Mazda’s SUV range has gotten slightly more crowded since the introduction of the Mazda CX-30 with the numbers accompanying the letters now in multiples of ten, while the single-digit models are sold side-by-side.

Now, there’s also the Mazda CX-60 and though Bermaz has yet to confirm its arrival in Malaysia, it’s more likely than not we’ll see its introduction here. So, what’s the Mazda CX-60 all about and where does it sit in Mazda’s CX range? Well, here’s what we know about it so far.

The Mazda CX-60 will be launched in Malaysia?

Sources close to the matter say the Mazda CX-60 is currently being studied by local Mazda distributor Bermaz, for an eventual launch in Malaysia.

A Bermaz Motor spokesperson said, “We can’t comment on the CX-60 yet but if you look at our model line-up, you will see that all right-hand drive Mazda models are available for sale in Malaysia.”

That all but confirms the upcoming launch of the Mazda CX-60 in Malaysia.

Also read: A sportier, more premium RWD CX-5: Bermaz is considering Mazda CX-60 for Malaysia

What is the Mazda CX-60?

It’s the first Large Product Group model, which uses rear-wheel drive (RWD) underpinnings and a range of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and mild hybrid (MHEV) in-line 6 engines.

It sits above the Mazda CX-5 in Mazda’s profitable SUV line-up and is initially aimed at the European and Japanese market. Think of it as going from a Mercedes-Benz GLA  (front-wheel drive, FWD) to a Mercedes-Benz GLC (RWD).

How does it compare to the CX-8 and CX-9?

The Mazda CX-9 is developed primarily for North America while the slightly smaller Mazda CX-8 is for Japan, where cars are taxed based on their dimensions but markets like Malaysia and Australia are selling both models side-by-side.

Both are three-row SUVs with up to seven seats, while the CX-60 is a five-seater two-row SUV. However, The company’s presentation materials during its announcement implied that the current generation CX-8 will be replaced by the CX-80, which will offer three-row seats based on the Large Product Group RWD platform.

Also read: 5 new SUVs confirmed - Mazda CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90 starting 2022

The Mazda CX-9 on the other hand, will be replaced by the Mazda CX-90 that was recently revealed in the US. Just like the CX-9, the CX-90 is aimed at the North American market and its introduction in other markets remains to be seen.

How big is the Mazda CX-60?

Dimension wise, the Mazda CX-60’s length measures at 4,740 mm (190 mm longer than the CX-5), while the width is 1,890 mm (50 mm wider than the CX-5), and height is 1,675 mm (identical to CX-5). The wheelbase stretches at 2,870 mm, which is 170 mm longer than the CX-5.

What engines does the Mazda CX-60 have?

In Australia, three engine options are available, all hybrids, all paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with Mazda’s rear axle-biased i-Activ All-Wheel Drive.

First up, a 3.3-litre e-SkyActiv-G turbocharged direct injection six-cylinder (in-line) petrol engine. The ‘e’ designation indicates electrification, which is a 48V mild hybrid system that makes 284 PS / 450 Nm. 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 6.9 seconds.

Next is the 3.3-litre e-SkyActiv-D turbodiesel, also 3.3-litre in-line 6 engine and is a 48V mild hybrid. It makes 254 PS / 550 Nm, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Claimed fuel economy is 4.9-litre / 100 km.

Finally, the 2.5-litre e-SkyActiv PHEV. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder engine is shared with the CX-5 but installed longitudinally just like the 6-cylinder variants. It is supplemented by a 100 kW electric motor to make a combined system output of 328 PS / 500 Nm.

The motor is juiced up by a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted on the floor. It supports up to 7.2 kW of AC charging and has an electric range of 76 km, operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

How much will the Mazda CX-60 be priced when it arrives in Malaysia?

In Japan, prices of the Mazda CX-60 are within the same ballpark as the Toyota Harrier.  The CX-60 is priced between JPY 2.99 million (~RM 96k) to JPY 6.26 million (~RM 202k), while the Harrier is priced between JPY 2.99 million (~RM 97k) to JPY 5.04 million (~RM 163k).

If the Mazda CX-60 arrives as a fully-imported (CBU) model which - considering it will be a lower volume model than the CX-5 and CX-8 - is likely, we can use the CBU Toyota Harrier’s price as a gauge.

Currently, the Toyota Harrier retails from RM 274,000. Upon the CX-60’s arrival in Malaysia, we can expect similar pricing to the Harrier. After all, the CX-60 is aimed at the demography as the Harrier, so it wouldn’t be surprising that the Mazda CX-60 is priced similarly.

Also read: Mazda CX-60 for Malaysia: Circa RM 250k price possible, aimed at Harrier

So, when will the Mazda CX-60 be launched in Malaysia?

Again, we’ve yet to receive confirmation from Bermaz that the CX-60 will be launched here but assuming that it is, we’re still some time away from its introduction considering all our neighbouring countries have yet to launch the model.

A 2024 launch is probable, but we wouldn’t rule out a launch this year either.

Also read: Malaysia-bound Mazda CX-60 launched in Australia as a hybrid-only model, 328 PS / 500 Nm