Changan Mazda's electric liftback is currently exclusive to China. In the near future, a global version will join the roster, beginning with Mazda's European lineup. Our spy photographers have recently caught a Euro-spec 2025 Mazda EZ-6 in Sweden, with the heavily camouflaged prototype showing a few stylistic differences from the Chinese model.
Spied in Germany rather than Sweden, the zero-emission model carries over the dash layout and interior appointments of its Mandarin-speaking brother. Part of the reason why this prototype is being tested in Germany comes in the form of Mazda's European R&D Center in Oberursel, Hesse.
By car, the Nurburgring Nordschleife is merely two hours away. Given the near-production bodywork, lighting, and cabin of this fellow, one has to wonder if the next sighting of the European-spec Mazda EZ-6 will be at the world's most grueling circuit.
Equipped with an electrically operated trunk lid spoiler and all-weather tires mounted on aero-conscious alloy wheels, the EZ-6 is primed to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and more premium BMW i4 and Polestar 2. Measuring 2,895 millimeters (around 114 inches) in wheelbase, Mazda's first global new-energy vehicle has been confirmed for Europe back in August 2024. A right-hand-drive version for the UK is bound to happen.
At 4,921 millimeters (193.7 inches) in length, the EZ-6 is closer to the Mazda6 than Mazda3. In stark contrast to both internal combustion vehicles, the newcomer is rear-wheel drive, with the Changan Mazda EZ-6 offering battery-electric and range-extender options. The prototype's digital instrument cluster lacks a fuel gauge, showing electric driving range only.
Photo: SH Proshots
The beating heart of the BEV is a rear electric drive unit connected to a lithium-iron phosphate battery with a capacity of either 56.1 or 68.8 kilowatt hours. Rated at 190 kilowatts and 320 Newton-meters of torque, which means 255 horsepower and 236 pound-feet, the battery-electric option is capable of 480 to 600 kilometers (298 to 373 miles) on a full charge. Fast charging from 30 to 80 percent SoC should take around 15 minutes.
Both the BEV and EREV are gifted with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear suspension. The extended-range electric vehicle is – without a shadow of a doubt – a far more interesting choice, for its 1.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four lump is tasked with keeping the high-voltage battery charged. Once again, the chemistry is lithium-iron phosphate to keep the production costs low.
And yet again, the folks at Changan Mazda developed two battery choices: 18.9 kilowatt hours by default or 28.4 kilowatt hours by choice. Slightly less powerful (160 kilowatts or 215 horsepower) but similarly torquey to its electric sibling, the range-extended version is good for either 130 or 200 kilometers (81 or 124 miles) of CLTC electric driving range.
The China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle is notoriously optimistic, even when compared to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure used in Europe and the United Kingdom. Because it's underpinned by a Changan platform, the EZ-6 has very slim chances of hitting North American dealers.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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