The All-New Mazda 6e Review - Driven around Brisbane
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
Is The Mazda 6e The EV Mazda Drivers Have Been Waiting For?
Fresh from driving the all-new Mazda CX-5, I couldn't help but wonder what Mazda's future would look like in an increasingly electric world. While the new CX-5 remains a traditional petrol-powered SUV, the all-new Mazda 6e represents a bold step into the EV market.
Naturally, I was keen to find out whether it still delivered the driver-focused experience Mazda is known for...Zoom-Zoom.
The biggest takeaway from driving the 6e? Mazda's patience in entering the EV market has paid off...
Does The Mazda 6e Stand Out From Other Electric Cars?
Absolutely. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the design. Finished in Mazda's iconic Soul Red Crystal paint, the 6e looks stunning in person. It's one of those colours that photographs well but somehow looks even better under natural light.
The sleek bodywork gives the car a premium, almost concept-car-like appearance, while the unique front LED lighting signature helps it stand out in a market increasingly filled with similar-looking EVs.
At the rear, the deployable spoiler adds a subtle touch of theatre. It's the sort of feature that makes you look back at the car after you've parked it (or show it off to your mates).
What Is The Mazda 6e Like To Drive?
One of the biggest questions I had before driving the 6e was whether it would still feel like a Mazda.
The answer is yes.
What was most impressive was how planted the car felt on the road. Through bends and roundabouts, there's a confidence to the chassis that immediately inspires trust. The steering feels precise and responsive, while remaining light enough for everyday driving around town.
Like most EVs, performance comes effortlessly thanks to the instant torque available from the electric motor. With 190kW of power and 320Nm of torque being sent to the rear wheels (yes, it's RWD!), the 6e feels eager the moment you touch the accelerator. Whether pulling away from traffic lights or merging onto main roads, it delivers smooth, instant acceleration (especially in sport mode) without ever feeling abrupt or overwhelming.
The performance doesn't dominate the driving experience. Instead, it's seamlessly integrated into a chassis that feels balanced, composed and easy to drive, making the 6e feel just as comfortable on a daily commute as it does on a winding back road.
Does The Mazda 6e Still Feel Like A Mazda Inside?
The moment I sat inside, the answer felt obvious.
The interior quality is excellent. Materials feel premium, controls have a reassuring solidity to them, and everything feels thoughtfully put together. The new seat design felt comfortable and supported and I loved the touch of the updated Mazda logo on the headrest.
Mazda has always excelled at creating cabins that feel more expensive than their price tag suggests, and the 6e continues that tradition.
One of my favourite features was the panoramic sunroof (and selfie mode, if you know, you know). It allows plenty of natural light into the cabin, creating an airy, open feeling that makes the interior feel spacious.
It also opens and closes in an instant, a small detail that adds to the car's responsive personality and reinforces that unmistakable Mazda Zoom-Zoom character.
I was also impressed with the large 14.6 inch infotainment system. Admittedly, like most new cars there's a slight learning curve, particularly as many of the vehicle's functions are now accessed through the central touchscreen rather than traditional buttons and controls.
However, after a short time behind the wheel, the layout felt intuitive and easy to navigate. The display itself is sharp, responsive and well integrated into the cabin's minimalist design, while the overall experience feels polished and premium rather than overly complicated.
What's the charging and range like on the 6e?
For Brisbane drivers, the Mazda 6e's battery range should be more than enough for everyday life. Powered by a 78kWh battery, the 6e offers a claimed driving range of up to 560 kilometres, meaning most owners could comfortably get through a full week of commuting, school runs and weekend errands without needing to plug in.
Whether you're travelling from Browns Plains into the CBD, heading to the Sunshine Coast for a day trip, or tackling a weekend drive down to the Gold Coast, range anxiety is unlikely to be a concern.
When it's time to recharge, the 6e supports DC fast charging at up to 194kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 24 minutes. That's just enough time for a coffee break before getting back on the road.
What Technology Features Stood Out During My Drive?
Without question, the feature I used most was the 360-degree camera.
Many vehicles disable their surround-view cameras once you're moving, but the Mazda system remains available at low speeds. It might sound like a small detail, but I found it incredibly useful when navigating tight spaces and crowded car parks.
The image quality is also excellent, providing a clear view around the vehicle and making manoeuvring far easier than you'd expect in a sleek liftback like this.
It's one of those features that quickly becomes part of your everyday driving routine.
Does The Sedan Design Affect Visibility?
Like many stylish sedans, rear visibility isn't quite as open as what you'd experience in an SUV.
I noticed it initially, particularly when checking over my shoulder. However, after a short period behind the wheel, it became far less noticeable thanks to that amazing 360 camera system and sensors.
How Practical Is The Mazda 6e For Everyday Driving?
Despite being a sleek sedan, the Mazda 6e offers a surprisingly useful 337-litre boot, while a 72-litre front boot (frunk) provides a convenient place to store charging cables and smaller items.
The practicality continues inside the cabin, with plenty of storage spaces for everyday essentials. The area beneath the floating centre console proved particularly useful during our review. In fact, we were able to store our camera equipment underneath while filming, which speaks to how usable the space actually is.
It's these thoughtful touches that make the 6e feel more than just a stylish EV. Whether you're tackling the daily commute, packing for a weekend away, or loading up camera gear for a review, the Mazda 6e feels designed with real-world usability in mind.
What's It Like Living With The Mazda 6e In Brisbane?
After spending time with the 6e on Brisbane roads, I think it suits Brisbane driving conditions very well.
The light steering makes navigating suburban streets effortless, while the instant electric performance feels perfectly suited to more spirited drives.
At the same time, the comfortable cabin, impressive refinement and spacious atmosphere make longer journeys feel relaxed and enjoyable.
How Does The Mazda 6e Fit Into Today's EV Market?
What's particularly impressive about the 6e is that it doesn't feel like Mazda is simply chasing the EV trend.
Instead, Mazda has created an electric vehicle that blends premium design, strong technology, everyday practicality and genuine driving enjoyment into one package.
For buyers considering an EV for the first time, that's a compelling combination.
Is The Mazda 6e Worth Considering As Your Next EV?
After spending time behind the wheel, it's clear the Mazda 6e successfully achieves what Mazda set out to do.
It's stylish without being flashy. It's packed with technology without feeling overwhelming. And most importantly, it delivers the quality, refinement and driver-focused character that people expect from a Mazda.
No car is perfect, and traditional SUV buyers may notice the lower rear visibility that comes with the sleek liftback design. However, it's a small compromise in an otherwise well-rounded package.
The all-new Mazda 6e feels like a genuine step forward for the brand and one of the most exciting new vehicles to wear a Mazda badge in recent years.
If you're considering making the switch to electric, the Mazda 6e deserves a place at the very top of your shortlist. Book a test drive at Browns Plains Mazda and experience it for yourself.
Watch the 6e in Action
