The 2023 Mazda CX-60 has finally been unveiled, and it’s the first wave of premium SUVs that the Japanese automaker is set to unveil in the coming years. The first-ever midsize two-row CX-60 will be exclusive to Europe, Japan, and Australia, and it rides on the brand’s newest rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform that’s set to also be underpinned by the three-row CX-80. North America and the rest of the world will get slightly larger versions of the CX-60 and CX-80, which will be called the CX-70 and CX-90, respectively.
Starting with its design, the 2023 Mazda CX-60 builds on the brand’s Kodo design language, and it carries over familiar styling cues such as the signature five-point grille. This is then complemented by adaptive LED headlights with the LED daytime running lights extending towards the grille. Depending on the variant, the CX-60’s grille comes with either a mesh pattern or a series of vertical lines.
Moving towards the side, you’ll see an SUV that’s devoid of any body lines. There’s also a faux side vent wherein its powertrain is highlighted. The window line then aggressively kicks up towards the rear to give the SUV a sporty silhouette. And then towards the rear, there’s a sloping roofline that’s also complemented by new LED taillights that extend further towards the middle of the rear fascia. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, depending on the variant.
As for the interior of the 2023 Mazda CX-60, it’s by far the brand’s most premium yet. Expect materials like real wood and plush Nappa Leather. The CX-60 also debuts a couple of firsts for Mazda, including a large fully-digital instrument cluster. The Mazda Connect infotainment system is also new and is now in its third generation. As before, it is operated via the controller knob in the same way BMW iDrive is primarily used. Mazda is one of the few remaining car brands to use hard buttons on its interior, and that’s a move we highly applaud.
Other interior highlights include a color head-up display that’s three-times larger than the CX-30’s, plus it also has a feature called Driver Personalization system, which uses a camera to detect the driver’s eyes and then adjusts the seats, steering, head-up display, and mirrors to the position that’s ergonomically correct for the driver’s body type.
The 2023 Mazda CX-60 will come in three engine choices. The first of which will be available at launch, and this is a pre-existing 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine that’s mated to an electric motor with a 17.8 kWh battery pack. This is Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it’s also the most powerful car they’ve ever produced. Total system output is at 323 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and this enables this midsize SUV to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. When fully charged, this PHEV has an electric range of 60 km.
The other two powertrain choices are the brand’s first-ever range of inline-six engines, namely a 3.0-liter gasoline and a 3.3-liter diesel. Both are mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. Power figures have not yet been released, however.
Continuing with its premium aspirations, the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-60 comes with a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This works in conjunction with the brand’s newest Kinetic Posture Control (KPC) technology that debuted in the 2022 MX-5. It’s basically an evolution of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus that minimizes body roll when cornering.
The 2023 Mazda CX-60 also comes with a comprehensive list of advanced safety tech. This includes stuff that are new for Mazda, such as a Vehicle Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Advanced Smart City Brake Assist with pedestrian, cyclist detection and intersection function, Rear Emergency Brake Assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist with Steering Assist, and Drowsiness Detection. This comes on top of Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and i-Adaptive Cruise Control.
The 2023 Mazda CX-60 is now available for order in Europe, with units destined to arrive in dealers this fall.
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