My relationship with Mazda goes back further than many people might think. Back in 2011, I had my first really strong encounter with the brand when I took part in an ice race with the Mazda MX-5 on Lake Kallsjön, on the back side of Åreskutan. The conditions could hardly be better: bright sunshine, minus fifteen degrees centigrade and a mirror-shiny ice rink stretched across the lake.

In the pit area were 20 identical Mazda MX-5s in race-spec, equipped with a full cage, race exhaust system and full-size rally tyres. The track was a winding 4.9 kilometre stretch that offered both fast straights and technically demanding sections where precision and timing were crucial. A total of 160 drivers from 26 nations participated, sharing the cars, divided by national colours. I drove together with other Swedish and Polish drivers, all with different levels of driving experience.

The first day was spent training to get to know the car and its behaviour on ice. Even though I had driven on ice before, it was something completely different to go out in a full-scale racing context against a field of extremely eager enthusiasts. It was an intense and memorable experience, and also the first time Mazda really stuck with me as a brand with a clear focus on driving pleasure.

First encounter with Mazda 6

My relationship with Mazda deepened further in 2013, when I experienced Mazda 6 up close during the international test drive in Lisbon, Portugal, at the launch of the previous generation. It was the first time Mazda had fully combined its new Kodo design language with Skyactiv technology, and the whole made a strong impression.

The Mazda 6 Wagon in particular stood out with its elegant shape and its clear focus on both design and technology, something I wrote about in more detail in my article from the test drive at the time.

Mazda 6 through the years

Introduced back in 2002 as the successor to the Mazda 626, the Mazda 6 quickly built a reputation as one of the more fun-to-drive cars in the mid-range. During the 2020s, the model was phased out in several markets, before the name now returns in fully electric form. With the Mazda 6e, Mazda is entering the electric car era without completely abandoning its focus on design and driving feel.

A fresh Mazda memory - CX-80

Just over a year ago, at the beginning of 2025, I also test drove the then new Mazda CX-80. A model that clearly showed how Mazda has stepped up in the SUV segment with a focus on comfort, technology and a more pronounced premium feel. The CX-80 left a lasting impression with its well-balanced chassis, spacious interior and thoughtful equipment level, which I described in more detail in my article from the test drive, which you will find linked further down.

A new chapter for Mazda 6

The Mazda 6e marks a clear shift for both Mazda and the Mazda 6 model name. Where previous generations were classic mid-range cars with petrol and diesel engines, the 6e is an all-electric model that represents Mazda's entry into the D-segment for electric cars. The model is based on the Mazda EZ-6 and is developed in collaboration between Mazda and Changan, adapted for the European market both technically and design-wise.

The Mazda 6e is a pure electric car with rear-wheel drive, which sets it apart from many competitors in its class. The electric motor delivers around 258 horsepower and around 320 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes around 7.6 to 7.8 seconds depending on the version, while top speed is around 175 km/h. The focus is not on extreme performance figures, but on driving feel, chassis balance and linear power delivery, in line with Mazda's philosophy.

Batteries, charging and everyday use

The Mazda 6e is offered with two battery options. An LFP battery of around 68.8 kWh provides a range of around 480 to 500 kilometres according to the WLTP, while a larger NMC battery of around 80 kWh can provide over 550 kilometres WLTP in some versions. Fast charging takes place at up to around 200 kW DC, allowing charging from 10 to 80 per cent in around 20 to 25 minutes in good conditions. Three-phase AC charging makes the car well suited for everyday European use.

In terms of design, the Mazda 6e is a low and elegant five-door fastback with clear proportions and a design language that builds on Mazda's Kodo design, now in a more modern and stripped-down interpretation. The model is just under five metres long and has a long wheelbase that contributes to stability and generous interior space. The interior combines modern digital technology with a calm and refined look, focusing on comfort, quality of materials and an intuitive driving environment rather than maximising screen size.

Positioning in the segment

The Mazda 6e is positioned in a competitive segment alongside models such as the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, BMW i4 and Volkswagen ID.7. Unlike many competitors, Mazda places less emphasis on raw performance and more focus on overall feel, design and driver engagement.

The Mazda 6e is a rear-wheel drive electric car with around 258 hp and around 320 Nm of torque. Battery options are around 68.8 kWh and 80 kWh respectively, with a WLTP range between around 480 and over 550 kilometres. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is around 7.7 seconds and top speed is around 175 km/h.

Driving experience and overall feeling

In terms of driving, the Mazda 6e is a genuinely pleasant car to drive. The electric drive suits the model perfectly and contributes to a calm, soft and quiet overall that does very well in this segment. There is plenty of room in the back seat, but it is clear that the focus is on the driver and front passenger. This is Mazda all over again, with a clear prioritisation of driving position, balance and comfort rather than impressing with numbers on paper.

Sound experience and driver environment

The sound system comes from Sony and consists of 14 speakers, which provides a really good sound experience whether you are listening to music, podcasts or, as in my case, one of my own DJ mixes. Together with the well-insulated cabin and the sophisticated interior, it contributes to a relaxed and qualitative overall experience behind the wheel.

Executive summary

Overall, the Mazda 6e feels like a thoughtful and mature step into the electric era. Mazda has managed to retain its identity and focus on driving feel and design, rather than chasing extreme performance figures or quick headlines. The result is an electric car that feels balanced, harmonious and distinctly Mazda.

Technical specifications

Mazda 6e

Price: From around SEK 550 000

Engine: El

Effect: approx 258 hp, approx 320 Nm

Transmission: Rear-wheel drive

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h approx. 7.7 s

Top speed: about 175 km/h

Consumption (WLTP): about 16.5 kWh/100 km (equivalent to ~1.65 kWh/mile)

Scope: up to about 550 km (WLTP)

Service weight: about 1 950 kg

Dimensions (length/width/height): approx 4 920 / 1 890 / 1 480 mm