The new electric Mazda 6e has arrived in the UK
Mazda has finally introduced a serious player in the electric vehicle market – the 6e sedan, which is already available in the UK. This model marks a departure from the not-so-successful MX-30 electric crossover. However, the price of the new car may cause surprise, especially when compared to its cost in China, where this model is also produced and sold under the name EZ-6.
For British buyers, only one powertrain is available, but two trim levels are offered. The main technical characteristics of the model are:
Pricing policy raises questions
The base Takumi trim in the UK costs £38,995. This price, at first glance, may seem competitive compared to other premium electric sedans, for example, the base Tesla Model 3. However, the situation changes dramatically when looking at the Chinese market.
In China, the same model starts at a price of 159,800 yuan, which is approximately £16,900. Thus, British buyers have to pay more than twice as much for the same car.
Such a difference, although shocking, is not unique to the auto market. For electric vehicles produced and sold in China, a significantly lower domestic price is standard practice. It is important to note that the UK does not have special tariffs on Chinese cars, unlike mainland Europe. The final price includes a standard 10% import duty and 20% VAT.
Technical features and trims
Both British trims of the Mazda 6e are equipped with a 78 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. The claimed range is 348 miles (560 km). The model supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be replenished from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes.
In terms of dynamics, the 6e is not a sports car. The 254 hp electric motor accelerates the sedan to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The higher Takumi Plus trim, priced from £39,995, offers more luxurious finishes. These include ‘tan’ colored Nappa leather, titanium accents, artificial suede, and a panoramic glass roof.
Although the car bears the Mazda name, it is important to understand that this is not a fully proprietary development of the Japanese brand. The 6e is built on the platform of the Chinese Changan Deepal SL03 (L07) and has inherited many technical solutions from it.
The arrival of the Mazda 6e on the European market vividly illustrates modern global trends in the automotive industry, where shared platforms and production in different regions are becoming the norm. The sharp price difference between markets keeps discussions about customs policy and automakers’ pricing strategies relevant. The success of this model in Europe will depend not only on its technical characteristics but also on whether buyers can accept it as a true Mazda, despite its Chinese origin and premium price compared to other markets.