Mazda CX-6e lands in Australia from $53,990 with 2000-plus pre-orders and top-seller ambitions

Mazda's new electric SUV is in dealerships now

The 2027 Mazda CX-6e has arrived in Australian dealerships, marking the second electric model from the brand's partnership with Chinese manufacturer Changan following the 6e liftback. As Chasing Cars reports from the launch, the mid-size electric SUV carries list prices of $53,990 for the entry GT and $56,990 for the flagship Azami, both before on-road costs. Chasing Cars quotes $56,990 drive-away (except in Western Australia), noting the sharper pricing versus Mazda's short-lived MX-30 electric is a direct result of the car's Chinese origin. ¹⁴

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told Chasing Cars at the launch that the CX-6e "potentially could" become the brand's number one seller in Australia, "but it depends on these external factors that are driving EV demand". He pointed to incentives and fuel prices as accelerants that pushed EV demand beyond the early-adopter phase, adding that if those external factors remain, it is "potentially likely" the CX-6e could become Mazda's top seller. ¹

In remarks to CarExpert, Bhindi — whom the publication identifies as Mazda Australia CEO — was more specific: "I think the CX-6e potentially has the ability to grow to 1000 per month", while again cautioning that the figure is driven by fuel prices and tax incentives. CarExpert's own analysis notes that, should that prediction hold, the CX-6e would rank fourth among Australia's best-selling EVs on current monthly averages, behind the Tesla Model Y (20,936 sales year to date to the end of June), BYD Sealion 7 (12,516) and Geely EX5 (6756). CarExpert separately reports Mazda sees potential for CX-6e sales of up to 12,000 per year, which would make it the brand's second best-selling model and the third best-selling EV in Australia. ²³

Pre-orders, conquest sales and the CX-5 question

Mazda Australia ran what CarExpert describes as its most successful pre-order program in history. The publication reports the brand launched a special pre-launch offer back in March, promising a complimentary upgrade to the $3000-dearer Azami flagship for the first 1000 customers to order a CX-6e GT; all 1000 upgrades were claimed within weeks. Chasing Cars adds that, combined with a $2000 cashback deal for novated lease buyers, the pre-order list has swollen beyond 2000 buyers, though it notes the free Azami upgrade is now exhausted. ¹²

Of those pre-orders, CarExpert reports 56 per cent came from customers new to Mazda, with 44 per cent from returning buyers. Bhindi told CarExpert that strong conquest demand across both the 6e and CX-6e has surprised Mazda, and he does not believe the CX-6e will cannibalise the petrol CX-5 — Mazda's current best-seller. "I believe we've gone past a point of no return when it comes to electrification and full battery-electric powertrains becoming more acceptable rather than more niche," he told CarExpert. ²

For context, Chasing Cars reports the CX-5 was Mazda's best-selling model last month with 1435 registrations according to VFACTS, available only with a 132kW/242Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder. Chasing Cars also notes the wider EV market's momentum: EVs took 24.2 per cent of September's market share, rising to nearly 30 per cent of SUV deliveries. ¹

How it undercuts the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X

CarExpert's pricing comparison shows the base CX-6e GT at $53,990 before on-road costs undercuts the base Tesla Model Y (from $58,900) by $4910, the base BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990) by $1000 and the base Zeekr 7X (from $57,900) by $3910. Chasing Cars separately highlights that the GT is near parity with the petrol CX-5 Akera ($54,990 before on-road costs) despite being electric, more powerful, faster and larger. ¹³

On how such pricing was achieved, Bhindi told Chasing Cars that Chinese government support for its industry — comparable to past Australian support for local manufacturing — is "influencing the value package" and that Mazda is benefiting from it. He added that the car, brand and customer confidence must still make the difference. CarExpert notes the CX-6e shares its platform with both the 6e and the Deepal S07, the latter sold in Australia from $47,990 drive-away. ¹²

CarExpert cautions that the fast-moving EV market makes it hard to know whether the CX-6e will remain strong value, pointing to the competing Nissan Ariya, which can now be had from $42,990 drive-away after opening from $54,840 plus on-road costs not long ago. ³

