- Mazda has introduced an updated EZ-60 in China, one year after its launch.
- The SUV gains a LiDAR sensor and more advanced autonomous capabilities.
- It retains the EV and EREV powertrain options, starting at ¥113,900 ($17,000).
The Mazda EZ-60 – known as the CX-6e in export markets – has been on sale in China for only one year, but that didn’t stop the Changan Mazda joint venture from giving it an early technological update. The SUV, which is available with range-extender and fully electric powertrains, gains upgraded sensors enabling more advanced semi-autonomous capabilities.
The highlight of the refreshed EZ-60 is the addition of a roof-mounted LiDAR. This is combined with three millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 high-definition cameras, continuously monitoring the surrounding environment. The impressive setup allows Navigation-on-Autopilot (NOA) driving on highways when travelling at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph), and in urban traffic at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
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According to Mazda, the model can now handle roundabouts and highway ramps, perform automated lane changes, U-turns, and features autonomous parking with upgraded memory. The systems are classified as Level 2+ and have been tested in hazardous scenarios including nighttime driving under heavy rain conditions and navigating narrow mountain passes with tree branches encroaching into the travel lane.
Changan Mazda / Weibo
Setting aside the LiDAR pod on the roof on certain trims, the exterior design of the 4,850 mm (190.9 in) long SUV remains unchanged.
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The same applies to the interior with the carry-over 26.45-inch infotainment display stretching on the passenger side of the dashboard and nine airbags fitted as standard. High-spec trims are equipped with a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display (optionally upgraded to 100-inch projection), and dual front zero-gravity seats with eight-point massage function that can recline by 120 degrees transforming into beds.
Changan Mazda / Weibo
Under the skin, the EZ-60 retains Changan’s EPA1 architecture with carry-over EREV and BEV powertrain options. Both employ a rear-mounted electric motor producing 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS). The BEV has a 77.94 kWh battery offering a CLTC range of up to 373 miles (600 km).
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The EREV adds a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 97 hp (72 kW / 98 PS) which acts purely as a generator for the 31.73 kWh battery pack. This allows an alleged combined range of up to 808 miles (1,301 km) between charging and refueling stops.
Changan Mazda / Weibo
The 2027 Mazda EZ-60 is already available to order in China. Pricing starts at ¥113,900 ($17,000) for the base EREV 200 Air trim but the LiDAR-equipped range begins with the EREV 200 Pro LiDAR at ¥145,900 ($21,700) and tops out at ¥166,900 ($24,900) for the flagship EV 600 Max LiDAR.
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It remains to be seen whether the aforementioned updates will find their way into the Mazda CX-6e in the near future. The model landed in the Old Continent and in Australia earlier this year, so Mazda might wait before introducing any new features to export markets.