The three-row Mazda CX-90 will become the brand’s new flagship SUV, teased this morning ahead of a global debut in January 2023 – and it’s coming to Australia.
Mazda shared a shadowy teaser image of the all-new CX-90’s front fender, showing an ‘Inline 6’ badge which indicates a six-cylinder engine under the bonnet, also confirming the new nameplate will debut the brand’s new Artisan Red premium paint option.
The CX-90 will be based on the brand’s Large Architecture – which also underpins the CX-60 – and will offer three rows of seating.
While it’s unclear exactly when it’s coming Down Under, Mazda Australia has confirmed the CX-90 will be offered in the local line-up following its reveal in January.
It’s touted to be the biggest model the company has produced, with “wider, longer and more aggressive proportions than any current Mazda” according to the media release, and it’s understood the CX-90 will be aimed primarily at the North American market – much like the existing CX-9, which is sold here but not in the brand’s home of Japan.
Expect the CX-90 to be offered with inline six-cylinder engine options, including a version of the 3.3-litre turbocharged e-Skyactiv G inline six petrol with 48V mild-hybrid tech confirmed for the local CX-60 range. In the five-seat mid-size SUV, the 3.3-litre donk produces 209kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
Being based on Mazda’s Large Architecture also means the CX-90 will likely offer a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv Plug-in Hybrid option, which in the CX-60 develops 241kW and 500Nm and offers up to 60 kilometres of EV driving range.
Not much else is known about the CX-90 at this stage, other than that it’ll likely be joined in the North American market by another all-new SUV called the CX-70. The CX-70 is expected to be a five-seat companion to the CX-90, offering a wider body than the CX-60 that’s more skewed to European tastes.
Mazda has also confirmed a three-row CX-80 will also join the global portfolio, which will be to the CX-60 what the CX-90 will be to the CX-70. The CX-80 is likely to be Mazda’s Japanese and European flagship.
CX-60
The Mazda CX-60 will be the first Large Architecture model to come to Australia, also the brand’s first plug-in hybrid, and is due to reach local showrooms in the first half of 2023.
Three trim levels will be offered at launch, Evolve, GT and Azami; and while the brand is pushing upmarket with this new model, it’s understood pricing will likely start around the $60,000 mark in its most affordable guise.
Mazda’s local division has already confirmed the CX-60 will offer 48V MHEV-assisted 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol and diesel engines, alongside the PHEV from launch. Full pricing and specifications for the Australian market will be confirmed during the late stages of 2022.
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