Mazda unveils its new EZ-6 electric sedan at the Beijing Auto Show

The China Auto Show in Beijing is one of the largest automotive events in the world. It brings together many players in the industry, who do not hesitate to come up with their hands full of new products. Opened for a few hours, it has already been the scene of several official unveilings: the Mini Aceman, the restyled BMW i4 and the Series 4 Gran Coupé, the Volkswagen ID.Code, the electric Mercedes G-Class… Mazda has been added to the list and two cars have been presented. : a large sedan about 5 meters long called EZ-6, and an electric SUV concept called Arata for now.

A Chinese sedan in disguise

Let’s start with the most concrete: EZ-6. This replaces the old Mazda 6, now retired, measuring 4.92 m in length, 1.89 m in width and 1.49 m in height. Its rear-wheel-drive design and fluid styling are clearly integrated into the Mazda world, with a few subtleties such as very narrow headlights that form a large grille or taillights that include circles like the rest of the range. However, this EZ-6 is the result of a partnership with the Chinese manufacturer Changan which distributes Mazda models in China. This can be seen from certain angles, such as the rear where the trunk looks very different from Mazda’s style. In fact, the Mazda EZ-6 is based on the Deepal SL03, a Chinese electric sedan produced by Changan since 2022 (see photo gallery).

Chic interior

Ditto on board, where the Japanese sedan takes over the dashboard of its technical twin. For example, it offers a 14.6-inch central screen (the largest ever used in a Mazda), digital instruments behind the steering wheel including a few touch buttons as well as a head-up display. The whole thing looks chic with colored leather and wood or aluminum inserts. The center console is large, and has climate controls on the rear screen to keep passengers in the second row entertained, as is customary in China.

100% hybrid electric or plug-in, your choice

Instead of being late on the electric side, Mazda is benefiting from Changan’s expertise on the technical side by using the EPA1 platform and its cousin’s engines. Mazda is currently not talking much about the technical characteristics, only mentioning the excellent 50:50 weight distribution, multi-link rear suspension or even an active rear spoiler to improve stability at high speeds. The sedan will be offered in two versions: a 100% electric version offering about 600 kilometers of autonomy according to China’s CLTC cycle, and a PHEV version thanks to a range extender (probably like our MX-30 REV in Europe) that can deliver up to kilometers 1,000 rows in one fuel tank.

Price and release date

Currently, this electric sedan is only planned for China, although arrival in Europe or other international markets cannot be ruled out. In any case, the sale in China is planned until the end of 2024, at a price that is still unknown.

Future SUV presented in concept form

On its stand, Mazda also presents the Arata. This concept shows the second electric car for China, this time in the form of an SUV. The design is a little closer to the world of Mazda, giving the Mazda 3 and CX-30 from some angles. The long hood, round back and grille shape are faithful to the Japanese manufacturer’s DNA, even if we consider new features such as this thin strip without a round feature. Apart from a few pictures, Mazda is not showing anything about this future car, which is expected in 2025.