The Mazda6 Gets a Shock: The mid-size sedan is now an electric fastback

The Mazda6e is a sleek all-electric fastback with 560km of range, 258hp and enough Japanese flair to make electrification feel rather less clinical

Singapore – The Mazda6 has always occupied an interesting space in the automotive world. It was never quite the German executive express, nor was it trying to be one. Instead, it offered something rather more Japanese: handsome styling, a good chassis and the slightly stubborn belief that a family car should still be interesting to drive.

The replacement for the Mazda6 has been long overdue, as their midsize sedan had held the fort for over a decade.

The all-new Mazda6e, Mazda’s first all-electric fastback, has officially opened its order books in Singapore following its public preview earlier this year. Unveiled at Mazda’s Suntec Roadshow, the electric fastback marks the return of the Mazda6 nameplate in a considerably more electrified form.

And yes, it looks rather handsome.

The Mazda6 goes electric

The Mazda6e represents Mazda’s interpretation of what an electric executive fastback should look like, with the company applying its familiar Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy to a battery-powered car.

The result is a low-slung five-door with a flowing roofline, short rear deck and proportions that gives it a coupe silhouette rather than a conventional sedan.

The play on negative space, frameless doors, and a distinctive illuminated grille bearing the new interpretation of the Mazda Signature Wing, visually ties the new 6e with the rest of the Mazda family. Around the back, a full-width-looking LED lighting signature and Mazda lettering replace the more traditional rear badge.

As a party trick, Mazda has included an electronically retractable rear spoiler that deploys at speed for additional downforce and stability.Because apparently even family EVs need a little drama.

A cabin built around Japanese minimalism

The cabin is inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’, which focuses on the beauty of open space. A panoramic glass roof floods the interior with natural light, while a floating centre console and instrument panel help create a more spacious, uncluttered environment.

For the driver, the Mazda 6e is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, further supported by augmented-reality head-up display. The 14.6-inch infotainment features voice recognition and gesture control. There is also a 14-speaker Sony premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree view monitor with See-Through View.

The higher-spec GT variant goes a little more upmarket with Tan Nappa leather and suede upholstery, quilting and a two-tone leather steering wheel, while both versions feature a panoramic glass roof and power tailgate. The ventilated front seats and PM2.5-filtered dual-zone climate control are a plus in tropical Singapore.

258hp, rear-wheel drive and 560km of range

Underneath all that Kodo sculpture sits a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate battery powering a single electric motor.

The Mazda6e produces 258hp (190kW)and 290Nm of torque, with drive sent to the rear wheels.

That is enough to propel the 2,015kg fastback from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds, before topping out at 175km/h. WLTP range is rated at 560km, while claimed energy consumption stands at 16.1kWh/100km.

Mazda is also making a point about the battery chemistry. The LFP pack is free of rare earth elements and does not use cobalt or nickel, with Mazda highlighting its durability, safety and environmental advantages.

And when the battery does eventually need topping up, the Mazda6e supports DC charging at up to 194kW. A 10-80 per cent charge takes just 24 minutes, while Mazda says up to 270km of range can be added in 15 minutes.

Mazda still wants you to enjoy driving

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Mazda6e isn’t the battery, the screens or even the 560km range.

It is the fact that Mazda still stresses about the relationship between driver and machine. Mazda terms this as their Jinba Ittai philosophy.

Mr Jason Lim, Managing Director of Trans Eurokars Mazda, says: “Electrification represents a defining new era for mobility, and the Mazda6e is the defining moment in Mazda’s journey forward. It brings Mazda’s distinctive Kodo design philosophy into an all-electric form, combining flowing proportions and purposeful details with a modern fastback silhouette.

“At the same time, the Mazda6e remains guided by Jinba Ittai, Mazda’s belief in the close connection between driver and machine. Since unveiling at the Singapore Motorshow earlier in January, interest levels have been very encouraging, and with order books now open, we are excited for customers in Singapore to experience an electric vehicle that remains unmistakably Mazda.”