Mazda CX-80 hits the spotlight in Europe

The Japanese car marque has released the first official photos and all the main parameters of its new flagship SUV for Europe – the CX-80. Pre-order books will open in May.

Compared to its smaller cousin, the CX-60, the car looks almost the same except for the rear end design. Still, it’s easy to tell from that model thanks to a much longer rear overhang, more than 5 meters (16.4 feet) of body length and more than 3 meters (9.8 feet) of wheelbase. It’s roughly 250 mm (10 inches) longer than the CX-60 and has an extra 150 mm (6 inches) between the axles.

he interior layout also looks borrowed from the CX-60, but the CX-80 is a strictly three-row SUV. The base spec offers seven seats, but you can pay a premium to have the middle-row sofa replaced with two individual seats. Another paid option introduces a handy console between these seats, complete with cup holders and a storage box. The trunk volume remains unannounced.

Customers in Europe can choose from two powertrains. One is a 3.3-liter diesel six-pot mated with a 48V electric starter for 254 PS (251 hp / 187 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a mild hybrid that drives all four wheels through an eight-speed AT.

The other option reserved for the higher trim levels is a plug-in hybrid. It combines a 2.5-liter petrol turbo with a single e-motor for 327 PS (323 hp / 241 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. This powertrain is also found in the CX-60, but the added size and weight mean that the CX-80 needs 6.8 seconds for a sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph). That’s one-tenth of a second slower than the donor can sprint.

The traction battery is rated at 17.8 kWh and up to 60 km (37 miles) of all-electric range.

The first CX-80 units are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in Europe this fall. Later on, the model will go on sale in Australia and Japan.