Mazda 6e review: Sleek rival for the Tesla Model 3 stands out from the crowd

We get behind the wheel of Mazda’s second all-electric model – the 6e fastback

Mazda has carved out a niche for itself over the past decade or so, producing a range of distinctively stylish cars that are engaging to drive and nudging premium quality in many cases.

It took a while for the Japanese brand to join the EV party, and when it made its entrance with the leftfield MX-30 compact crossover in 2020, it didn’t set the world on fire.

Six years on and Mazda has teamed up with Chinese automotive giant Changan to produce its second electric car.

First impressions are promising – and not just because it’s an aerodynamic fastback in a world of generic SUVs.

There’s no doubt that the Mazda 6e is an elegant car, blending a sculpted fastback silhouette with a low roofline and frameless doors.

Add an illuminated front signature wing, an electric rear spoiler and a set of distinctive colours (especially Soul Red Crystal), and you have an EV that stands out from the crowd.

And don’t just take my word for it, because the 6e won the prestigious 2026 World Car Design of the Year title at the New York International Auto Show.

Sharing a platform with the Changan Deepal L07, the Mazda 6e start at £38,995 and it’s offered with a 78kWh battery which delivers a claimed range of up to 348 miles.

Available in two high-spec specifications (Takumi and Takumi Plus), the 255bhp electric motor develops 290Nm of torque and drives the rear wheels.

The 0-62mph sprint takes 7.9 seconds, while a 10-80% charge from a 195kW DC connection should be done and dusted in just 24 minutes.

Inside, Mazda fans might not be so happy. It’s still well put together, and the quality of the materials used is just as good. However, the dials, knobs and buttons have been replaced with a large 14.6-inch touchscreen.

Naturally, just about all the 6e’s essentials are controlled via the touchscreen, which can be distracting, along with the various warnings via bings and bongs.

Then there’s the driving position, which is a bit high for my liking (inevitable considering the battery pack is under the floor).

That said, there is decent legroom for rear passengers (headroom is tighter for taller people), while the boot is a decent 337 litres (expanding to 1,074 litres with the rear seats flipped), and there’s a 72-litre frunk under the bonnet, which is handy for storing charging cables.

Like all EVs, the Mazda 6e is easy to drive, once you’ve got your head round the touchscreen basics. Refined and swift, though not ridiculously fast like some rivals, it’s clear that Mazda has opted for comfort over driving dynamism.

I don’t mean that in a bad way, because it’s a lovely cruiser – it’s just not the kind of car that you’re likely to bond with on twisty, more challenging roads.

The 6e masks it weight well (it tips the scales at two tonne), while the steering is precise, body control is good, grip is impressive and the brakes are responsive.

There are three drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Individual – which are adjusted via steering wheel controls or the touchscreen. They tweak the throttle response and steering weight, but as ever, you’re best staying in Comfort.

If you do want a little extra drama, then watch in your mirror for the rear spoiler which pops up at higher speeds.

There are also adjustable levels of regenerative braking. However, the car does not offer one-pedal driving, so it won’t come close to a stop without use of the brakes.

When it comes to efficiency, the Mazda 6e certainly seems to tick that book. I’d need longer than a day to assess it properly, but I’d estimate that it’s capable of close on 300 miles in everyday driving.

Naturally, there’s a full suite of driver assistance and safety technology, while some buyers will be pleased that the 6e offers a towing capability of 1,500kg, which is more than many most rivals.

The Mazda’s 6e’s rivals include the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Volkswagen ID.7.

Verdict: Sleek, slick, spacious, classy and efficient, the Mazda 6e is an all-electric fastback that stands out from the crowd.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog