This is Mazda's second electric vehicle after the MX-30, which was sold in Europe and America four years ago. Deep down, the 6e looks like a typical Mazda... but it isn't quite the Mazda that fans are familiar with. Priced at 1.1 million baht, with such a luxurious interior, it feels more like a Chinese car than a renowned brand from Hiroshima. If the brown suede interior were in a Mazda assembled in Thailand or Japan, the price would certainly exceed 1.8 million baht, and even the last combustion-engine Mazda 6 launched at 2.3 million baht. Historically, this Japanese brand has appealed to drivers who love sharp dynamics, road-hugging suspension, and a driving feel distinct from other Japanese brands. Mazda has long been a vehicle that satisfies driving enthusiasts worldwide, embodying the spirit of car lovers beneath the surface of mainstream models, with a driving experience clearly different from other Japanese cars.
However, claiming that every Mazda drives like the MX-5 would be an exaggeration. The Mazda 3 five-door and Mazda 6 sedan are recognized as beautifully designed vehicles, though a bit compact. Both the 3 and 6 with combustion engines feature some of the sharpest suspensions in their class. In reality, models like the Mazda 2, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, and MX-5 were all developed to please skilled drivers who appreciate precise steering and responsive power delivery. Mazda consistently remains an option for those looking for a new car with these qualities.
Currently, Mazda has been caught off guard by the aggressive push of Chinese electric vehicles. Previously, it invested heavily in developing the SkyActiv-X engine without success, and has not released new cars in Thailand for over 6-7 years. This has made Mazda seem like a bystander rather than a Japanese leader in EV or hybrid technology. However, things are improving, even if Mazda must take a path it would rather avoid: a Chinese heart with a Japanese shell. Overall, the 6e’s design and driving are better than doing nothing at all. The only clear sign of Changan’s strong influence is the touchscreen interface; otherwise, you’ll find many Japanese elements, especially in design, steering dynamics, and, most impressively, the sharply executed luxurious interior.
As the automotive industry rapidly advances, propelled by the dragon's rise, Mazda’s earlier delays may prove to be a clever strategy in the future. However, by 2026, Mazda needs a fast track to market plug-in vehicles to meet increasingly strict pollution regulations. Beyond the 6e, a new electric vehicle—the Mazda CX-6e crossover with a dedicated EV platform—is set to launch later this year. By 2027, Mazda may introduce hybrid or plug-in hybrid models on Thailand's roads alongside the enthusiasm of Mazda employees finally selling new products.
The Mazda 6e looks sharp and impressive, but don’t forget that its sibling, the Changan L07, also appears sleek and stylish. Looking closely, the rear of the L07 is clearly the work of the Pattra design team, serving as a good base to modify both the body and suspension. Especially if ordered in Mazda’s signature deep red paired with brown leather seats, this facelift nearly perfectly convinces one that it is a genuine Mazda from Hiroshima. In truth, the Mazda 6e is not a rushed product to export Changan/Mazda vehicles as some feared. Changan and Mazda have collaborated since the early 2000s, and the 6e is already sold in China as the Mazda EZ-6, available as pure EV and range-extender hybrid. To avoid upsetting fans, Mazda tuned the dynamics to feel truly like a Mazda, and test drives confirm it performs well, making it hard to feel this is a Chinese sedan from the Changan brand.
Besides its attractive looks, the Mazda 6e is also a rather unusual car. Its stylish, executive-like appearance and nearly 500-kilometer range per charge, along with a light brown interior rich in expensive suede, packed with screens and technologies that electric car buyers typically seek, show Mazda is using a shortcut to enter the new energy segment. Setting aside the sharp driving feel and its calm, smooth character, the result is likely to meet management’s expectations, as it is not only beautiful and drives well but is also priced lower than both the Camry and Accord.
Mazda’s distinctive character and charm are evident throughout, but some important switches and buttons inside are missing, following the Chinese EV style, which is puzzling and potentially unsafe in actual use. Beyond being a Chinese sedan with a new makeover, if you can adjust to the odd physical interface where everything is controlled via touchscreen without traditional controllers, the 6e could stand out as a stylish EV sedan compared to the few competitors in the market.
