Could the Mazda6 live on as an electric car? Or is the rear-wheel-drive sedan axed?

A next-generation Mazda6 sedan has looked increasingly unlikely for a while now, but there’s a chance the model could live on as an electric vehicle.

There has been intense speculation around the future of the Mazda6 for years now, with Mazda offering up different answers when asked about it.

The current third-gen model has been around for a decade and got a major refresh in 2018, but there’s been no sightings of a new one being tested, or any other indication to suggest it could happen.

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This is despite Mazda developing a new rear/all-wheel-drive large vehicle platform that will underpin four SUVs - including the CX-60.

One key Mazda executive has provided some interesting details on the will they/won’t they saga of the Mazda6.

Speaking with journalists at the CX-60 debut in Melbourne, Mazda chief designer of CX-60 Akira Tamatani ruled out using the new platform for a sedan model such as the Mazda6.

“Since the vehicle height would be lower than those SUVs, I don't think we can apply exactly the same platform for these vehicles,” he said.

“This large group model architecture is mainly focused on SUVs.”

This admission that the large vehicle platform would only be used for SUVs is bad news for sedan fans. But, there is still a glimmer of hope.

Alternatively, Mr Tamatani said if the SUVs from the new rear-drive architecture are successful, then maybe Mazda can look at other rear-drive models like a sedan or a sports car.

The current-gen Mazda 6 has been around since 2013.

“If we can make a success out of those large platform products, then after that maybe have a path for such a model,” he said

“Sports car, passenger cars, creating a brand new platform for those … of cars, we need to take certain steps to make an action for that. Of course we have a passion to do that. But we have to take clear, certain steps to get there.”

There is another possibility for the Mazda6 to live on - as an EV.

Mazda recently announced it was honing its focus more sharply in electrified and fully electric vehicles, with a new scalable EV platform that will bear fruit from 2025 on.

At the same event, Mazda Motor Corporation director and senior managing executive officer Yasuhiro Aoyama told CarsGuide that the EV platform would not just spawn SUVs, but rather, a number of different body-styles.

The Mazda 6 is still the second best selling medium sedan/wagon from a mainstream manufacturer.

“We are currently considering what should be the appropriate portfolio to be derived from this scalable architecture,” he said.

“They are currently under study in Mazda’s R&D to set up the appropriate portfolio. Of course, based on the EV architecture, we have much more variety and flexibility for top hats.”

While Mr Aoyama didn’t mention sedans specifically, it does mean there is a chance the Mazda6 could be reborn as an EV.

Of course, if that happens, the current model will have to soldier on for a few more years yet.

Despite its age, the Mazda6 is still the second best selling medium sedan and wagon from a mainstream manufacturer so far this year. To the end of November, Mazda has sold 1298 examples, well behind the Toyota Camry (9205) but well ahead of Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Octavia.