Mazda CX-60 review

Pros: Spacious, premium cabin, well-priced

 

Cons: Firm ride, plug-in hybrid refinement

 

The Mazda CX-60 is a new flagship SUV from the Japanese car brand and introduces plug-in hybrid technology to the Mazda range for the very first time. Could the CX-60 be the one to finally deliver on Mazda’s premium aspirations?

 

 

The CX-60 slots into the Mazda range above the CX-5. Longer and wider, it’s a more impressive SUV in the metal. 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard, but it’s the top of the range Homura and Takumi models that look the most premium. The 20-inch alloy wheels grab attention, while the body-coloured sills and wheel arches give the CX-60 a cleaner and more upmarket look. The CX-60 boasts classic Mazda design with a big grille at the front, slim LED headlamps and lots of sleek surfacing that looks best in the brand’s signature Soul Red Crystal. The long bonnet adds to the Mazda’s stately presence and houses some big engines, including two upcoming six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

 

 

From the driver’s seat the CX-60 feels like a much bigger and more luxurious SUV than the CX-5. You sit higher behind the wheel and the quality is a match for any premium brand. Leather seats come as standard on all but the entry model. The CX-60 Homura comes with a black leather interior, while top of the range Takumi models stand out with white Nappa leather.

 

The CX-60 scores for in-car technology with lots of standard safety equipment, a new digital instrument cluster, 12-inch multimedia screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Some versions also get a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging. For the first time the screen allows some touch control, but the multimedia system is operated via a dial on the centre console while driving to limit distraction.

 

Mazda will launch a seven-seat SUV later this year but for now, the CX-60 is the brand’s largest family SUV. It offers seating for five and is roomier in the back than a CX-5. There’s a 570-litre boot, which is good for a plug-in hybrid SUV. A powered tailgate comes as standard on all but the entry level model.

 

 

The CX-60 plug-in hybrid is Mazda’s most powerful production model ever with 327hp and 500Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. All wheel drive comes as standard, with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Despite weighing about 2.1 tonnes, the CX-60 does a good job of disguising its size and weight on the road. Like all Mazdas, it feels more driver-focused than most and is as happy on a twisty mountain road as the motorway. The downside is quite a firm ride so it’s not the most comfortable SUV you can buy, particularly in town.

 

The plug-in hybrid allows you to drive the CX-60 electric for up to about 63 kilometres and the battery does need to be charged to run the vehicle most efficiently. The transition between the hybrid and electric drive does feel a little bit awkward at low speeds but that’s less of an issue once cruising, where the CX-60 shows high levels of refinement. The CX-60 is at its liveliest in the Sport mode, which is the best way to experience the CX-60’s excellent grip, power and performance.

 

 

The Mazda CX-60 is well-priced against premium plug-in hybrids like the Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. It goes on sale from €54,100 for the Prime-Line, from €56,100 for the Exclusive-Line, from €59,350 for the Homura and from €60,950 for the Takumi.

 

 

The CX-60 brings Mazda design and quality to the large family SUV segment. It’s not quite as comfortable as some rivals and the plug-in hybrid could be smoother, but it is well priced for what is otherwise a very luxurious SUV. If you’re looking for an upmarket SUV that’s spacious, well-equipped and good to drive, then this Mazda CX-60 might be the one for you.