2025 electric Mazda 6 revealed as 'EZ-6': No confirmation all-new Chinese-built Toyota Camry and Tesla Model 3 rival will land in Australia

The long-awaited new Mazda 6 has been revealed at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show China, except the 2025 Mazda EZ-6 is not a Japanese product and isn’t confirmed for Australian release. 

At the front, a handsome Mazda mask and sleek sedan proportions bestow this electric or plug-in hybrid with some presence. Down the side there are flush door handles, and at the back it’s a liftback tailgate rather than the current 6’s boot. 

Built by Changan Mazda, a Chinese joint venture with Mazda Motor Corporation, the EZ-6 sits on existing underpinnings from Changan’s Deepal SL03 medium-sized car. 

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That means no Large Product Group architecture – shared with the Mazda CX-60, CX-90 etc. – beneath, just as we expected. 

President and CEO of Mazda Masahiro Moro said: "We are delighted to introduce the all-new new-energy vehicle (NEV) developed in alliance with Mazda and Changan Automobile. 

“The Mazda EZ-6 is the latest electrified vehicle that combines Mazda's strengths with Changan Automobile's electrified technology. Going forward, Mazda will continue to work with Changan Automobile to turn Mazda’s China business around by introducing its unique products that meet the needs of Chinese customers who prefer advanced vehicles.”

Mazda is yet to fully detail powertrains but there will be a choice of pure electric with 600km driving range, or a plug-in hybrid capable of 1000km. 

The Changan Deepal SL03 matches these range expectations, with an 80kWh NMC battery paired with a 192kW rear-mounted electric motor. The plug-in hybrid uses the same rear motor paired with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder. 

That plug-in hybrid could boost the appeal of the EZ-6 over rivals such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Tesla Model 3. 

Compared to the existing Mazda 6, the new EZ-6’s proportions are a logical increase. It grows 56mm longer (4921mm), 50mm wider and 35mm (1485mm) taller with similar-size 19-inch alloy wheels. 

With a 50:50 weight distribution (EV), Mazda is pushing its ‘Jimba-Ittai’ – horse and rider – driving experience. There are struts up front and multi-link rear suspension with power-retractable rear spoiler to aid stability. 

Inside, there’s a totally un-Mazda floating landscape-orientated multimedia screen that looks to be running a version of Changan’s Deepal software. 

It powers plenty of high-tech features, with Mazda promising gesture control, auto parking and the ability to control the EZ-6 with your voice both from the inside and outside. 

The EZ-6 is said to be the first in a series of electric vehicles from Mazda, likely including a production version of the CX-5-sized Arata concept. 

China has proven to be a strong market for Mazda and, in 2017, was the brand’s best-selling market. That came down to a combination of the product and Mazda’s ‘lucky red’ paint colour known as Soul Red Crystal in Australia.  

Mazda Australia has not confirmed its local release, though it did issue a localised press release for the EZ-6 sedan and Arata concepts. The EZ-6 will hit Chinese roads in production form before the end of 2024.