New model is based on Deepal S07 underpinnings and will launch at Shanghai Auto Show.
Mazda has released pictures of its upcoming EZ-60 electric crossover alongside a video revealing aero-focused styling.
The new model will be the second electric Mazda built in conjunction with their Chinese production partner, Changan, and will sit on the EPA1 platform the underpins its sister car, the Deepal S07.
Set to debut at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, the EZ-60 adopts the brand’s Kodo design language and, to these eyes at least, does a far better job of disguising its Deepal roots than the EZ-6, which was very similar to the Deepal SL03.
In addition, the video revealed a couple of unique styling features that emphasise Mazda’s focus on aero, with an integrated bonnet inlet similar to that on the Polestar 3 and Lotus Electre, as well as a C-pillar that guides aero inside the panel, a far more subtle version of aero deployed on cars like the Ford GT.
Like the Mazda EZ-6, the EZ-60 is expected to go on sale in China first before release in international markets where it will likely take the name CX-6e.
Dimensions should remain similar to the Deepal S07, although the EZ-60 looks perhaps slightly lower than that, meaning a length of around 4,750mm, width of 1,930mm, height of 1,625mm, and a wheelbase of 2,900mm.
Although a dual-motor version can’t be ruled out, the Deepal S07 features a rear-mounted single motor with either 160kW or 190kW outputs, so the EZ-60 will likely adopt the same.
Battery options are expected to be either a 68.8kWh LFP battery, offering up to 520km of range on the CLTC cycle, or an 80kWh NMC battery offering up to 628km of range, also on the CLTC cycle.
It could also be made available with an EREV powertrain, where a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine serves as an onboard generator with drive coming from either a 175kW or 190kW rear-mounted motor, but Mazda hasn’t adopted this with the EZ-6 so probably won’t with the EZ-60.
As well as the aero features revealed in the video, the EZ-60 looks set to adopt cameras for mirrors, a feature not offered on the S07, suggesting Mazda has had a bit more free reign with the design and engineering of the EZ-60.
In addition, we can see that the EZ-60 gets 21-inch two-tone alloys, an illuminated front logo, and a deep purple paint scheme with gloss-black wheel arches, which help to give a sinister and powerful aesthetic.
The front daytime running light runs the full-width of the car but frames the lower edge of the grille, clearly marking the EZ-60 as a Mazda, while the tail lights mimic Mazda’s recent design language on the outer edges and add a slim lightbar element towards the centre.
The bumper design front and rear also looks quite purposeful with aero elements pointing outwards towards the ground helping give the EZ-60 a wide stance.
While there’s no visible lidar, suggesting no urban autonomous driving features, there are several cameras which should give the car 360-degree visibility and highway ADAS features of some form.
Prices are expected to be a little higher than those of the S07 which retails at between RMB 149,900 and RMB 197,900, likely as a result of a slightly more premium interior like that of the EZ-6 which features premium suede and leather.
Editor’s Note
On the face of things, the EZ-60 looks a better proposition than the EZ-6 before it, which leads us to believe that Mazda has gotten to grips with sharing an EV platform with Changan and is now able to instill more of its unique identity onto these cars.
Whether that extends as far as the driving experience is yet to be seen with the EZ-6, at least in China, reportedly still feeling more geared towards comfort than Mazda’s sportier DNA dictates.
Regardless of that, it’s great to see Japanese brands, for so long reluctant to embrace EVs, starting to find some success with their Chinese partners.
Sales might not be lighting up the charts just yet, but it’s a start, and one Japanese brands sorely need if they’re not to be left behind entirely by their Chinese competition.
