Mazda has launched the CX-6e Year of the Horse edition, coinciding with the 2026 Chinese zodiac year. Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member Mazda has announced the Year of the Horse edition of the CX-6e midsize SUV ahead of the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The EV trim, which retails for 145,900 yuan (21,400 USD), has a CLTC range of 600 km, while the EREV trim, which retails for 139,900 yuan (20,500 USD), has a CLTC range of 200 km. The CX-6e is also known as the EZ-60 in the Chinese market, where it retails at 119,900 to 166,900 yuan (17,600 to 24,500 USD), with EV trims commanding a premium of around 10,000 yuan (1,500 USD) over EREV trims. The launch of the Year of the Horse edition coincides with the 2026 Chinese zodiac year, in which the horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year cycle, representing speed, optimism, and success. This also corresponds with Mazda’s Chinese name, which roughly translates to “the horse naturally arrives”. The horse theme continues with Mazda’s self-proclaimed motto of “Jinba-Ittai”, or “rider and horse as one”. The exterior of the CX-6e is unchanged for this special edition, and still shares the existing model’s focus on aerodynamic efficiency, featuring nine ducts around the hood, bumpers, and sail panels to reduce drag. Coefficient of drag (Cd) is brought down to 0.258 Cd, which is comparable with rivals like the Xiaomi YU7 (0.245 Cd) and the Xpeng G9 (0.272 Cd). 19-inch wheels come standard on both powertrain trims, with optional 21-inch rims and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires as extras. The largest change is seen on the inside, with Mazda now offering a standard purple-white theme for the CX-6e’s interior. Previous trims had a default dual-tone black-white theme, with later sport trims introducing a black base with red stitching and detailing. A 26.45-inch 5K infotainment screen, which stretches from the centre to the passenger’s side, is also standard equipment, and the driver gets a 50-inch heads-up display (HUD), with a 100-inch HUD as an optional extra. A purple-white interior is standard on the Year of the Horse edition. Source: Mazda & Yiche The EV trim’s specifications and suppliers remain unchanged, with a 77.94 kWh LFP pack from CALB powering a single 190 kW (255 hp) motor at the rear, and its maximum speed is 185 km/h. The same can be said for the EREV trim, which uses a 31.73 kWh LFP pack from CATL–Changan, a joint venture (JV) between CATL and Mazda’s Chinese JV partner. The EREV trim, which places a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 72 kW (97 hp) range extender at the front, achieves the same top speed with the same 190 kW (255 hp) rear motor. Exterior of the CX-6e. Source: Yiche For reference, the CX-6e measures 4850 mm in length, 1935 mm in width, 1620 mm in height, and has a 2902 mm wheelbase. Curb weight is rated between 2048 and 2180 kg, depending on trim and powertrain. Chassis-wise, McPherson struts are used on the front, and multi-link suspension is seen at the rear. Like its sedan sibling, the 6e (sold as the EZ-6 in China), the CX-6e is built on Changan’s EPA architecture, which underpins many of the firm’s Deepal and Nevo models. More on the CX-6e and Mazda The CX-6e’s Year of the Horse edition can be seen as a marketing decision, rather than a refresh or upgrade. Changes in equipment are minimal, with an extra interior colour as the only change, while pricing has been amended to make the SUV more competitive in China’s merciless new energy SUV market. Domestic deliveries of Mazda’s EZ-6 (6e) and EZ-60 (CX-6e) up until March 2026.Source: China EV DataTracker According to China EV DataTracker, Mazda delivered 2,379 units of the CX-6e (EZ-60) and 1,287 units of the 6e (EZ-6) domestically in March 2026. Combined, Mazda’s new energy models make up almost half of the brand’s Chinese monthly sales. This comes as the firm’s traditional internal combustion (ICE) models lose their appeal in the Chinese market, where consumers, both old and young, gravitate more towards comfort and technology, rather than driver engagement or driving pleasure. Mazda has long resisted implementing large touchscreens and button-less designs, but this changed with the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV. The latest refresh of the CX-5 SUV reflects a tech-minimalist ideology as well, featuring a large centre screen and minimal physical buttons. Mazda’s Changan-influenced new energy models have seen minor successes in the Chinese market, with the CX-6e now making up over one quarter of the firm’s monthly sales. More emphasis has been placed on exports, with Mazda introducing both the 6e and CX-6e solely as EV models in markets worldwide. Domestically, the CX-6e will have to compete with similar new-energy JV SUVs, like the Dongfeng–Nissan NX8 and the FAW–Toyota bZ5.
