Mazda’s 2026 6e electric sedan promises a fun-to-drive alternative to the Tesla Model 3, with up to 345 miles range and RWD dynamics. Our pre-production quick drive reveals strong bones but room for suspension tweaks—pricing under $55K AUD could shake up the EV market.
Mazda’s long-awaited electric revival of the beloved 6 sedan arrives as the 2026 6e, a rear-wheel-drive fastback built on a shared platform with Chinese partner Changan (sold as the Deepal EZ-6 there). We got behind the wheel of a left-hand-drive pre-production model at a proving ground ahead of its mid-2026 Australian launch, putting it through its paces against the segment’s EV benchmark: Tesla’s Model 3. Spoiler: While it’s not flawless yet, the 6e channels Mazda’s signature driver engagement in a package that could lure traditional sedan fans to electrification.
Priced below $55,000 AUD before on-roads—undercutting the Model 3 RWD’s $54,900 drive-away—the 6e enters a crowded field dominated by Tesla and BYD’s Seal. It’s not just badge-engineered; Mazda’s team is retuning the suspension for local roads, aiming to deliver the “zoom-zoom” ethos in EV form. Our brief spins on twisty tracks and straight-line blasts suggest it’s off to a solid start.
First Impressions: Design and Build – Kodo Meets Minimalism
From the outside, the 6e nails Mazda’s Kodo design language: sleek lines, a low-slung profile (1,480mm height), and a fastback roofline that echoes the original 6’s elegance. At 4,990mm long with a 2,975mm wheelbase, it’s larger than the old 6, offering limo-like rear space (up to 330L boot plus 70L frunk). The panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, and 19-inch alloys give it a planted stance.
Inside, it’s a departure from Mazda’s button-heavy cabins—think CX-60 luxury meets Chinese minimalism. A massive 14.6-inch central touchscreen dominates, paired with a 10.2-inch digital cluster and AR head-up display. Materials feel premium: soft-touch plastics, leatherette seats with ventilation, and ambient lighting. However, the screen-heavy setup relies on haptic controls, which could frustrate in gloves. Rear passengers get USB-C ports and climate vents, but no dedicated screen.
No ANCAP rating yet, but it’s packed with Level 2+ ADAS: adaptive cruise, lane-keep (calibration TBD for Aussie roads), and a 360-camera. One niggle: Driver monitoring might prove intrusive, a common Chinese EV quirk.
Powertrain and Performance: Smooth, Not Scorching
Two battery options define the lineup: The base 68.8kWh pack pairs with a 190kW (258hp) rear motor for 479km WLTP range, 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds, and 175km/h top speed. The long-range 80kWh variant ups range to 555km (345 miles) but dials power to 178kW (241hp) for a 7.8-second sprint—torque holds at 320Nm across both.
In our drive, the 68.8kWh model felt peppy off the line, with instant EV shove pinning you back without drama. RWD bias shines on corners: Balanced weight distribution (near 50/50) and precise steering (not MX-5 sharp, but engaging) make it more fun than a Polestar 2. Regen braking is tunable, and one-pedal mode works seamlessly. Charging? 200kW DC nets 10-80% in 22 minutes or 233km in 15—competitive, though no V2L outlet.
Highway cruising is hushed, with minimal wind noise and a compliant ride. But the suspension—still in tuning phase—felt floaty over bumps, lacking the old 6’s poise. Mazda Australia’s engineers promise fixes; if dialed in, this could be a corner-carver.
- Key Specs: Range: 479-555km WLTP; Power: 178-190kW; Torque: 320Nm; Efficiency: ~15kWh/100km; Wheels: 19-inch alloys.
- Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport—Sport sharpens throttle without gimmicks.
Quick Drive Verdict: Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Road Ahead
Our hour-plus session on sealed roads and a skid pan confirmed the 6e’s potential: Quiet refinement, intuitive one-pedal driving, and that Mazda steering feedback make it a joy for EV skeptics. It’s more engaging than the clinical Model 3, with better rear space than the Seal. Brakes blend seamlessly, and the cabin’s quality punches above its price.
Drawbacks? Pre-prod kinks like overly firm seats and uncalibrated ADAS nags need ironing out. No AWD option yet (coming later?), and the minimalist interior might alienate rotary-dial fans. At under $55K, though, it’s a value bomb—potentially stealing sales from Tesla if charging infrastructure holds.
The 2026 Mazda 6e isn’t reinventing EVs, but it revives a sedan icon with soulful driving and smart pricing. Post-tune, it could be the electric 6 we’ve craved. Verdict: 8/10—promising, polished, and poised to disrupt. Watch for full reviews post-launch.
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Sources: Camden Haven Courier, WhichCar, NetCarShow, Motorpoint, Carscoops (November 2025). For video drive, see Camden Haven Courier review.