Sarah’s heart sank as she watched the BMW X3 configurator climb past £55,000. Another tick box, another thousand pounds. Her family needed a proper seven-seater SUV for weekend trips to see the grandparents, but every decent option seemed to cost more than her first house deposit.
Then her brother mentioned something odd he’d seen at a Mazda showroom. A big, six-cylinder diesel SUV for under £45,000. “Impossible,” she thought. Those kinds of engines only come in German cars that cost the earth.
But Sarah’s discovery reflects a fascinating shift happening right now in European car markets. While everyone’s rushing toward electric vehicles, one Japanese brand is zigging when others zag.
When Going Against the Grain Makes Perfect Sense
Mazda has just dropped a bombshell in the European SUV market with their CX-60, a six-cylinder diesel SUV that’s turning heads for all the right reasons. At a time when most manufacturers are desperately trying to electrify everything with wheels, Mazda is offering something almost extinct: a proper, old-school diesel SUV with a straight-six engine.
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The CX-60 measures 4.75 metres long and sits on a rear-wheel-drive platform. Under that long bonnet lives a 3.3-litre straight-six diesel that would make German engineers proud. Yet it costs £11,000 less than comparable BMW or Mercedes models.
“This feels like the kind of SUV BMW used to make before they got obsessed with making everything electric,” says automotive analyst James Mitchell. “Mazda’s basically offering premium German engineering at Japanese prices.”
The engine comes in two versions: 200hp with rear-wheel drive or 254hp with all-wheel drive. Both use an eight-speed automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid assistance to keep fuel consumption reasonable.
The Numbers That Matter Most
Let’s talk specifics, because this is where the CX-60 gets really interesting:
| Mazda CX-60 Diesel | BMW X3 30d | Mercedes GLC 300d |
| £44,938 | £55,950 | £56,815 |
| 254hp | 286hp | 265hp |
| 550Nm torque | 650Nm torque | 550Nm torque |
| 5.2L/100km | 5.8L/100km | 5.9L/100km |
The fuel economy figures are particularly impressive. Real-world testing suggests the CX-60 can actually achieve its claimed 5.0-5.5L/100km on motorway runs, giving it a genuine 1,000km range between fill-ups.
Key features that set the six-cylinder diesel SUV apart include:
- Longitudinal engine layout (like premium German brands)
- Rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive options
- 48-volt mild-hybrid system
- 450-550Nm of torque depending on version
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Seven-seat configuration available
“The torque delivery is what really impresses,” explains automotive journalist Rebecca Chen. “This SUV pulls from low revs with the kind of effortless power you usually pay BMW money to experience.”
Swimming Against the Electric Current
Mazda’s timing seems almost deliberately contrarian. European cities are implementing tougher diesel restrictions, manufacturers are racing toward electrification targets, and governments are pushing CO₂ regulations harder than ever.
Yet here comes this Japanese six-cylinder diesel SUV, offering something no electric vehicle can match: genuine long-distance capability without range anxiety.
The mild-hybrid system shows Mazda isn’t completely ignoring electrification. The 48-volt setup recovers energy during braking and assists the engine during acceleration, helping achieve those impressive fuel economy figures.
“Mazda’s bet is that plenty of buyers still want diesel torque and thousand-kilometre range,” says industry analyst Mark Thompson. “They’re probably right, especially at this price point.”
The strategy makes sense when you consider current electric SUV limitations:
- Higher purchase prices for equivalent size
- Charging infrastructure still patchy in rural areas
- Cold weather range reduction issues
- Towing capacity concerns with electric models
Who Wins and Who Loses
This price positioning creates serious headaches for German premium brands. BMW’s X3 30d starts at nearly £56,000, while a similarly equipped CX-60 costs around £45,000. That’s mortgage-payment money for many families.
The impact ripples through several market segments:
Winners: Budget-conscious families who need genuine SUV capability, long-distance drivers, those living in areas with limited charging infrastructure, buyers who regularly tow trailers or caravans.
Losers: German premium brands lose their monopoly on six-cylinder diesel SUVs, electric vehicle adoption potentially slows in certain segments, smaller Japanese brands face tougher competition from Mazda’s value proposition.
Fleet managers are particularly interested. “For companies running sales reps across Europe, this CX-60 offers German-level refinement at Japanese prices,” notes fleet specialist Amanda Foster. “The fuel range and comfort levels make it ideal for long-distance business use.”
Early customer feedback suggests Mazda has hit a sweet spot. The six-cylinder diesel SUV attracts buyers who want premium features without premium prices, especially those skeptical about electric vehicle infrastructure in their areas.
The broader implications extend beyond individual purchases. If the CX-60 succeeds, other manufacturers might reconsider their all-electric strategies, at least for larger SUVs where diesels still offer practical advantages.
Mazda’s contrarian approach also highlights a growing divide in automotive markets. Urban buyers increasingly embrace electric vehicles, while rural and long-distance drivers still prefer diesel convenience and range.
FAQs
How much cheaper is the Mazda CX-60 than German rivals?
The CX-60 costs around £11,000 less than equivalent BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC models, starting at £44,938.
What makes this six-cylinder diesel SUV special?
It combines a smooth straight-six diesel engine with rear-wheel-drive layout, features typically reserved for much more expensive German SUVs.
How fuel efficient is the CX-60 diesel?
Official figures show 5.0-5.5L/100km, which real-world testing suggests is achievable on motorway driving, giving around 1,000km range per tank.
Does the CX-60 have any electric assistance?
Yes, it uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that recovers braking energy and assists acceleration, helping improve fuel economy without full electric capability.
Is buying diesel still a good idea in 2024?
For high-mileage drivers and those needing long range without charging stops, modern clean diesels like the CX-60 still offer practical advantages over electric alternatives.
How does the CX-60 compare to electric SUVs in its price range?
It offers longer range, faster refueling, and lower purchase price, but produces emissions and lacks the instant torque of electric motors.