Mazda CX-60 | Test Drive | Auto Class Magazine

Mazda CX-60 | Test Drive

8 January 2024 Redazione News, Tested

Words Carlo Brema / Photos Gian Romero

It is the most powerful, biggest and most expensive Mazda ever produced, but it is also the first Plug-In Hybrid coming out of the gates of the Japanese company. It’s called CX-60 and it aims directly at the top European brands, without the slightest fear of doing that, so much so that it shuffles the cards on the table with unusually generous engines (a 2.5 petrol and a 3.3 MHEV diesel). After introducing the 100% electric MX-30, Mazda expands its range by introducing a larger SUV, which is positioned beyond the excellent CX-5 thanks to dimensions that reflect the grandeur of its exterior look: we’re talking about a length of 474 centimeters, a width of 189 and a height of 168.

Between one end and the other there is plenty of space for five people, luggage and a hybrid compartment which, although a debut for the brand, presents itself as the perfect meeting point between practicality and efficiency. The model being tested doesn’t even save on the aesthetic aspect, wearing the clothes of the top of the range setup called Takumi and equipped with four packs: Convenience & Sound, Comfort, Driver Assistance and a huge panoramic roof, not to mention the special Premium Rhodium White paint, for a final price that from the starting €61,035 (of the PHEV, ed.) reaches €70,285. And since it’s not flipper change, let’s jump on board and try to understand whether it’s money well spent or not.

The hybrid unit is therefore composed of an internal combustion engine, a 2.5cc 4-cylinder combined with an electric unit with a 17.8 kWh battery, which guarantees a range of approximately 60 km with zero emissions. Not bad, especially considering the weight you carry around: 2,070 kg. The CX-60, as mentioned, is a large SUV with the primary objective of offering on-board comfort and drivability that favors long distances. In this regard, the 328 horsepower of maximum combined power say hi – especially during acceleration – but never intervene in a brutal manner, all to the advantage of a smooth ride that is appreciated from the very first kilometers. In fact, it is not a question of burning the 0-100 kph in 5.8 seconds, much less the top speed electronically limited at 200 per hour, but instead of a driving style that reflects the care and expertise of the passenger compartment assemblies, Mazda’s flagship and in the case of the CX-60, further cared for.

Lingering for a longer moment on the aesthetics, the lines are classically Mazda, albeit marked by light groups that stretch horizontally, so as to accentuate the dimensions of the model, especially in the rear area. You perceive a sense of grandeur that continues even once you sit in the driving seat, where you dominate the road beyond the generous bonnet. Finding the ideal driving position is easy and the thousands of adjustments are stored and recalled automatically thanks to a camera that welcomes the driver also with the preferred parameters relating to infotainment and climate control. These are cuddles. And then there are the upholstery, which as on this Takumi version introduce a woven fabric that is nice to touch and accentuates the brightness offered by the cream-colored nappa leather seats. There are no details left to chance, the ergonomics are perfect, there are numerous storage compartments and connectivity for your smartphone.

There are two screens, both 12.3″. The display above the dash (touch only when connected to the mobile device), can be controlled via the classic rotor located near the new and massive gear lever, and that of the dashboard, which varies its graphics depending on the selected driving mode. The fact that it recalls a pseudo-analogue instrumentation is very appreciable, while in front of the gear lever – perhaps in a slightly hidden position – there is the MI-Drive selector, to switch from one mode to another. Below the central screen the physical buttons for the climate remain and it’s a good thing. It’s finally time to start the car and while the CX-60 comes to life in electric mode, I notice that when cold, the ignition of the combustion engine is a bit noisy and therefore invasive. A small flaw that vanishes a few kilometers later, when the temperatures are reached and the petrol engine silently accompanies the chosen road.

The CX-60 I tested has 328 horses under the bonnet, a maximum torque of 500 Nm available at 4,000 rpm, however it is not intended to be a racer and suffers a pinch of body roll if put under pressure. Driving is predominantly relaxed, thanks to a rather soft set-up and a precise steering that follows the driver’s inputs, but without inciting you to increase the pace. Which then, if desired, by pressing the throttle hard you can exploit a notable progression, having an easy life when overtaking and appreciating how an engine of such large dimensions – especially given the current market trend – dialogues with the electric unit, without necessarily needing the batteries to always be charged. Being Plug-In it is possible to recharge from any socket, or regenerate during braking. Depending on the driving style, opposite values are obtained in terms of consumption, with a combined cycle declared at an average of 5.3 l/100 km, a number that can be quickly doubled if you are too permissive with the pedal on the far right.

After my testing period, it was really difficult to point the finger at a seemingly non-existent flaw on this CX-60. The price could be one of the few details that could make people turn up their nose, after all €70,000 is a pretty important number and allows you to take into consideration various alternatives. However, we must take into account that you are bringing home the top of the range, with a latest generation engine compartment and equipped – since I hadn’t mentioned it yet – with an 8-speed automatic transmission combined with all-wheel drive. The complete package then. If you’re not one of those who necessarily have to have a specific badge up front, the CX-60 makes perfect sense and raises the quality bar for the extraordinary CX-5 even higher. A big car that plays with the big boys. There is nothing out of place here.