A trademark filing for the Mazda CX-6e name in Europe suggests the Japanese carmaker has decided on what to call its next electric SUV, due by the end of 2027.
Uncovered by Auto Express, the CX-6e trademark is expected to be affixed to a mid-sized battey-electric SUV which will rival the likes of the top-selling Tesla Model Y in what is the most lucrative segment for carmakers globally.
Almost all of Mazda’s current SUVs wear the CX name, while the 6e – also sold as the EZ-6 – is the Japanese brand’s new electric sedan successor to the petrol and diesel-powered 6, suggesting the new electric model will be closely related to its battery-powered counterpart.
In November 2024, Mazda released a roadmap of future model launches, which included a new SUV which it said is due to launch between 2025 and 2027, based on a dedicated EV platform.
The platform is also planned to support plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), however, Mazda hasn’t provided any more details about it as yet.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Mazda Arata concept
Mazda’s roadmap also included mention of launching a second ‘alliance’ EV with Chinese partner Changan in 2027, with the upcoming model to take shape as a ‘crossover’ SUV.
While the aforementioned Mazda 6e/EZ-6 is based on a Changan platform and first went on sale in China, at last year’s Beijing motor show the Japanese brand revealed a new SUV concept which is set to be the second model from its partnership.
The Arata show car was revealed alongside the EZ-6 sedan, and while it’ll initially go on sale in China as a production model, Mazda is yet to confirm whether it’ll be sold outside of that market.
Its shape is a blend of the design elements of the EZ-6 and a familiar SUV silhouette which doesn’t look too dissimilar from recent large Mazda SUVs.
As previously reported, Mazda has trademarked the name EZ-60 in China, which is likely to appear on the production version of the Arata.
If this is the case, it’s more probable that the CX-6e name will be used for the Changan-derived electric SUV – mirroring the EZ-6/6e – rather than Mazda’s own electric SUV.
At present, Mazda has only made one in-house EV – the MX-30, which has been discontinued in Australia – plus the EZ-6/6e.
Despite the 6 sedan and wagon’s demise locally, Mazda Australia has only said the EZ-6/6e is “under study for overseas markets”.
As Mazda gears up to launch a new electric SUV, it’s also set to introduce the third generation of its best-selling CX-5 later this year.
MORE: When we’ll see the next Mazda EV
MORE: Mazda Arata concept previews second Chinese EV
MORE: 2025 Mazda 6e EV: UK launch could hint at Australian plans
