Taking a Look Around the Mazda 6e - Car Review by Cars of Glasgow

This week, Cars of Glasgow (Thomas Dobie) was busy reviewing the Mazda 6e, an all-electric saloon, designed to support fleets and fans of a stylish hatchback (you heard me!). Here's some great things you'll learn from his review:

• Mazda’s first all-electric 6: the new Mazda 6e marks a bold step into full electrification for the brand. It shares platform with the Changan Deepal SL03 but retains Mazda’s unmistakable design DNA and driver-focused feel.

• Luxury meets innovation: the Takumi Plus trim elevates comfort with iconic Nappa leather, suede accents, a panoramic roof and a 14-speaker SONY sound system, all controlled through a 14.6” touchscreen and customisable digital cockpit.

• Smart performance with surprising charging stats: two battery options offer up to 345 miles of electric range, though interestingly, the smaller pack charges faster, from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, making it a surprisingly practical premium EV.

So, without further ado, let's see how Thomas got on with the Mazda 6e - I'll let him take the reins from here!

Experiencing the Mazda 6e for the first time

I was fortunate to experience a European specification 6e on UK roads, as the Mazda 6e is not due to hit our showrooms until Spring/Summer 2026. For this generation of Mazda 6, the company has gone all electric and partnered up with Changan and their Deepal SL03 - which the 6e is based on. Don't worry though, it still retains the Mazda feel that drivers know and love!

Exploring the Takumi and the Takumi Plus trims

There are two trim levels available: Takumi and Takumi Plus, with the latter being equipped on my test car. The equipment list is generous on all trim levels, including some luxurious elements on the Takumi Plus, which really compliments the driver experience.

The Takumi Plus model adds an electronic sun shade for the panoramic roof as well as Premium Nappa leather and suede over the Takumi trim. Talk about a luxury driving experience!

Walking around the exterior of the Mazda 6e

The exterior design of the 6e is undoubtedly a Mazda, from the wing design on the grille to the slim head lights and round taillights. Mazda claim it is inspired by heritage models such as the Mazda RX-7.

The side profile of the vehicle looks low, long and has saloon characteristics. However, this car is a hatchback, which you can actually see from the hatchback boot, making it akin to the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The 6e is adorned in Soul Red Crystal paint work, making it immediately identifiable as a Mazda from all angles. Other colours are available on the European spec press cars, varying from Aero Grey, Deep Crystal Blue and Melting Copper. It is worth noting the exact colours which will arrive in the UK have not been confirmed, so you'll have to watch this space! All cars are set to receive 19” aero style alloy wheels, which are wrapped in Michelin e-primacy tyres. These are most likely chosen to support aerodynamics, helping reduce drag.

The storage options of the Mazda 6e

Storage capacity for this class of car is decent, with a small 72 litre front boot under the bonnet – which is ideal for storing your charging cables. The rear boot capacity is claimed to be 466 litres and expands to 1,074 litres with the seats folded down. Although, due to the sloping roof line of the 6e, it is worth measuring larger items, like ski bags, before loading.

Viewing the interior of the Mazda 6e

Mazda have done a great job with the interior of the 6e! The Takumi Plus is the top of the range version. There is a plush suede cloth fabric on the dash and door cards, whilst the seats combine this suede fabric with Nappa leather. My press car was finished in Tan, making it really pop. However, a black and a soft grey colour are also available for your interior.

Let's take a look at the technology

If you have owned or been in a Mazda previously, the interior of the 6e is a departure from the design language that you may be used to. A large 14.6” touchscreen dominates the middle of the cabin whilst the driver enjoys a 10.2” digital display and a large head-up display. Most of the functions of the car are controlled through the touchscreen, such as adjusting the radio, climate control and even the wipers.

There are some shortcut keys running along the base of the screen, which can be customised by the driver, to allow frequently used systems to be displayed more clearly. There are sparingly few buttons in this car, which may take some getting used to. However, Mazda has incorporated voice control into this vehicle, which allows you to operate some functions such as climate control through this system.

There are also two favourite buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, which can be set up for bring up sub-menus for systems such as light control or wiper speed. The 14-speaker SONY sound system is decent and even encouraged a moment of in car solo karaoke. (Note from Belinda: perhaps we could belt out a ballad on a road trip in the Mazda 6e? Who's up for it?).

The rear seats of the Mazda 6e

The rear seat area is just as plush as the front cabin, with a generous amount of suede and leather. There is touch control in the rear which enables rear passengers to adjust fan speed and temperature. Iso-fix points are located on the outer seats, for those travelling with children in car seats, whilst the cup holder is in the arm rest, presented by pulling down the back of the central seat back. Storage in the rear is adequate for this class of vehicle.

Exploring the battery options and charging statistics

There are two battery packs available, a 68.8kWh battery and an 80kWh battery, but if you're not sure what this means, I'll explain below. You can also speak to your local Mazda dealer for more information.

The charging speeds are peculiar with this car, the 68.8kWh battery can offer up to 299 miles of electric range, but can charge at a rate up to 165kW. Whereas the larger 80kWh battery can offer up to 345 miles of electric range, but can only charge at a rate up to 90kW. So, what does this mean? The 68.8kWh battery can offer faster charging speeds, particularly when charging at fast chargers, from 10% to 80% charge. Mazda claim the standard car can rapidly charge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes compared to the larger battery, taking 47 minutes to complete the same charge.

Driving a left-hand vehicle in the UK

Driving the European specification 6e on UK roads took a moment to get used to, because I was seated on the left-hand side of the car in the UK. However, I felt that the touchscreen was a little distracting and a challenge to operate whilst on the move. Like with any technology spending more time with the system will increase my muscle memory. I imagine that, when a driver has fully configured their set-up, it might be just right for them.

The car drives well, in part thanks to the MacPherson strut suspension up front and the multi-link in the rear. The 6e is a comfortable cruiser out on the road, absorbing vibrations from the uneven tarmac and bumps in the ground.

There are three driving modes, Normal, Sport and Individual. Normal leaves the car in a comfortable everyday-type setting, whilst Sport mode adjusts the throttle input feel and the in general is more eager to move. The individual mode allows you to adjust various aspects of the driving system.

Overall, the Mazda 6e is a premium-feeling electric car, and in a world of never-ending electric crossovers, the 6e will stand out in the car park.

All 6e models are only available in this hatchback body style and rear wheel drive. We can live in hope for the prospect of an estate or all-wheel drive variant. Mazda say the 6e will come with a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty for the car and a separate 8 year/100,000 mile warranty for the battery.

UK pricing is yet to be announced.

Keep an eye on Cars of Glasgow's YouTube channel for the full review!