Mazda CX-6e LiDAR Variant Adds Highway and City Autonomy

Mazda CX-6e LiDAR Variant: Definition and Malaysian Market Context

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR is a new advanced driver-assistance variant of Mazda's electric SUV, known as the EZ-60 in China, featuring a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for enhanced highway and city autonomous driving capabilities. Manufactured through the Changan-Mazda joint venture, this New Energy Vehicle (NEV) addresses the need for safer, more convenient driving in congested urban environments. For Malaysian users, this model represents a potential future option in the premium electric SUV segment, though official local pricing and availability through Bermaz Motor have not yet been confirmed.

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR variant introduces Level 2 (L2) driver assistance technology capable of supporting over 200 driving scenarios, with an estimated starting price of RM94,000 in China.

Key Facts

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR variant is built on Changan's EPA1 platform, which also underpins the Deepal S07, and is the second NEV model from Mazda in China after the Mazda 6e (EZ-6).

What LiDAR Technology Does the Mazda CX-6e Add?

The LiDAR variant adds a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor combined with three mmWave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras to enable advanced L2 driver assistance. This sensor suite supports over 200 driving assistance scenarios, significantly expanding the vehicle's environmental perception capabilities compared to standard variants.

According to a report by CarNewsChina on 22 August 2026, the LiDAR variant was introduced at the Chengdu Auto Show 2026. The system is categorised as L2, not fully autonomous, meaning the driver must remain attentive and responsible for vehicle operation. Mazda has not yet announced the supplier for the LiDAR system.

"The system is still categorised as L2 and not fully autonomous driving technology. Drivers still need to monitor the vehicle and are responsible for driving."

— Mazda, as reported by Careta (24 August 2026)

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR's sensor fusion of LiDAR, radar, and cameras enables automated lane changes, highway merging, and city intersection handling at speeds from 0 to 130 km/h on highways and 0 to 80 km/h in urban areas.

How Does the Navigation-on-Autopilot (NOA) System Work?

The Navigation-on-Autopilot (NOA) system in the Mazda CX-6e LiDAR provides automated driving assistance for both highway and city environments, using GPS navigation data combined with real-time sensor input. On highways, the system manages entering and exiting ramps, navigating to rest areas, and overtaking slower vehicles with automatic lane changes.

For city driving, the NOA system handles intersections and roundabouts, performs U-turns, transitions between main roads and side roads, and executes emergency lane changes to avoid obstacles. The highway assistance function operates between 0 and 130 km/h, while the city assistance function operates between 0 and 80 km/h. The vehicle also includes remote parking, automated parking, and path-following parking functions.

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR's NOA system can automatically execute U-turns and emergency lane changes in city traffic, representing a significant advancement over standard L2 systems currently available in Malaysia.

What Are the Powertrain Options for the CX-6e LiDAR?

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR is available with two powertrain options: a fully electric version (EV) and an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) version. The EV version uses a 77.94 kWh LFP battery from CALB, delivering 190 kW (255 hp) to the rear wheels with a CLTC range of 585 to 600 km.

The EREV version pairs a 31.73 kWh LFP battery from CATL-Changan with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine acting as a range extender. This engine generates 72 kW (97 hp) but does not drive the wheels directly; it functions solely as a generator. The EREV provides 200 km of electric-only range under CLTC testing. Both versions have a top speed of 185 km/h. The EV supports 3C fast charging, enabling a 30% to 80% charge in 15 minutes.

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR EV offers a CLTC range of up to 600 km and can fast-charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, while the EREV variant provides 200 km of electric range with a petrol generator backup.

What Interior and Design Features Does the CX-6e LiDAR Offer?

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR features a minimalist cabin dominated by a 26.45-inch 5K infotainment screen that extends from the centre to the front passenger side, with minimal physical buttons. The driver receives a standard 50-inch head-up display (HUD), with a 100-inch HUD available as an option.

Mazda has focused on aerodynamics with nine air channels placed on the bonnet, bumper, and body panels to reduce air resistance, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.258 Cd. The suspension system uses McPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. This design approach differs significantly from traditional Mazda interiors, which typically feature more physical controls.

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR's 26.45-inch 5K infotainment display and optional 100-inch HUD represent a significant departure from Mazda's traditional interior design philosophy, prioritising digital interfaces over physical buttons.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Mazda CX-6e LiDAR is designed for Malaysian buyers seeking a premium electric SUV with advanced driver assistance technology, particularly those who frequently navigate congested urban areas in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. The vehicle's compact dimensions (4.85 metres long) make it suitable for condominium parking and tight urban spaces.

For Malaysian conditions, the LiDAR system's ability to handle city traffic scenarios is particularly relevant given the high traffic density in major urban centres. The EREV variant offers a practical solution for buyers concerned about charging infrastructure, providing 200 km of electric range for daily commuting with a petrol generator for longer journeys. The EV variant's 600 km CLTC range and 15-minute fast charging capability address range anxiety for intercity travel on routes like the North-South Expressway.

For Malaysian urban drivers, the Mazda CX-6e LiDAR's city-driving assistance features are particularly valuable in high-density traffic conditions, while the EREV variant offers a practical bridge for those transitioning from petrol to electric vehicles.

Common Questions

When will the Mazda CX-6e LiDAR be available in Malaysia?

Mazda has not announced official pricing or availability for the CX-6e LiDAR in Malaysia. The variant was revealed at the Chengdu Auto Show in August 2026, with pre-orders opening in China. Malaysian buyers should monitor Bermaz Motor, Mazda's official local distributor, for announcements.

What is the price difference between the EV and EREV versions of the CX-6e?

In China, the EV version of the Mazda CX-6e is approximately 10,000 yuan (RM5,900) more expensive than the EREV version. The existing CX-6e range is priced between 119,900 and 166,900 yuan (RM70,000 to RM98,000), with the LiDAR variant expected to start from 160,000 yuan (RM94,000).

Is the CX-6e LiDAR system fully autonomous?

No, the Mazda CX-6e LiDAR system is classified as L2 driver assistance, not full autonomy. While it can handle over 200 driving scenarios including highway merging and city intersection navigation, the driver must remain attentive and responsible for the vehicle at all times.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Careta article "Mazda CX-6e Dapat Varian Baharu LiDAR, Mampu Pandu Sendiri Di Lebuh Raya Dan Bandar" by Qalif Latif, published on 24 August 2026. The original article cites CarNewsChina (22 August 2026) and China EV DataTracker as external sources.

Currency conversions from Chinese yuan to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) are based on the approximate exchange rate used in the source material: 160,000 yuan equals approximately RM94,000, and 10,000 yuan equals approximately RM5,900. All technical specifications, including battery capacities, ranges, and dimensions, are preserved as reported in the source.

This article was last updated on 24 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia, including local distributor details and official pricing, was not available in the source material and remains unconfirmed.