Mazda CX-6e Review Highlights Premium Feel but Road Trip Limitations
Real-world highway efficiency of 25 kWh/100 km forced an unplanned charging stop during a European test drive.
Mazda’s new electric crossover, the CX-6e, delivers a premium design and engaging driving dynamics but struggles with highway efficiency and charging logistics, according to a recent review by InsideEVs.
What Happened
The CX-6e, which is built in China using architecture from Changan, was evaluated during the Eurocharge by Schaeffler EV road trip across Romania and Hungary. The vehicle features a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery and a rear-wheel-drive single motor producing 255 horsepower. While the review praised the car's "sumptuous" interior and composed handling on mountain roads, it noted significant shortcomings in range and energy management. During a 444-mile drive, the car averaged 19.9 kWh/100 km overall, but consumption spiked to approximately 25 kWh/100 km at highway speeds of 130 km/h (81 mph). This high consumption rate forced the drivers to make three separate charging stops, totaling 93 minutes, including one unplanned stop that caused range anxiety. Additionally, the regenerative braking system was criticized for inconsistency, requiring touchscreen adjustments rather than offering predictable deceleration.
Why It Matters
For buyers considering the CX-6e, which is priced around €50,000 ($57,300) in Europe, the disconnect between its premium packaging and its electric powertrain efficiency is a critical factor. The vehicle competes directly with established models like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Chinese rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7. While the CX-6e offers a distinct aesthetic and a high-quality cabin that justifies its price point for some, its real-world highway range of approximately 240 miles (387 km) based on observed consumption falls short of the WLTP estimate of 300 miles (484 km). This gap, combined with slower effective charging times compared to faster-charging rivals, makes it less suitable for frequent long-distance travel despite its appeal as a daily driver or urban vehicle.
The Bottom Line
The Mazda CX-6e succeeds in creating a premium, sporty electric crossover that feels well-damped and visually striking, but its high highway energy consumption and inconsistent regenerative braking undermine its utility for road trips, leaving it as a vehicle that is easy to like but hard to rely on for long-distance efficiency.
