Back in October 2021, the Mazda Motor Corporation confirmed a rear-biased platform and four nameplates of mid-size utility vehicles based on said architecture. The first one to be revealed was the CX-60, whose North American equivalent is the slightly wider CX-70. The Japanese automaker has finally unleashed the last member of the so-called Large Product group, that SUV being the CX-80.
You can think of the CX-80 as the Euro-market cousin of the CX-90 for North America. Otherwise put, a three-row sport utility vehicle with premium credentials. Also confirmed for the British and Aussie markets in RHD, the CX-80 measures 4,995 millimeters (196.65 inches) in length, 3,120 millimeters (122.83 inches) in wheelbase, and exactly 1,890 millimeters (74.40 inches) in width.
How does it compare to the 2024 Mazda CX-90? Well, the North American sib is listed by the Hiroshima-based automaker as follows: 200.8 inches (5,100 millimeters) without the front license plate holder, 122.8 inches (3,120 millimeters) from the front to the rear axle, and 77.6 inches (1,971 millimeters) without the wheel arch moldings.
Because it's a family-oriented vehicle with either six- or seven-seat layouts, wheelbase is arguably the most important metric of the bunch. The only difference between the six- and seven-seat versions is the second row, which is available with two captain's chairs or three 40/20/40 seats.
Cargo capacity? Make that 258 liters or 9.1 cubic feet with the third-row seats in their upright position. Fold them flat into the floor, and window-high trunk capacity improves to 687 liters (24.2 cubic feet). Fold the second-row seats as well, and cargo volume further improves to either 1,221 liters (43.1 cubic feet) up to the side windows or 1,971 liters (69.6 cubic feet) up to the headliner.
Photo: Mazda
Pretty cavernous, alright! Over in Germany, which is Europe's biggest market for new passenger vehicles, the CX-80 comes with two electrified powerplants, five trim levels, an eight-speed automatic, and standard all-wheel drive. Similar to the CX-90, CX-70, and CX-60, the CX-80 uses i-Activ AWD with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. The all-wheel-drive system usually splits torque 90 percent rear and 10 up front.
The CX-80 e-Skyactiv PHEV and the CX-80 e-Skyactiv D254 both come in five distinct specifications: Exclusive-line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus, and Takumi Plus. German customers are presented with a starting price of 55,350 euros for the CX-80 e-Skyactiv PHEV Exclusive-Line, meaning 58,930 dollars at current exchange rates. Over in the United Kingdom, prices kick off at 48,920 pounds sterling or circa 60,860 bucks.
Although it plays second fiddle in many respects to the mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six diesel, the four-cylinder engine of the PHEV shouldn’t be disregarded. Together with the electric drive unit, Mazda quotes 327 ps and 500 Nm or 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Mazda further quotes 60 kilometers (37 kilometers) of electric range from the 17.8-kWh battery pack.
The 3.3-liter turbo diesel is a mild-hybrid affair with 254 metric ponies to its name, hence the aforementioned e-Skyactiv D254 moniker. 251 horsepower may not be enough for some peeps, but 406 pound-feet (550 Nm) makes the mild-hybrid sixer that bit torquier than the four-pot PHEV.
Mazda claims that first deliveries for Japan and Europe will take place in the fall, whereas Australia will get the all-new CX-80 by the end of 2024.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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