Specifications, equipment and practicality

Both grades are powered by a 190kW/290Nm rear-mounted electric motor fed by a 78kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, with claimed WLTP range of up to 484km, according to CarExpert's specifications. Chasing Cars quotes range figures of 483km WLTP for the GT and 468km for the Azami — a slight difference between the two outlets' figures for the flagship. CarExpert lists claimed 0–100km/h at 7.9 seconds, kerb weight of 2155kg, an 11kW AC maximum charge rate, a 194kW DC peak and 1500kg braked towing capacity, with claimed consumption of 18.9kWh/100km (GT) and 19.4kWh/100km (Azami). On charging times, Mazda claims 30-to-80 per cent DC fast charging in as little as 15 minutes, while Chasing Cars says Mazda also quotes a 10-to-80 per cent jump in 24 minutes. ³⁴

Standard equipment on the GT, per CarExpert, includes 19-inch Michelin ePrimacy-shod alloys, a 26.45-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50-inch head-up display, a 23-speaker sound system, panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, hands-free power tailgate and leatherette upholstery. The Azami adds only 21-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and digital exterior and rear-view mirrors, which CarExpert criticises as underwhelming upgrades for the $3000 premium. ³

Practicality figures from CarExpert's specifications show a 363-litre boot with the rear seats up (including under-floor storage), expanding to 956 litres folded (1434 litres to the ceiling) — and Chasing Cars notes that volume is significantly smaller than a CX-5 or Toyota RAV4, though the load bay looks larger than the on-paper figure. There is also an 83-litre under-bonnet compartment CarExpert and Chasing Cars both describe as the ideal spot for charging cables, and no spare wheel — Mazda supplies a tyre repair kit. ³⁴

Chasing Cars adds the only options are Warm Beige upholstery at $1000 and premium paint at $995 (including new Nightall Violet), with metallic paint standard. It also notes vehicle-to-load capability with an included adapter at up to 3.5kW, servicing every 12 months or 20,000km at $1860 for five years/100,000km, and Mazda's five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with eight years on the battery and high-voltage electrics. ⁴

What the first drives reveal

In its first drive, Chasing Cars credits Mazda with extensively reworking the Changan/Deepal EPA1 platform — revised suspension, NVH, steering, motors, battery, software, structural rigidity and corrosion resistance versus the Deepal S07 — noting the CX-6e shares no body panels or glasshouse with its Chinese relation, though it uses a very similar wheelbase. The publication found a firm, supportive brake pedal, a more composed ride than rivals such as the Sealion 7 or Xpeng G6, and better ride quality on the GT's 19-inch wheels than the Azami's "crashier" 21s. ⁴

Chasing Cars observed real-world consumption of 15.3kWh/100km in the GT (about 510km of range) and 16.7kWh/100km in the Azami (about 467km), meaning the CX-6e bettered its claimed range on smaller wheels and matched it on larger ones. Its verdict: an impressive Chinese-built, five-seat family EV at this price, but one that "as a Mazda… needs time and attention to mature", particularly the touchscreen user interface. ⁴

CarExpert's quick drive praises the head-turning price, striking styling and spacious second row, but flags a "pointless passenger display" and underwhelming Azami upgrades. It notes the 23-speaker system delivers a better audio experience than just about any SUV at this price point — the equivalent Model Y, 7X and Sealion 7 all have 12 speakers or fewer — though Chasing Cars found the system thin and digital in real-world listening. ³⁴

Both outlets describe an interior where nearly everything runs through the huge central touchscreen. Chasing Cars reports the passenger-side screen section is severely limited in Australia — unable to stream video as the Chinese-market EZ-60 version can — pending Mazda sorting in-car internet connectivity. Neither ANCAP nor Euro NCAP has yet assessed the CX-6e, as CarExpert and Chasing Cars both note; Chasing Cars points out the related 6e sedan scored five stars in its 2025 crash test. ³⁴