Towing with the new Mazda 6e EV – how much can it actually tow?

Towing with the new Mazda 6e EV – how much can it actually tow?

The Mazda 6e is Mazda’s newest all-electric mid-size sedan designed to compete with vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3, VW ID.7 and other electric sedans in the mid price segment. It replaces the discontinued Mazda MX-30, which had limited range and appeal, and represents a more conventional and practical EV offering from Mazda.

Powertrain, Performance and Driving

The 6e is rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor driving the rear axle. There are two main battery options:

• Standard battery (68.8 kWh LFP): Outputs around 258 hp (190 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Zero-to-62 mph time is around 7.6 seconds. WLTP range is about 298–300 miles (≈480 km). Charging with DC can peak at up to around 200 kW, allowing a 10-80 per cent session in roughly 22–26 minutes.
• Long-range battery (80 kWh NCM): Slightly lower power (~245 hp / ~180 kW) but extended WLTP range up to about 343–345 miles (≈550 km). 0-62 mph is about 7.8 seconds. Peak DC charging for this version is much lower at around 90–95 kW, with a 10-80 per cent fill taking around 45 minutes.

Both versions share a top speed limited to around 175 km/h. Rear-wheel drive and a balanced platform give the car a more traditional driving feel compared with many front-drive EVs.

Real-world testing and owner reports indicate that actual peak charging power can vary significantly by charger type, state of charge and temperature, and the long-range version’s slower charging can make long trips less convenient than with rivals. Some users note that in cold conditions peak charging on the standard battery LFP version is reduced, likely due to limited battery preconditioning.

Range and Efficiency

Official WLTP figures are competitive for the class, but real range depends on conditions. The standard LFP battery version often shows real highway range lower than its WLTP figure, especially in cold weather, with real-world consumption around 16–18 kWh/100 km reported in some tests.

The long-range version’s WLTP figures are higher, but its charging performance lowers its appeal as a true long-distance EV compared with rivals that can sustain high-power charging.

Charging

Charging infrastructure compatibility is generous, with support for CCS DC rapid charging and up to 11 kW AC for home charging. The standard battery version’s peak DC charging (up to ~200 kW) is strong for its class, allowing relatively quick top-ups. The larger battery version’s peak DC power at around ~90–95 kW is modest and significantly slower than many competing midsize EVs. 10-80 per cent DC sessions are about 22 minutes on the smaller battery and about 45 minutes on the larger one.

Charging behaviour in real usage may be influenced by battery temperature and charger capabilities. Reports suggest inconsistent peak charging delivery in some locations.

Design and Styling

Mazda has applied its “Kodo” design language to the 6e, creating a sleek, low-roof fastback silhouette that differentiates it from boxier SUVs and many EV rivals. The sedan/hatchback form aims for a sporty yet sophisticated presence. The exterior proportions and details are widely regarded as attractive and more elegant than many mainstream EV designs.

Interior, Technology and Packaging

The Mazda 6e’s interior combines a large central screen with a digital instrument cluster and an augmented-reality head-up display. A 14.6-inch touchscreen serves as the primary control interface for most functions, accompanied by a 10.2-inch digital driver display. Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is expected.

The cabin quality is generally regarded as high, with materials and fit-and-finish in line with Mazda’s reputation. Boot space is competitive for the segment, with cargo capacity that expands when rear seats are folded.  Need to carry more, why not fit a Mazda 6e detachable towbar?  Take your bikes along on the next weekend away.

There has been criticism from prospective buyers and forum users about the heavy reliance on the touchscreen for many controls, the lack of physical buttons for key functions, and an infotainment system that some find less intuitive than rivals.

Practicality

The Mazda 6e offers comfortable seating for five and a cargo area comparable to other midsize EVs, with additional storage in a front trunk (“frunk”) in some markets. Its form factor and low centre of gravity make it suitable for everyday use and highway driving. Towing capacity is reported around 1500 kg, a useful figure for a family EV.

Key facts about towing with the new Mazda 6e EV sedan:

Towing capacity

• The Mazda 6e is rated to tow a braked trailer of up to 1500 kg. This means that if the trailer you attach has its own braking system, and you stay within the gross combination limits Mazda specifies, the car’s structure and brakes are homologated for up to 1500 kg towing weight.
• For an unbraked trailer, the limit is 750 kg. Unbraked means the trailer relies solely on its wheels and doesn’t have its own brake system.

These figures are consistent across both the standard battery version and the long-range battery version of the 6e.

What this means in practice

• A 1500 kg rated towing capacity is strong for an EV sedan and allows you to tow many common caravans, trailers and small boats that fall within that weight class. News coverage specifically highlighted this figure as an EV towing capability in the class, noting it as a useful spec for caravan owners and similar towing use.
• The vertical load rating (the downward force on the hitch) is typically limited to 75 kg, which is normal for passenger cars and must be observed for safe loading.

Notes and considerations

• Towing with any EV can reduce range significantly compared to driving without a trailer, and this is true for the 6e as well. Always plan trips with reduced range in mind.

Strengths

• Competitive range figures on paper, particularly with the long-range battery.
• Rear-wheel drive and balanced handling give it a more traditional driving character than many EVs.
• Attractive exterior design and premium-feeling interior materials.
• Strong DC charging potential on the standard LFP battery version.

Weaknesses

• Charging performance on the larger battery is relatively slow by modern EV standards.
• Real-world range and efficiency vary with conditions, and winter highway range can be significantly lower than WLTP figures.
• Infotainment and user interface draw criticism for being touchscreen-heavy and less intuitive.
• No all-wheel drive option is currently confirmed in most markets, limiting appeal in regions that prioritise AWD.

Overall Assessment

The Mazda 6e is a significant step for Mazda’s electrification efforts, offering a more conventional and practical EV compared with its discontinued MX-30. It delivers a competitive electric range, stylish design and premium cabin, while retaining a more traditional sedan character and driving feel.

However, certain compromises — most notably charging performance on the larger battery, a touchscreen-centric user experience, and real-world range variance — mean it may not outclass the most efficient or fastest-charging rivals in its segment. For buyers who prioritise balanced driving dynamics, design and overall quality in an EV sedan rather than outright performance or rapid charging capability, the Mazda 6e is a compelling option.

Order your Mazda 6e towbar today.