback of not being completely flat.

Obviously, for a premium, like the one Mazda is trying to achieve, to be efficient, you need engines that are up to the task. As in the CX-60, there are two of them. We get a 3.3 l e-Skyactiv D diesel with 254 hp and a 2.5 l e-Skyactiv PHEV plug-in hybrid with 327 hp.

The performance of these two blocks is obviously penalized by the additional weight of almost a hundred kilograms of the CX-80 compared to its younger brother. It tops out at 2,240 tonnes in the PHEV version, which of course limits the already unimpressive performance of the CX-60 plug-in a bit. As for the diesel, it should suffer a little from gaining this weight, its torque of 550 Nm making it possible to demolish a slightly lighter crew with precision, even if it also exceeds two tons.

However, these shows will remain on display during the tests that should take place in September, with an immediate sale. Prices start at 63,100 euros, an increase of between 3,950 and 4,400 euros compared to the CX-60. Orders will open from May.