Mazda is stepping back into the EV ring with a contender that could shake up the segment — and this time, they’re not going at it alone. Meet the new EZ-60, a sleek electric SUV born from a deepening collaboration between Mazda and its Chinese partner Changan. While the nameplate may sound unfamiliar to Western audiences, the model is expected to hit markets outside of China as the CX-6e, bringing fresh energy to Mazda’s global electrification efforts.
Unveiled through China’s Weibo social platform, the EZ-60 follows last year’s debut of the EZ-6 sedan, effectively transforming that formula into SUV form. This vehicle represents a production-ready version of the Arata concept and offers a much-needed evolution from the slow-selling MX-30. Early visuals point to a striking design with a coupe-like silhouette and a touch of flair thanks to unique flying buttresses — an unexpected design detail in this segment. Like many new Chinese-market EVs, the EZ-60 also swaps out traditional side mirrors for camera-based systems, a technology that’s been legal in China for a couple of years now.
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Underneath its stylish shell, the EZ-60 is expected to share its platform with the Deepal S07, a product of Changan’s own electric sub-brand. That likely means buyers will see both a fully electric version and a range-extender option using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. However, it remains to be seen whether that range-extender variant will be offered in Europe, where Mazda is currently selling the sedan version (EZ-6) exclusively as a pure EV.
Inside, details are being kept under wraps until the SUV’s official public reveal at Auto Shanghai 2025 later this month. Still, it’s safe to anticipate a cabin layout mirroring the EZ-6 — minimalist, tech-forward, and enhanced with premium materials to distinguish it from local Chinese counterparts. Think a large central screen, touch-sensitive controls, and a refined aesthetic more in line with Mazda’s upscale ambitions.
The launch of the EZ-60/CX-6e isn’t a one-off move. Mazda and Changan are reportedly considering two more joint-venture EVs between now and 2030. In the background, Mazda is also developing its own EV platform, with the first in-house model planned for a 2027 release. This two-pronged strategy allows Mazda to remain competitive in China — the world’s largest EV market — while simultaneously building a foundation for future global offerings based on its own engineering.
For now, though, the EZ-60 is Mazda’s strongest electric effort yet. It has the looks, the potential for extended range, and, most importantly, a partner with the local manufacturing and EV know-how to make it happen. While the MX-30 quietly continues in select markets with its quirky rotary range extender and mild-hybrid variant, the CX-6e could be the turning point that gives Mazda a real foothold in the rapidly growing electric SUV space.
With competition like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 dominating EV sales charts, Mazda’s next move has to be bold. And from what we’ve seen so far, the CX-6e might be the boldest step the brand has taken in years.
