Mazda has found a new way to enter the electric vehicle market. Instead of trying to develop its own electric models, the company has partnered with a Chinese automaker and rebranded an existing model. The result is the Mazda 6e, which has surprised many with its quality and performance.
A New Approach for Mazda
Mazda’s previous attempt at an electric vehicle, the MX-30, was not successful. Despite its stylish design and the inclusion of a rotary-engine range extender, it failed to attract enough buyers. Rather than investing heavily in developing a new electric model from scratch, Mazda made a strategic decision to collaborate with Changan, one of China’s top car manufacturers. This partnership led to the creation of the Mazda 6e, which is essentially a rebranded version of the Changan Deepal L07.
The 6e was one of the eight vehicles driven during the Eurocharge 2025 EV road trip, which took participants from Romania through the Alps and back. Driving the 6e was one of the most pleasant surprises of the trip, following the Hyundai Inster, which will be covered in a separate article.
Soul Red Meets China
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
The Mazda 6e is a joint venture between Mazda and Changan. It is based on the Changan Deepal L07 and features a rear-wheel-drive layout. One of the standout features of the 6e is its handling on winding mountain roads, which is impressive for an electric vehicle.
The exterior design of the 6e is a blend of Changan’s original design and Mazda’s Kodo design language. While it retains the proportions of the Deepal L07, including its unique rear end with high-set lights, the design elements are updated to reflect Mazda’s signature style. The car also features separate daytime running lights and smaller headlight projectors, which are integrated into the black part of the fascia.
The Soul Red Crystal paint on the 6e is particularly striking. It makes the car stand out and even attracted attention from strangers who asked about it. One motorcyclist even praised the car while stuck in traffic on a Swiss mountain pass.
Interior Design and Comfort
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
The interior of the 6e is somewhat generic but still manages to feel premium. The focal point is a large 14.6-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. The rest of the interior design attempts to mimic a traditional Mazda cabin, although the hardpoints remain similar to those of the Changan model.
The top-of-the-range trim features real leather and suede upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the otherwise standard cabin. However, there are some areas where the materials could be improved, such as the lower parts of the interior, which have hard and scratchy plastic surfaces.
One of the main issues with the 6e is the driving position. The raised floor, which houses the battery, prevents the front seats from being placed low enough for a driver to feel connected to the car. This results in a less-than-ideal driving experience, especially for long-distance travel. Additionally, the steering wheel does not offer enough reach adjustment, making it difficult to find a comfortable position.
Despite these issues, the 6e offers ample rear legroom and practicality. It includes a 2.5 cubic-foot (72-liter) frunk and a 16.5 cu-ft (466-liter) trunk that can expand to almost 38 cu-ft (1,074 liters) when the rear seats are folded down.
Performance and Handling
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
The 6e is available with two battery options: a 68.8 kWh LFP pack and an 80 kWh NMC pack. The smaller battery offers a WLTP range of 298 miles, while the larger battery extends this to 343 miles. During testing, the real-world range varied depending on driving conditions, with a high of 267 miles and a low of 180 miles.
Charging the 6e is relatively quick, with a 400 kW station able to charge the car from 23% to 100% in 41 minutes. The average charging rate was around 88 kW, and the car showed good efficiency during the Eurocharge 2025 trip.
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
The 6e handles well on both highways and twisty roads. Its rear-wheel-drive setup provides a planted feel, and the steering is precise and rewarding for sporty driving. The suspension is stiff, which can transmit road imperfections to the cabin, but it still delivers a fun and engaging driving experience.
Final Thoughts
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
The Mazda 6e is a surprising success for Mazda. It looks great, drives well, and offers a premium feel despite its Chinese origins. With a starting price of €43,500 ($51,120), it may not be the cheapest option, but it is a compelling choice for those looking for a stylish and fun electric vehicle.
The 6e is an experiment for Mazda, and it seems to have paid off. It is a far better and more serious EV than the MX-30 and could potentially attract both Mazda enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
Key Specifications
- EV Range: 298 miles WLTP
- As-Tested Price: €47,290
- Base Price: €44,290
- Battery: 68.8 kWh (gross) LFP
- Drive Type: RWD
- Output: 255 hp
- Maximum Torque: 236 lb-ft
- Speed 0-62 MPH: 7.6 seconds
- Maximum Speed: 109 mph
- Charge Time: 10-80% in 22 minutes
- Charge Type: CCS @ 165 kW
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
Photo by: Ciprian Mihai/Autocritica
