Mazda 6e electric sedan undercuts Model 3

MAZDA has undercut Australia’s best-selling electric sedan, the Tesla Model 3, with its battery electric successor to the petrol- and diesel-powered Mazda 6 medium passenger car.

Two variants of the 6e liftback will be offered in Australian showrooms from July, both delivering on the model’s expected sub-$55,000 sticker: the entry-level GT priced at $49,990 before on-road costs and the Atenza flagship at $52,990 + ORC.

Given the 6e does not arrive in Australia for several months, Tesla has time to sharpen its pencil on Model 3 pricing, which currently opens at $54,900 + ORC.

Mazda’s aggressive pricing also places the 6e in close competition with the BYD Seal (starting at $46,990 + ORC), while undercutting the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($67,300 + ORC), Polestar 2 ($62,400 + ORC), and the IM IM5 ($60,990 drive-away).

In addition, a launch offer for the 6e means the first 300 customers to pre-order a GT variant will receive a complementary upgrade to the range-topping Atenza.

Built in China under joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. and sold as the EZ-6 in the Chinese market, the 2026 Mazda 6e shares its Changan EPA1 underpinnings with the Changan Neevo A07 and the Deepal L07.

The 6e is the first of two Changan-built Mazda battery electric vehicles locked in for the Australian market and is soon to be joined by the Mazda CX-6e medium SUV, which is heavily based on the Deepal S07.

A single, rear-wheel drive powertrain will be offered across both 6e variants, producing 190kW and 290Nm.

With electricity sourced from a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a quoted energy consumption figure of 15.9kWh/100km, the 6e has a claimed driving range of 560km on the WLTP combined cycle. Mazda also claims 30-80 per cent DC charging times as short as 15 minutes.

Standard features on the Mazda 6e include 19-inch alloy wheels, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a 14-speaker Sony sound system.

The Mazda 6e smartphone app includes a Bluetooth key function and enables owners to remotely control the air-conditioning, windows, and locks.

For an additional $1000, the 6e GT can be specified with a ‘Warm Beige’ interior trim package.

The range-topping Atenza model adds tan leather and synthetic suede interior treatment comprising a two-tone leather steering wheel, synthetic suede dashboard and door trim, and quilted stitching.

Standard safety features across both variants include Lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a 360-degree monitor with see-through view, driver monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

“Not only does (the Mazda 6e) offer our signature design, craftsmanship and meticulously tuned driving performance, it’s backed by the exceptional support and service standards of an established dealer network totalling almost 150 locations across Australia,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

2026 Mazda 6e pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.