The Impressive Mazda EZ-60 Is Hiding Some Unexpected Roots

By Team Dailyrevs April 18, 2025

Mazda EZ-60: This Sleek EV Isn’t Just Coming for Tesla—It Brought Backup

Mazda’s EZ-60 debuts in China with up to 1,000 km range using REEV tech.
Co-developed with Changan and based on Deepal architecture.
Designed to challenge the Tesla Model Y, but in Mazda’s understated style.

A Silent Shot Across Tesla's Bow

Mazda entered the electric SUV market in a way that's less of a blaring declaration and more of a backroom power move. The EZ-60, launched for China, is an intersection of Bauhaus minimalism, practical engineering, and tactical alliances. It doesn't holler for notice—but it guarantees one thing: Mazda is no longer just "observing the EV space." It's in the game—on purpose.

Specification	Details
Powertrain	EV + REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle)
Motor	Single rear-mounted motor
Range (pure electric)	~600 km (approximate)
Extended range (REEV)	Up to 1,000 km
Range extender	1.5L gasoline engine
Interior display	26.4-inch ultra-wide screen
Launch market	China (global aspirations hinted)
Platform/Tech base	Developed with Changan, based on Deepal EVs

Design: Mazda Minimalism with Chinese Precision

You can view detailed images here, but in short, the EZ-60 looks like what would happen if a CX-60 enrolled in a Bauhaus design school in Shenzhen.

Front: Polished, closed-off grille with razor-sharp DRLs that nod to EV identity without overdoing it.
Profile: Well-balanced, elegant proportions. No swoopy coupe theatrics—just athletic stance with functionality.
Rear: Wraparound lighting that is premium and up-to-date, topped with a restrained Mazda badge and sharp bodywork.
Wheels and stance: Flush-fitting wheels and discreet cladding provide it with presence, rather than pretension.

It's not obviously attempting to out-style a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or out-futurise a Cybertruck. Rather, it's confidently understated—a traditional Mazda approach, filtered through a contemporary, collaborative perspective.

Under the Hood: The Deepal Connection

This is where it gets interesting—and strategic.

The EZ-60 is co-developed with Changan, Mazda’s JV partner in China, and is built on an architecture shared with Deepal models like the SL03 and S7. In other words, Mazda didn’t reinvent the EV chassis; it plugged into a proven formula.

The 1.5-liter range extender, which doesn’t power the wheels directly, acts more like a generator—similar in concept to BMW’s i3 REx or Nissan’s e-Power models. It enables up to 1,000 km of range, which, in a market like China where range anxiety still influences buying decisions, is a tactical win.

Inside the Cabin: One Screen to Rule Them All

Mazda’s cabins have always been driver-focused—but the EZ-60 brings digital transformation in full swing.

26.4-inch display: A widescreen that stretches across the dash, integrating infotainment, navigation, and cluster data.
Minimalist dash with almost invisible HVAC vents.
Likely shared software/interface from Deepal models, which are already known for slick UX.

It’s a notable shift for Mazda—embracing tech not just functionally, but as a visual centerpiece.

Market Intent: Tesla Model Y, Meet Your Calm Cousin

Most outlets haven’t missed the obvious: this is aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y. But Mazda’s not interested in beating Tesla at its own game of over-the-air updates or breakneck acceleration.

Instead, it’s selling coherence, comfort, and confidence—with a product that:

Sits well in a family garage.
Offers ultra-long range with low running cost.
Looks good without shouting.

It’s also a clever way for Mazda to test global EV waters via China, using local tech, infrastructure, and demand.

Final Thoughts: A Quietly Clever EV

The Mazda EZ-60 may not be the EV headline-grabber of the year, but that’s exactly what makes it fascinating. It reflects a brand that’s evolving—pragmatically, intentionally, and through smart partnerships. And while the badge says Mazda, the strategy is unmistakably global.