The forthcoming Mazda EZ-60, a vehicle strategically positioned to compete with the popular Tesla Model Y, presents an intriguing departure from Mazda's traditional sport utility vehicle design language. This is primarily because its foundational architecture and engineering are deeply intertwined with the Deepal S07, an electric SUV originating from Changan, Mazda's collaborative partner within the Chinese automotive market. Following the recent unveiling of the EZ-60's exterior aesthetics through official imagery earlier this month, comprehensive technical specifications have now been brought to light via documentation released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China.
Confirming earlier anticipations, the EZ-60 will incorporate a range-extending gasoline engine into its powertrain configuration, a feature it shares with its sedan counterpart, the EZ-6. This approach echoes Mazda's strategy with the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, which utilizes a compact 830-cubic-centimeter rotary engine acting solely as a generator. However, the larger EZ-60 electric SUV opts for a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine for this purpose. Critically, this gasoline engine does not directly contribute to propelling the vehicle. Instead, its sole function is to replenish a 31.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This battery provides a claimed electric driving range of 160 kilometers based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), a testing standard often recognized for its more lenient parameters. While the total driving range achievable with the combined battery and range extender has not yet been officially disclosed for the EZ-60, the EZ-6 sedan, employing a similar system, boasts an impressive total range of up to 1,300 kilometers. This figure positions it as a strong competitor against some European diesel vehicles renowned for their long-distance capabilities.
In terms of pure electric propulsion, the EZ-60 features a rear-axle-mounted electric motor that generates a peak power output of 255 horsepower. The supplementary 1.5-liter gasoline engine, when operating as a generator, contributes an additional 97 horsepower equivalent in terms of electrical energy generation. Documentation from MIIT indicates that the EZ-60 has a curb weight of 4,391 pounds. Furthermore, Mazda is reportedly developing a purely battery-electric version of the EZ-60, although specific technical details regarding this variant remain undisclosed at this time. It is logical to infer that the fully electric model will likely exhibit a greater overall weight due to the incorporation of a significantly larger battery pack necessary for a more extended pure electric driving range.
While our typical editorial focus tends to exclude vehicles exclusively sold within the Chinese domestic market, the Mazda EZ-60 and its sedan sibling, the EZ-6, hold broader international significance due to Mazda's stated intentions to introduce these models into other global markets. The EZ-6 sedan has already undergone a rebranding process for its European debut, where it will be marketed as the 6e. It is widely anticipated that the EZ-60 SUV will similarly receive a new name for its entry into these markets, with "CX-6e" being a plausible designation. Nevertheless, drawing a parallel with the rotary engine-equipped MX-30, it is unlikely that this range-extended electric SUV will be offered to consumers in the United States, particularly in the context of escalating trade tensions between the US and China.
Despite Mazda's apparent reliance on its Chinese joint venture partner, Changan, to expedite its rollout of electric vehicle offerings, the Japanese automaker remains committed to developing its own independent electric future. Mazda is actively engaged in the development of a new in-house electric vehicle based on a dedicated, purpose-built electric platform. This inaugural model is slated for introduction in 2027, with plans for additional electric vehicle derivatives to follow later in the decade, signaling Mazda's long-term vision for electrification beyond its current collaborative efforts.