- Mazda is finally getting serious about EVs. After introducing its gorgeous EZ-6 sedan late last year, it just revealed the swanky EZ-60 crossover.
- It features design elements rarely seen in production-spec mid-size crossovers, like flying buttresses and digital-only rear-view mirrors.
- Underneath, it’s a Chinese EV. But that’s not a bad thing because it will likely share its powertrain with a cutting-edge model.
Mazda may be far behind in the transition away from polluting gas cars, but it’s not throwing in the towel just yet. The automaker has revealed its latest EV, the EZ-60 crossover, on Chinese social media platform Weibo. It shares the same sleek design language as the EZ-6 electric sedan Mazda revealed late last year for the Chinese and European markets. While the EZ-6 targets the Tesla Model 3, the EZ-60 is Mazda’s answer to the Model Y.
But the EZ-60 is not a true Mazda. It’s a Deepal S07 underneath. Deepal is the electric-only brand owned by China’s state-run Changan Automobile. Like many major Chinese automakers, Changan is eyeing international expansion this year, with plans to enter Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the U.K. Deepal will lead that push, and the Mazda EZ-60 may even coexist with its Chinese counterpart in some of those markets.
12
Source: Mazda
The EZ-60 rides on the EPA1 platform developed by Changan (not to be confused with the Geely Group’s SPA platforms).
It is expected to share its powertrain with the S07, although Mazda has not officially released the specifications yet. Teaming up with Deepal seems like a smart move, because the Deepal S07 is one of the cutting-edge Chinese EVs that makes its western rivals look ancient. It gets everything from Huawei’s latest ADAS software, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip for the vehicle cockpit and 3C charging speeds, which can theoretically top-up a battery in just 20 minutes. And it starts at just 169,000 yuan ($22,000 at current exchange rates).
The EPA1 platform supports a broad range of electrified powertrains, including pure electric, extended-range hybrid (E-REV) and fuel-cell options. While Mazda has not released the specs of the EZ-60, they will likely be similar to the S07. The Deepal gets a 215 horsepower single motor set-up and a 255 hp dual-motor option. Chinese customers have two battery options: a 68.8 kilowatt-hour LFP pack with a CLTC range of 323 miles and an 80 kWh NMC pack good for 390 miles of range.
Photo by: Mazda
But all that may not be the Mazda’s key selling point, even though they’re decent specs on paper. The EZ-60’s biggest advantage is its design, which looks more premium than its Deepal sibling and several levels above the Model Y. Its slender headlamps are united by the grille and brand logo, both of which are illuminated in bright LEDs. It also gets some swanky aerodynamic elements like the flying buttresses on the nose and C-pillar. It dumps traditional side mirrors for super sleek digital, camera-fed units.
Those elements are rare on production vehicles, especially mid-size crossovers, which are typically volume sellers. Interior details will be revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month. It’s still unclear where the EZ-60 will be sold apart from China. Europe seems more likely than the U.S., given its Chinese underpinnings and the ongoing tariff war with Washington. Either way, the EZ-60 could give Mazda a much-needed boost in overseas markets.
Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
