Previewed: Mazda CX-60 & CX-80 SUVs – Launching in 2025?

Making its inaugural Malaysian public debut at KLIMS 2024 are Mazda’s Large Product SUV duo, the CX-60 & CX-80.

We’re kicking off the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024 with the Mazda SUV duo from local brand vanguard Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto), namely the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80. This SUV duo is part of Mazda’s new upmarket product lineup known as the Large Product group, as the Hiroshima-based marque has now embarked on the luxury vehicle segment against the likes of other renowned European brands.

Starting with the CX-60, this midsize SUV crossover is the first model to be launched under the Large Product group. Designed for drivers seeking a premium driving experience with equal levels of sophistication, performance, and luxury, the CX-60 is available in an array of powertrain options ranging from petrol and diesel ICEs to mild hybrids (MHEVs) and even plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

The latter comes in the form of a new 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol PHEV unit rated at up to 323 HP and 500 NM, while its 17.8-kWh battery pack grants it with up to 60 KM EV-only range. Aside from the PHEV, the CX-60 is also offered with several petrol and diesel options in the form of a turbocharged 3.3-litre straight-six, with some of them even getting semi-electrified assistance in the form of a 48-volt MHEV system.

Built on the concept of "Noble Toughness,” the CX-60 combines stylish, dynamic design with practical functionality, representing an evolution of Mazda's Kodo design philosophy that has donned some of its SUV models for years. Key design highlights primed here include the massive front grille flanked by full LED headlights with distinctive L-shaped DRLs, a sporty rear end featuring slim LED taillights and quad tailpipes, flared-out fenders that give it a muscular stance, and many more.

Dimension-wise, the CX-60 spans 4,745 MM long, 1,890 MM wide, 1,685 MM tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,870 MM, thus putting it in the same category as some premium European SUVs like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, to name a few.

On board, the CX-60 retains Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai concept, where the cabin is designed around the drivers to provide a better unison between the rider (driver) and his horse (car). Given its more upmarket status, the CX-60 is decked with premium natural materials like wood, leather, and woven textiles, as well as tons of comfort and tech amenities such as a 12.3-inch central infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a head-up display (HUD), a panoramic sunroof, and many more.

Moving on to the CX-80, the second Large Product group model displayed here today is essentially an elongated, three-row version of the CX-60. Not only do both models share the same Large Product platform, the CX-80 also borrows tons of design cues and equipment from its two-row twin.

Built around the “Graceful Toughness” design concept, the CX-80 gets the same LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs and slim LED taillights as the CX-60, albeit featuring an extended body and roof that gives it a more slender and elongated look than its midsize twin. As a result, the CX-80 is 250 MM longer and 24 MM taller than the CX-60, putting it in the same category as some premium three-row European SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, and many more.

Thanks to its extended wheelbase that spans over three metres, the CX-80 gets a pretty spacious cabin space that comes in either six- or seven-seater forms, both of which are spread across three rows of seats. Opting for the six-seater version will see the CX-80’s cabin primed with two captain-style chairs for the second row, providing a maximum level of comfort and luxury to occupants at the rear.

Aside from the seating layouts, much of the CX-80’s cabin amenities are carried over from the CX-60, including the dual 12.3-inch display, the panoramic sunroof, the plush upholstery made from natural materials, and many more.

The CX-60 similarities continue as we go under the CX-80’s hood, as it is offered with either a 2.5-litre 4-cyl PHEV petrol or the 3.3-litre straight-six turbodiesel MHEV powertrain options—both of which are borrowed from the CX-60.

As of now, there’s no mention of any launch plans for both the CX-60 and CX-80, as their appearances at the ongoing KLIMS 2024 are just for a mere preview. However, the CX-60 has been long rumoured to be part of BAuto’s product expansion plan earlier this year, so there’s a slight chance that we may get to see this premium midsize SUV bringing on the fight to the Europeans and one particular Japanese premium brand.