What to Know About Mazda’s CX-80 Seven-Seater

December 18th, 2023 by

White Mazda CX-60 SUV Red Leaves Plug-In Man

Mazda’s expansion into the premium automotive segment is proving successful, with robust sales of the CX-60 and CX-90 models contributing to enhanced profit margins for the automaker. Building on these achievements, Mazda is gearing up to launch a three-row crossover named the CX-80, targeting various markets beyond North America, including Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Excluded from North America, where the slightly larger and wider CX-90 holds sway, the CX-80 represents a long-wheelbase iteration of the CX-60, designed to compete with the BMW X3. This new model takes the place of the CX-8. Regrettably, delays have pushed the release of this performance-luxury crossover to early next year, alongside the broader 5-seat CX-70 for the US market. Despite the delay, no concrete explanation has been provided. Nonetheless, we can offer a sneak peek based on spy shots and illustrations.

Mazda’s enduring ‘Kodo’ design language, in use for several years, has undergone evolution. The automaker has refined this expressive design language to preserve its distinctive Mazda identity while accentuating powerful proportions and the dynamic interplay of light with the sheet metal.

The CX-80’s appearance holds no surprises, essentially mirroring the extended design of the CX-60. The distinctions between the two are incredibly subtle, with notable changes including elongated rear doors, a revamped lower rear bumper, and broader D-pillars featuring a distinctive trailing dip at the rear chrome-work’s edge.

Mazda’s innovative large car architecture marks a new chapter for the Japanese automaker, placing emphasis on interior luxury at a reasonable price point. The CX-80 will share the same cabin design as its shorter CX-60 and larger CX-90 counterparts, offering a familiar yet commendable setup. Nevertheless, a desire for more model differentiation persists. 

On a positive note, rear seat occupants will benefit from increased legroom in both the second and third rows. However, unlike the CX-90, which accommodates eight seats, the CX-80 opts for a 7-seat configuration. Cabin amenities encompass a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, a head-up display, ambient lighting, and a driver personalization system utilizing facial recognition.

Built on Mazda’s rear-drive-biased large car platform, the CX-80 promises to inherit the dynamic handling characteristics of its sibling models. This includes a well-weighted steering system and Kinematic Posture Control, applying brakes gently to the inside rear wheel to mitigate body roll. While adaptive damping is not anticipated, the hope is for a more composed ride compared to the CX-60’s somewhat rough experience. With a longer wheelbase than the CX-60 (measuring 113 inches or 2,870 mm), the CX-80 may fall short of the North American market CX-90’s 122.8-inch (3,119 mm) wheelbase. 

Under the hood, the CX-80 will offer various internal combustion engine (ICE) choices with differing degrees of electrification. Options include a mild hybrid, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3-liter inline-six diesel generating 251 hp (187 kW / 254 PS), a mild hybrid 3.3-liter e-Skyactiv-G straight-six petrol producing 280 hp (209 kW / 284 PS), and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid delivering 323 hp (241 kW / 328 PS) and 500 Nm of torque. 

All models come equipped with Mazda’s proprietary 8-speed automatic gearbox, directing power to either the rear or all four wheels. Interestingly, there is still an undisclosed inline-six variant: a 3.0-liter SPCCI unit named e-Skyactiv X, utilizing Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. While details remain scarce, it is anticipated to be one of the most fuel-efficient inline-six engines to date.

Photo Source: Mazda Australia

Posted in Mazda