Mazda 6e review: Good performance through combined forces

Mazda and electromobility have had a rather complicated relationship so far. While pioneers like Nissan presented the Leaf over a decade ago, Mazda remained a niche player with the MX-30 and its limited range. But in 2026, the tide turns: the Mazda 6e is hitting the market. Born from a collaboration that combines modern infotainment and efficient electric technology with classic Mazda design, it promises to put considerable pressure on the European competition. We tested the Mazda 6e in the top-of-the-line "Takumi Plus" trim for two weeks in everyday driving.

tl;dr: Really very convincing, with minor flaws.

The Mazda 6e proved to be a genuine surprise in our test, scoring particularly well with its interior material quality, which puts even significantly more expensive competitors to shame. While the design remains true to the classic Kodo lines and features details like an electrically extendable rear spoiler, the powertrain impresses with its high efficiency of around 16,9 kWh per 100 kilometers. A critical point, however, is the choice of battery: The standard range with LFP technology is highly recommended, as it charges considerably faster than the more expensive long-range model. Despite minor software bugs in the charging route planning, Mazda offers a complete package for around €45.000 that is currently hard to beat in terms of value for money.

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Design: Kodo elegance meets technical toy

From the front, the Mazda 6e is instantly recognizable. The front end has a classic design, while the illuminated logo makes a modern statement – ​​even if EU regulations only allow it to light up when the car is stationary. With a considerable length of 4,92 meters The sedan sits confidently on its 19-inch wheels. The iconic special red paint finish particularly flatters the vehicle's flowing lines.

The real highlight, however, awaits at the rear. Mazda has given the 6e a electrically extendable rear spoiler It's a nice bonus. It either deploys automatically at speeds above 90 km/h or can be controlled via a button on the steering wheel. With an output of 258 hp, it's technically more of a "show" feature, but it delivers a massive coolness factor that's otherwise hard to find in this price range.

Interior: Luxury level in the mid-range class

Anyone entering the interior of the Mazda 6e in the Takumi Plus trim is greeted by two-tone Nappa leather and premium surfaces. The workmanship is on par with premium brands like Genesis. Particularly striking are details such as the fabric-covered speakers of the Sony system and the velvet-lined glove compartment.

The 6e also impresses in terms of space. Even people who are 1,80 m tall will find ample room in the rear. A nice feature is the split glass roof with electric sunshades that can be controlled separately for the front and rear. For luggage, there's a 456-liter trunk and a generously sized rear window. 75-liter frunk under the front hood, which is even lined with fabric.

Software & Infotainment: A huge leap forward

The infotainment system is controlled via a large, central display whose user interface is strongly reminiscent of modern systems from BMW or Mercedes. Operation is smooth, the menus are logically structured, and the German translation is excellent.

This is particularly impressive 360-degree camera systemIt not only offers excellent resolution, but also features like a wheel camera (ideal for car washes) and a "transparent chassis" view, which allows you to virtually see through the car to the ground below. However, there are some teething problems: the gesture control barely worked review, and the navigation's route planning suffered from network errors. Mazda urgently needs to address these issues with an over-the-air update.

Battery & Charging: Be careful when choosing a model

Potential buyers need to pay attention here. Mazda offers two battery options:

1. Standard Range (68 kWh LFP battery): Our recommendation. It charges at up to 165 kW. In our test, it achieved an average of approximately 120 kW and charged from 10 to 80% in about 26 minutes.

2. Long Range (80 kWh NMC battery): Sounds tempting, but it's a disappointment. The charging performance here is... 90 kW limitedThis extends the charging process to 45 minutes. That's no longer acceptable in 2026.

Paradoxically, those who don't just drive short distances will reach their destination faster with the smaller battery, as the charging stops are significantly shorter.

Driving impression: A comfortable cruiser with efficiency genes.

With 258 hp, the Mazda 6e sprints to 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds. The suspension is comfortably tuned and reminiscent of the VW ID.7 – it smoothly irons out bumps without feeling spongy.

The driver assistance systems do a good job in 85% of cases. The lane keeping assist keeps the vehicle safely in its lane, but sometimes reacts a bit abruptly when it relinquishes lane control. One minor drawback: with the lane keeping assist active, the speed is limited to 130 km/h. Anyone wanting to drive faster (up to a top speed of 175 km/h) has to deactivate the assist and steer manually.

We were impressed by the efficiency: despite the size of the sedan, we achieved an average fuel consumption of [value missing] in everyday testing. 16,9 kWh pro 100 km, which suggests a range of well over 400 kilometers in the standard model.

Conclusion: The price-performance king from the Far East?

The Mazda 6e is a real surprise. It combines the beautiful design that fans love about the brand with a modern electric platform that is efficient and powerful.

For around €45.000, you get a car that can easily hold its own against a BMW i4 or VW ID.7. If you can do without the maximum range of the Long Range version and opt for the faster-charging Standard Range, you'll have one of the best electric sedans currently on the market.