THE IDEAL MAZDA6 REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN SPIED

Spy photographers have gotten closer than ever to Mazda's upcoming EZ-6 sedan. What makes it different this time around is that even though Mazda has completely unveiled its electrified sedan in China, this prototype is still wearing a full cloak of camouflage. Not something we'd expect to see unless there was more than meets the eye.

That it is still in disguise while testing in Germany means something - that there are still things Mazda still wants to hide, and those hidden details are important. It shows this is the European model of the car, and with Mazda calling it a global model, it could also be the American version of the car, which would be a fine replacement for the long-gone Mazda6.

Why Is It Hidden When It Was Already Revealed?

This isn't the same car we've spied testing before. At least it's not wearing the same license plates or the same camo. While the car we saw testing earlier this year was wearing German number plates, despite being photographed in Germany, this one is wearing temporary license plates from Sweden. That combination could be quite meaningful. To start, Mazda's European R&D center is in the German state of Hesse. If this is the Euro-spec car, it makes sense that it would be spotted in that area.

Swedish plates likely mean that the car is headed there (or has been there) for winter testing. The northern reaches of that country are home to multiple new vehicle test facilities that take advantage of the extended cold temperatures. We know the car will be going on sale in Europe, but Swedish testing lends credibility to the North American availability as well.

The Japanese automaker has trademarked the 6e name, which would better fit with its North American marketing than the EZ-6 badge would. With Mazda selling plenty of crossovers but lacking in electrified vehicles, even bringing just the EREV model and pitching it as a PHEV could help it meet its emissions and fuel economy requirements.

Of course, that doesn't solve the problem of where to build it. Selling an EV from China in the US would come with 102 percent tariffs, tariffs that don't seem likely to disappear anytime soon. Mazda could bring it from Europe with smaller penalties (for now). Its only current US plant is a joint venture with Toyota, which builds the CX-50 SUV.

What Is The Mazda EZ-6?

Mazda revealed the EZ-6 sedan in China in October as the brand's replacement for the Mazda6 sedan. As revealed, it looks almost identical to the concept car Mazda showed off in early 2024. Props to Mazda for bringing concept car looks to market (which gives us hope for the Iconic SP sports car!).

The EZ-6 will be offered with a fully electric powertrain. It will also be available as an extended-range electric vehicle, one with a small gas engine to charge the battery.

Mazda said to expect 298 miles of range on the (generous) CLTC test cycle with a 56.1 kWh battery or 372 miles with a 68.8 kWh pack. Both offer a 255 horsepower motor on the rear axle and can charge from 30-80 percent in 15 minutes.

A 215-horsepower electric motor in the EREV model gives the liftback sedan up to 124 miles on a charge. Fire up the 94 horsepower 1.5-liter engine as a generator and it can go up to 808 miles before needing a plug or a pump. The latter would be ideal for the US market, where acceptance of EVs is hitting roadblocks but the demand for hybrids is high. With a starting price in China of just $20k, this could be just the ticket for Mazda sedan buyers stateside.

2024-11-22T07:50:55Z