Mazda Upgrades CX-6e in China With LiDAR and Advanced Autopilot
Mazda has updated its CX-6e SUV in China, integrating roof-mounted LiDAR to enable advanced navigation-on-autopilot capabilities for city and highway driving.
Mazda has refreshed its CX-6e SUV for the Chinese market by mounting a LiDAR sensor on the roof. This hardware addition allows the mid-sized SUV to feature Navigation-on-Autopilot (NOA), enabling autonomous driving capabilities on both highways and within urban environments.
Known as the EZ-60 in China, this model represents Mazda's second New Energy Vehicle (NEV) following the 6e sedan. It is built on the EPA1 platform developed by Changan, sharing technical DNA with the Deepal S07. This strategic shift underscores Mazda’s deepening integration into China's fast-evolving electrification ecosystem.
LiDAR Sets New Trim Apart
Mazda is launching the LiDAR-equipped trim starting at 145,900 yuan (approximately $8,950). This version is available in both pure electric (EV) and extended-range electric (EREV) configurations, commanding a 12,000-yuan premium over standard variants in the same class. For EV buyers, the LiDAR trim sits 6,000 yuan higher than previous iterations. A modest price hike, but the feature set is significantly expanded.
The driver-assistance suite relies on more than just the roof sensor. The vehicle integrates three millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras. Mazda claims this sensor fusion is capable of handling over 200 distinct driving scenarios. These are not merely marketing figures, but represent the core of the vehicle's new automated capabilities.
Expanded Highway and Urban Autonomy
On highways, the CX-6e now assists with merging, exiting ramps, and navigating toward rest areas with minimal driver intervention. The system also performs automatic lane changes to overtake slower vehicles. These features translate directly to practical, everyday use.
In urban settings, the NOA system facilitates navigation through intersections and roundabouts. Classified as an Advanced Level 2 driver-assistance system, it is designed to manage the complexities of modern traffic. Mazda is clearly repositioning the CX-6e from a standard electric SUV into a model capable of addressing the dense urban mobility challenges prevalent in China.
While Mazda has hinted at a potential entry for the CX-6e in Indonesia, this technology-heavy update is currently exclusive to the Chinese market. The integration of LiDAR and NOA marks a clear path for the model's development. Whether this advanced suite will be exported to other international markets remains to be seen.
