Mazda Priced Its New CX-6e At $20,500 In China And Nearly Double That In Australia
The new electric SUV arrives in Australia priced below the Tesla Model Y, though it costs nearly twice as much as it does in China
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by Brad Anderson
The CX-6e comes exclusively with a 78 kWh battery and a rear motor.
Mazda Australia will sell the CX-6e in GT and Azami configurations.
Customer deliveries of the all-electric SUV will start in September.
As more Chinese-built EVs make their way into global markets, legacy brands are starting to blur traditional pricing expectations. Just a few months after Hyundai began selling its China-made Elexio in Australia, Mazda has launched its only all-electric SUV in the country, also built in China. The new CX-6e is positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and undercuts it on price, although there is no dual-motor version available.
Read: Mazda’s Global $16,800 Chinese SUV Makes America’s Cheapest Cars Look Overpriced
The is produced in China through the Changan Mazda joint venture and is closely related to the Deepal S07, which is already sold in Australia. Pricing for the entry-level GT starts at AU$53,990 (equal to US$38,000 at current rates) before on-road costs.
While it’s cheaper than the base Tesla Model Y Premium RWD that starts at AU$58,900 (US$41,500), it’s also nearly twice as expensive as the same model in China. There, the entry-level CX-6e EV starts at 139,900 yuan (US$20,500 or AU$28,900).
Chinese buyers also benefit from a lower entry point thanks to a range-extended version. It pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a smaller 31.7 kWh battery, effectively using the engine as a generator. That variant starts at 129,900 yuan (US$19,000 or AU$26,900), though it isn’t offered in Australia.
For their money, Australian buyers will get a sharp-looking SUV with a 78 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a rear-mounted electric motor with 255 hp (190 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm). Key features of the CX-6e GT include a huge 26.45-inch central infotainment and passenger display, 19-inch alloy wheels, radar cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 23-speaker audio system.
Tech-Filled, And Cheap
Those with a little more money to spend can opt for the CX-6e Azami, priced from AU$56,990 (US$40,100). It includes the same powertrain but adds digital wing mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and 21-inch alloy wheels.
Both models have a claimed driving range of 301 miles (484 km) over the combined cycle. Australia hasn’t published the CX-6e’s peak DC charging speed, but notes the battery can be charged from 30-80 percent in 15 minutes, which is decent yet far from class-leading.
No doubt in a bid to help boost early interest in the SUV, the first 1,000 customers who pre-order the CX-6e GT will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Azami. There is only one optional package, a Warm Beige interior trim available on both variants for AU$1,000 ($700).