The first clear sign this isn’t the Mazda we know is the starting procedure—there is no start button on the 6e. This design was originally Changan’s idea, similar to countless EVs: you simply step in, shift to Drive, and press the accelerator to go. Once moving, safety assist systems monitor conditions like a strict disciplinarian, especially the lane-keeping system. On roads like Khao Yai National Park, the Mazda 6e feels more like a relaxed executive car than a sporty, aggressive one—accelerating smoothly without jerks. This is why some younger drivers dislike it, while their parents appreciate it greatly. Initially, anything distracting must be turned off via the touchscreen, but while trying to do so, the system warns, “Do not take your eyes off the road.” This contradiction makes one want to find a way to disable the drowsiness alert system.
To be fair, the Mazda 6e is not the only culprit causing such annoyance, and once these alert sounds are muted, it becomes a very comfortable car to drive. The 6e provides a relaxing experience after a long day. The accelerator is set very smoothly, reminiscent of sitting on a soft sofa. The brake pedal has a perfect travel distance—not too long. The large wheels produce some bumpiness when passing grooves and waves on the road, but the suspension and expensive tires absorb vibrations well, preventing body sway despite the vehicle’s weight of over two tons.
Another excellent feature is the cabin's serene quietness, almost heavenly. Its low, sleek body is more aerodynamic than the many electric crossovers filling the streets, helping it achieve a long range per full charge. In highway tests under hot weather—conditions that typically drain EV batteries—the car covered about 450 kilometers. Driving more gently or at slower speeds can extend the range to around 480 kilometers without difficulty.
The steering is precise but less engaging than Mazda’s combustion models, with no element that excites you to drive aggressively. The seating position is relaxed and less cramped, though the interior is smaller than some competitors. The steering wheel has adjustable reach and rake that complement a reclined driving posture with elevated legs, the best driving position. The seats are plush and thickly cushioned, also featuring built-in ventilation—previously found only in Japanese models like the Camry and Lexus sold in Thailand.
The car’s weight distribution is nearly perfectly balanced at 50/50, giving the 6e excellent handling stability on Khao Yai’s winding roads. In tight corners, the car can pivot with agility almost like having four-wheel steering. Moreover, you can disable traction control to enjoy sliding the rear on wet roundabouts Miata-style if skilled and with enough space—though few would dare. The regenerative braking system offers four levels, working as expected but hidden deep in the touchscreen menu. Voice commands to adjust it fail to work well. At the highest level, the regenerative braking feels too harsh and jerky, so adjusting it during driving is necessary.
The 6e has a solid vehicle structure, but its physical and ergonomic design limits it to being merely "adequate." Its acceleration is calm and builds naturally, which is welcome in an EV that avoids sudden, dizzying bursts of power at launch. Ultimately, Mazda successfully promotes the 6e’s comfortable driving personality, making for a harmonious experience.
Vehicle dimensions and weight
Length: 4,921 millimeters
Width: 1,890 millimeters
Height: 1,485 millimeters
Wheelbase: 2,895 millimeters
Vehicle weight: approximately 2,050 kilograms (over 2 tons)
Weight distribution: nearly perfect 50:50
Motor and performance
Powertrain: single electric motor, rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Maximum power: 258 horsepower (190 kilowatts)
Maximum torque: 320 Newton-meters
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: about 6.9 seconds (accelerator tuned for smooth, composed, natural power build-up without jerks)
Battery, range, and consumption
Battery capacity: 68.8 kWh (Lithium-ion / LFP)
Range (standard): claimed 500–600 km (CLTC/NEDC standard)
Range (real-world)
Highway driving in hot conditions: about 450 kilometers
Steady slower speeds: up to about 480 kilometers
Average energy consumption: approximately 14.5 – 16.0 kWh/100 km (depending on driving conditions)
Suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes
Front suspension: independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar (dynamically and rebound-tuned to Mazda style)
Rear suspension: independent multi-link
Wheels and tires: 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R19 tires
Brakes: four-wheel disc brakes (front with ventilated discs) with regenerative braking system adjustable in 4 levels
Trim levels and pricing
Completely built-up unit (CBU) imported from China, available in two trims:
Mazda 6e Premium priced at 1,169,000 baht
Mazda 6e Exclusive priced at 1,199,000 baht
The 30,000 baht difference between Premium and Exclusive focuses on added luxury options, convenience features, and interior trim upgrades.