Mazda CX-60 2023: hybrid-only powertrains locked in for 2023 Australian release

Three different engine options will be available for the Australian market, including the most powerful Mazda road car engine ever made

Mazda has today given more clarification about the new CX-60 SUV and has confirmed three hybrid powertrains will be available from launch.

The Mazda CX-60 is expected to arrive in Australia during the first half of 2023. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, however it is expected the more luxurious CX-60 will cost more than a CX-5.

The CX-60 will be targeting more luxurious competitors including the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60, rather than competitors for the current CX-5 like the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail and the Toyota RAV4.

The Mazda CX-60 will help align Mazda as a luxury brand

Mazda Australia says the final details of the CX-60 will be confirmed during the fourth quarter of 2022. The Japanese automaker has received over 14,500 expressions of interest globally for the new luxury model.

Which powertrain options will be available in Australia for the CX-60?

A 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two straight-six engines will be available for Australian buyers.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 100kW electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery pack to produce a combined system output of 241kW/500Nm – Mazda says this is the most powerful engine to be fitted to a Mazda road car.

2023 Mazda CX-60 interior wide angle — Inside the 2023 Mazda CX-60

Also debuting in the CX-60 will be two mild-hybrid straight-six engines – one petrol and one turbo-diesel.

A turbocharged 3.3-litre petrol straight-six engine will feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and is set to produce 209kW/450Nm.

The turbo-diesel engine with the same 3.3-litre displacement will make slightly less power, producing 187kW, though this powertrain will, at 550Nm, make 100Nm more torque than its petrol-related engine.

Hybrid is the name of the game, with all CX-60s in Australia featuring electric assistance

What else will be included in the CX-60?

Every powertrain will come fitted with what Mazda calls a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The transmission will use a multi-plate clutch as well as an integrated electric motor/generator claimed to yield “high efficiency” according to Mazda.

2023 Mazda CX-60 on water side rear — Three grades will be available at launch: Evolve, GT and Azami

Three model grades will be available from launch – Evolve, GT and the flagship Azami. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a power tailgate and keyless entry will be some of the standard features included with the CX-60.

A range of alloy wheels will be able to be chosen for the CX-60 and will range from 18 to 20 inches in size.