Mazda’s Most Expensive SUV Slated for 2024

I heard that Mazda is planning to release a new version of their CX-90 SUV by the end of next year. The CX-90 will be a mild-hybrid turbo all-wheel-drive three-row SUV flagship with an even more electrified option in the form of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version. Unfortunately, we don’t know how much it will cost or any other details about it because the Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, has refused to give any additional information at this time.

“We will be adding a plug-in powertrain to the CX-90 towards the end of next year,” he told Australian journalists at the launch of the regular mild-hybrid G50e petrol and D50e diesel models in Cessnock, NSW, last week.

“That’s all I can say at this stage on that topic, but we will confirm more details closer to the launch time.

I’m not entirely sure, but based on the pricing structure of the smaller CX-60 range released in Australia, where the P50e PHEV model commands a premium of over $10,000 over equivalent models, it’s safe to assume that the CX-90 PHEV will likely start at nearly $90,000 for the Touring opener. However, without any official information from Mazda, it’s difficult to say for certain.

It’s worth noting that the pricing for the CX-90 PHEV could potentially exceed $120,000 for the top-of-the-line Azami grade. This is due to the addition of special equipment package bundles. Moreover, based on comments from Mazda Motor Corporation CX-90 Program Manager, Mitsuru Wakiie, the PHEV in the CX-90 is in a higher state of tune compared to the CX-60 PHEV. However, without official information from Mazda, it’s difficult to say for certain what the pricing will be.

I heard that the North American version of the CX-90 PHEV uses Mazda’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 68kW electric motor powered by a 17.8kWh Lithium-ion battery. The combined power and torque figures are 241kW and 500Nm respectively. Overseas fuel consumption figures for the PHEV are reported to average 4.2L/100km, with up to 42km of pure electric range available. Interestingly, Mazda has decided to introduce the CX-90 PHEV to the Australian market, despite the fact that PHEVs have not been as popular there. This is in contrast to Mercedes-Benz, which has decided to reduce its PHEV offerings in Australia.

It seems like the CX-90 PHEV will be a unique addition to the Australian market, especially since PHEVs haven’t been as common there. Currently, the only other seven-seater SUV PHEVs available in Australia are the Kia Sorento and Volvo XC90 T8, which are both quite expensive starting at $81,080 and $125,990 respectively. As for the CX-90, it is powered by a combination of Mazda’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which allows for an average fuel consumption of 4.2L/100km and up to 42km of pure electric range. Interestingly, Mazda has no plans to introduce rear-wheel-drive versions of the CX-90 in the near future, according to Mazda Australia Marketing Director, Alastair Doak.

Photo Source: Mazda USA