Mazda 6e range revealed in Australia - is this NZ’s new electric Mazda liftback?

Mazda Australia have revealed pricing and specification for the new full electric 6e, providing the clearest glimpse yet of what Kiwis can expect when the model arrives in mid-2026.

The Australian Mazda 6e range was rumoured to start under AU$55,000, however Mazda Australia have gone a step further with the model range starting under AU$50,000 before on-road costs.

Across the ditch, two Mazda 6e models will be available at launch; the AU$49,990 (approximately NZ$60,000) GT and flagship AU$52,990 (approximately NZ$63,000) Atenza, a name commonly seen in New Zealand thanks to used Japanese imports.

At that price, the new Mazda mid-size liftback will undercut the Australian segment best-selling Tesla Model 3 RWD Premium by AU$5,000. The Mazda is also very close to the Model 3 in terms of size. The 6e is 4921mm long with a 2895 wheelbase, whereas the Model 3 is 4724mm long with a 2875mm wheelbase.  

Both Australian models are powered by a 190kW/290Nm electric motor mounted on the rear axle. No official performance figures have been released, but our colleagues at CarExper.com.au tested a European pre-production model late last year and 0-100km/h took 7.35 seconds.  

One thing that has been confirmed is range. The Mazda 6e has a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 560km from a 78kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. Both models have the same battery and are rear-wheel drive only.

The GT comes very well equipped with a panoramic roof, 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and a 14-speaker Sony sound system.

The flagship Atenza only adds tan leather and synthetic suede seat trim with quilted stitching, extensive use of the same material on the dashboard and doors, and a two-tone black and leather steering wheel.

Mazda New Zealand are still in the process of finalising their 6e range and we do not expect the local range to be an exact match of that offered across the ditch. We anticipate a single, top-spec model will be offered locally with all the goodies equipped as standard. As a result, we also do not expect to see pricing translate directly from Australian dollars.

However when the 6e does land, it looks set to be price competitive with other electric four-doors like the Tesla Model 3 (starting at $63,990), Kia EV4 (starting at 63,990) and BYD Seal (starting at $58,990, $65,990 for comparable 6e model).

Mazda New Zealand is expected to announce the local 6e range in the coming months, with the first examples due to land in mid-2026.