Mazda takes on China with a surprisingly good electric SUVThe TelegraphAndrew EnglishWed, September 16, 2026 at 6:30 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleGood looks, impressive refinement and a 300-mile range make the CX-6e a compelling packageFew would deny that the engineering-based Japanese firm of Mazda is an important part of the automotive landscape, but it has been left behind by events: European and UK mandates for EVs, punitive US tariffs and ruthless Chinese competition.It's all coming home to roost, even though Mazda's financial performance is improving (first-quarter results show sales and income well up on a dismal 2025). The tea leaves at the bottom of the cup tell a different story. In Europe, the automotive business is languishing, with factories standing idle and thousands of job losses at Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen and BMW. Governments, carmakers and legislators are finally waking up to the threats.The other thing is what our Government allows us to buy. Folk might like Mazda's idiosyncratic engineering and design approach, but in the UK, if you aren't punting out 33 per cent of your sales as EVs, greater sales of combustion cars simply mean more fines.Turning to ChinaMazda's way of meeting the threat of the Chinese, and the need to offer a portfolio of full EVs, is to exploit its 20-year relationship with Chinese manufacturer Changan.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile Mazda's legions of plausible-sounding managers told me that the first result of the Changan joint venture, last year's 6e saloon, is a success, I found it a mixed bag, with a confused specification, a touchscreen-heavy facia and so-so dynamics.The all-electric CX-6e SUV is the second, which will sell alongside the combustion-engined and slightly smaller CX-5. It is built by Changan in Nanjing, China, where it is already on sale alongside the Deepal S07 (the Changan version of the same basic platform and hardware), which is now available in the UK for £39,990.The CX-6e shares its platform with the Changan-built Deepal S07, which is already on sale in the UK - Harald Dawo for MazdaThe 78kWh gross lithium-iron phosphate battery treads a bit lighter on the planet and is tougher than lithium-ion NMC, but is less efficient in terms of size and weight (it tips the scales at 550kg). The motor is a 254bhp/214lb ft unit with a step-down gear driving the rear wheels.It has a WLTP range of 300 miles – I achieved 290 miles, which is creditable since part of the route included fast motorway sections. It will accept a maximum charging rate of 200kW DC and so is theoretically capable of receiving a 10-80 per cent charge in 24 minutes.Value propositionWith prices starting at £42,990 for the Takumi, rising to £45,350 for the top-model Takumi Plus, the CX-6e seems like good value compared with European rivals such as the new BMW iX3, which is about £10,000 more expensive, the Audi Q6 e-tron or Tesla Model Y.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat impression continues when you see the bodywork, which was styled in Japan. This is a good-looking car, with a relaxed, wheel-at-each-corner style and a particularly attractive rear. The looks will win it a lot of friends, as will its sub-luxury car tax (VED) threshold prices. Perhaps most pleasing are the proportions.It is 4,850mm long, 2,098mm wide with the mirrors out, 1,650mm high and, while it's no off-roader, the ground clearance is 165mm. It weighs 2,130kg and will tow up to 1.5 tonnes. Boot space is modest at 363 litres up to the luggage tonneau, but rises to 1,434 litres with the rear seats folded, while a storage space under the bonnet holds 80 litres.Boot space is 363 litres with the rear seats up, rising to 1,434 litres with them folded, plus an 80-litre storage space under the bonnetInside informationNot so appealing is the interior, with its massive oblong (26in) touchscreen stretching in front of the passenger, with its own set of touch controls. There's no traditional instrument binnacle, simply a crisp head-up display, which provides limited information.There's a fair bit of awkward foot-shuffling when I ask about this new button-less dashboard approach, especially when you consider that Mazda has previously eschewed touchscreens as too distracting. Moritz Oswald, the CX-6e's project engineer, admitted that the Mazda's touchscreen interfaces could be challenging for some owners.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt the heart of the matter is precisely how much of this car is Chinese in conception and how much is Mazda. That question remained unanswered, although the usual bugbears of touchscreen-everything combined with Chinese software are mainly present and correct. Mazda says it has dialled back the technology in places, yet the driver monitoring system is still like a nanny with a megaphone and the lane-keeping set-up is strict, even if there are shortcuts to turn off some of the driver "assistance".There's also the sheer size of the screen, which dominates the interior and looks out of proportion.Better news is that comfort and generous space on the back seats are the same on both trim levels.The CX-6e's touchscreen is unnecessarily large - Harald Dawo for MazdaComfort and generous rear-seat space are standard across both trim levelsOn the roadCompared with the Chinese competition, the Mazda's dynamics are night and day. With all-independent suspension comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link system, Oswald says that while the basic geometry is the same, virtually everything else has been changed from Changan's Deepal S07.AdvertisementAdvertisement"Chinese manufacturers [are] simply failing to understand the dynamic requirements of the European market," he says and, given our experience, that's largely true.The ride is comfortable and progressive, even on 21in wheels, although 19in rims might be more forgiving on UK roads. The refinement is outstanding, even at high speeds, where the noise levels are low, while the CX-6e feels stable and safe.The dynamics, if not the last word in steering feel and control tactility, are pretty good. But it's a shame that there are no steering-wheel paddles to increase the level of regeneration braking, or a one-pedal regen function.Even at high speeds, the CX-6e is not noisy, providing a seemless and comfortable drive - Harald Dawo for MazdaThe Telegraph verdictGiven the Changan base (which isn't at all bad), Mazda has added real depth and appeal to the CX-6e. It isn't the last word in SUV dynamics, but it passes muster and looks wonderful.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe huge touchscreen might deter a few, but perhaps that's the cost of going into battle with a dragon.The factsOn test: Mazda CX-6e TakumiBody style: five-door C-segment, 4.85-metre-long SUVOn sale: November 2026How much? £42,990 to £45,350 (£44,990 as tested with 21in wheels and Soul Red paint)How fast? 115mph, 0-62mph in 7.9secHow efficient? from 3.29 miles/kWh (3.79 miles/kWh on test)Powertrain: 78kWh gross, 77kWh usable lithium-iron-phosphate battery, AC synchronous permanent-magnet motor with step-down gearing, rear-wheel driveRange: 300 miles (WLTP Combined), 290 miles on testCharging: 10-80% in 24min on a 200kW DC charger, 0-100% in 11hrs 48min on a 7.4kW household wallboxAdvertisementAdvertisementMaximum power/torque: 254bhp/214lb ftCO2 emissions: 0g/km (tailpipe), 21.1g/km (CO2 equivalent well-to-wheel)VED: £10 first year, then £200Warranty: six years/100,000 miles on vehicle, eight years/100,000 miles on batteryThe rivalsFord Explorerfrom £32,685It's pretty good to drive, but weirdly not very Ford-likeSimilar-sized SUV, with a range of EV battery sizes giving a range of 273 to 374 miles. Based on VW's MEB platform, it's pretty good to drive, but weirdly not very Ford-like.BMW iX3from £53,000A startlingly good family SUV that's very rapid, but expensive - UWE FISCHERStartlingly good family SUV and very rapid, but at a price. The "Neue Klasse" battery tech transforms the performance and gives a range of up to 500 miles for the 4x4 models, though the rear-drive 40 model manages only 395 miles.Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.