Mazda is finally doing it. After years of being teased by concepts and the short-lived MX-30 that barely got anyone across a county line, the Mazda EZ-60 electric crossover has officially broken cover. But there is a massive catch that has car enthusiasts and industry analysts arguing in the comments sections: it isn’t exactly a "pure" Mazda in the way we’ve known them for decades.
Developed through a deep-dive partnership with Chinese giant Changan, the EZ-60 is a fascinating, slightly controversial blend of Japanese "Kodo" aesthetics and Chinese electric underpinnings. Basically, it’s Mazda’s attempt to stay relevant in an EV market that has been moving way faster than they have. If you’ve been waiting for a Mazda that can actually challenge the Tesla Model Y on range and tech, this is the car, but the story behind it is anything but simple.
What is the Mazda EZ-60 anyway?
Let's get the logistics out of the way first. This isn't just a prototype gathering dust on a rotating stage. The Mazda EZ-60 electric crossover developed with Changan is a production-ready reality. It actually debuted at Auto Shanghai 2025 and is now rolling out into the world for 2026. For those of us in Europe or Australia, you might see it badged as the Mazda CX-6e, but it’s the same machine underneath.
It is built on Changan’s EPA1 platform, which is the same architecture used for the Deepal S07. This is where the debate starts. Some purists say it’s a rebadged Changan. Mazda says it’s a collaboration where they’ve infused their signature Jinba-ittai (the "horse and rider as one" philosophy) into the suspension and steering feel. Honestly, who’s right? Probably both of them.
The dimensions are substantial. At 4,850 mm long (about 191 inches), it’s actually a bit longer than a Tesla Model Y. It sits in that sweet spot between a CX-5 and a CX-60. It looks like a Mazda, too. You get the slim LED lights, the "Future + Soul" design language, and that unmistakable flowing silhouette. But then you open the door, and things get weird—in a very high-tech way.
The specs that actually matter
For a long time, Mazda EVs were synonymous with "not enough range." The EZ-60 changes that narrative completely. Here is a look at what’s powering the Chinese and global versions:
- Battery Power: The pure EV version generally packs a 78 kWh LFP battery. In Europe, they're claiming a WLTP range of up to 484 km (300 miles).
- The Powerplant: A rear-mounted motor pushing 190 kW (258 hp). It’s not a supercar, but a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 7.9 seconds is plenty for a family hauler.
- The Range Extender (EREV): This is the wild card. In certain markets, Mazda offers a version with a 1.5L gasoline engine that never touches the wheels. It just acts as a generator. Combined, you’re looking at over 1,000 km (620 miles) of total range.
- Charging Speed: It supports 195 kW DC fast charging. That means 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes. Not industry-leading, but certainly not embarrassing.
Why this partnership with Changan is a big deal
You might be wondering why Mazda didn't just build this themselves in Hiroshima. The reality of the 2026 automotive landscape is that developing an EV platform from scratch costs billions, and Mazda is a relatively small player compared to the Toyotas and Volkswagens of the world. By partnering with Changan, Mazda gets access to a mature, proven EV supply chain.
Changan provides the "digital soul"—the battery, the motor, and the massive 26.45-inch 5K screen that dominates the dashboard. Mazda provides the "analog soul"—the seat comfort, the interior materials, and the way the dampers react to a pothole. It’s a marriage of convenience that allows Mazda to get a competitive EV into showrooms years earlier than they could have on their own.
The interior is a massive departure
If you've sat in a CX-5 or a Mazda3 recently, you know they love buttons. Knobs. Tactile feedback. The EZ-60 throws a lot of that out the window. It is dominated by screens. Beyond that 26-inch center display, there’s an available 100-inch augmented reality 3D head-up display.
It’s definitely "un-Mazda-like" in its tech-heaviness. You get zero-gravity seats, 23 speakers with Dolby Atmos, and even speakers in the headrests so the driver and passenger can listen to different things. It feels more like a Silicon Valley product than a traditional Japanese car.
Where can you actually buy it?
Here is the frustrating part for some. The Mazda EZ-60 electric crossover is primarily a global play focused on China, Europe, and Oceania.
- China: Already on sale as the EZ-60. It’s being produced in Nanjing.
- Europe: Launching in Summer 2026 as the CX-6e. It debuted at the Brussels Motor Show recently.
- Australia/New Zealand: Expected late 2026.
- USA/Canada: Currently, there are no plans to bring this specific model to North America.
Why skip the US? Tariffs and regulations on Chinese-made vehicles make it a logistical nightmare. Mazda is reportedly working on a separate EV specifically for the North American market, expected around 2027 or 2028, which will likely be built in Alabama or Japan.
Is the EZ-60 actually a "real" Mazda?
This is the question everyone asks. If you look at the specs, it’s a Changan EPA1. If you look at the VIN, it comes from a Changan-Mazda plant. But if you look at the styling—the "Kodo" creases and the way the light hits the paint—it's 100% Mazda.
Critics argue that Mazda is losing its identity by "outsourcing" its flagship EV. But let’s be real: the alternative was Mazda potentially disappearing from the EV conversation entirely. By leveraging Changan’s tech, they’ve created a car that has the range and features people actually want today.
Actionable insights for potential buyers
If you’re in a market where the EZ-60 (or CX-6e) is launching, here is how you should approach it:
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- Evaluate the EREV option: If you live in an area with spotty charging, the range-extender version is the sweet spot. It gives you the EV driving feel without the range anxiety.
- Test the tech: Because this uses Changan’s software architecture, the interface is different from the Mazda Connect system you might be used to. Spend time with the 26-inch screen to see if you actually like the touch-heavy layout.
- Check the dimensions: This is a big vehicle. It’s wider than many traditional Mazdas. Make sure your garage or parking spot can handle the 1,935 mm width.
- Consider the resale: Since this is a joint venture car, its long-term depreciation might behave differently than a standard Japan-built Mazda.
The EZ-60 isn't just a new car; it's a pivot point for a brand that has always marched to the beat of its own drum. It might not be the "purest" Mazda ever made, but it’s the most competitive one we’ve seen in years.
Next steps for you:
Look up the local pricing for the Mazda CX-6e if you are in Europe, or keep an eye on the 2027 US-specific EV announcements if you're in North America.