Changan Mazda in China just recently dropped a teaser of its new and highly-anticipated global all-electric EZ-60 crossover SUV on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo. Heralded as the automaker’s latest all-electric model, the new EZ-60 represents the next chapter in Mazda’s partnership with Chinese-based Changan Automobile, following the debut of the EZ-6 sedan (Mazda6e in Europe).
Although teased for the Chinese market, the new EZ-60 will supposedly preview the new all-electric crossover Mazda’s been planning for its global EV lineup over the past couple of years. Our colleagues at HotCars and their esteemed spy photographer also caught a test-mule running around, with word that the global version could be called the “CX-6E.”
Not too long ago, Mazda also unveiled the EZ-6 for the Chinese market, the company’s first-ever all-electric sedan, which later debuted in the European market as the Mazda6e. The sedan is expected to arrive in North America in the near future. Both models are a part of Mazda’s all-electric vehicle initiative as it finally enters the EV space.
The EZ-60 Will Be Mazda’s First-Ever All-Electric CUV
Mazda and Changan Automobile formed a joint venture back in December 2012 as a part of the Japanese automaker’s restructuring, following its departure from Ford ownership. The two automakers established the joint-venture in an effort to support Mazda’s sales in the Chinese market. They later tightened their ties in July 2023 when the Changan Mazda consortium purchased China’s FAW Group Corp., one of China’s major state-owned automobile manufacturers.
FAW owns SAIC Motor, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, and Changan Automobile. They also produce Hongqi and Betune, and also have other partnerships with Chinese-based subdivisions of Toyota and Volkswagen.
However, because of China’s huge strides and advancements in EV tech, Mazda tapped into its Changan partnership to co-develop and produce electric vehicles, and the EZ-60 is the latest result of these efforts.
Just last year at Mazda’s investor and future product conference, the automaker revealed considerable plans for its future lineup. The plan included a new dedicated BEV (battery-electric vehicle) platform in partnership with Changan Automobile. The first stage of this product roll-out came to fruition with the EZ-6/Mazda6e, and the EZ-60 is the second phase of this plan.
Not much is specifically known about the new EZ-60. At least, not yet. But speculation points to its design taking heavy inspiration from the consortium’s Arata Concept, which debuted at Auto China 2024 in Beijing.
Because the EZ-60 shares its platform with the EZ-6/Mazda6e, it’ll likely share the same powertrain. That platform is the Changan EPA1, which already supports the Deepal L07 and S07 electric vehicles. The European-specification Mazda6e will get either a 68.8-kilowatt-hour battery, which Mazda Europe claims returns up to 298 miles (479 kilometers) of range, or a more powerful 80-kWh system for up to 343 miles (552 km) of range.
Similar to the European-specification Mazda6e, an extended-range electric variant may also be a part of the EZ-60’s offerings. Rumors suggest the internal-combustion generator part of the EZ-60 EREV is a new 95-horsepower 1.4-liter gasoline engine.
The New EZ-60 Also Incorporates Mazda’s Latest “Authentic Modern” Design Language
From what we can see in the teaser, the EZ-60 appears to take on Mazda’s latest design language, which is an evolution of the hugely successful KODO theme that’s defined the brand over the past decade. If the rumors are true regarding the EZ-60’s inspiration from the Arata Concept, which appear to be fairly accurate, the EZ-60 will be a slick crossover with more car-like themes and a low-slung roofline.
TopSpeed’s Take
Despite the recent “EV slowdown,” which is the term that describes the recent lukewarm market and reception to electric vehicles, Mazda remains committed to its electric vehicle plans as it currently does not offer any. In the same breath, Mazda also remains committed to offering internal combustion-powered vehicles, all in an effort to offer both types of vehicles to buyers.
Mazda’s decision to produce both ICE-powered and all-electric vehicles, as well as the gas-electric hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles in between, represents the automaker’s decision to follow the industry’s “multi-energy” approach and strategy. The latter describes the efforts automakers are putting forth to offer buyers options, rather than forcing the consumer into one type of powertrain.
The new Mazda EX-60 is expected to officially debut in the coming weeks at Auto Shanghai 2025.
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