While Mazda has developed some very clever combustion engines in recent years, it has been slow to offer electric cars.

The new 6e saloon is only the Japanese brand’s second electric car after the MX-30, a car hampered by odd design and a short range. Has Mazda learned lessons from the disappointment of the MX-30 and will it be worth considering if you’re after an electric tow car?

Well, the new 6e certainly has a more competitive range. Two battery sizes are offered in Europe, although it’s possible that just one will come to the UK in the summer. The smaller battery gives a range of up to 300 miles while the larger battery gives up to 345 miles between charges. The smaller battery charges more rapidly: a 200kW charger takes it from a 10-80% charge in 22 minutes. Don’t forget to make sure you know how to charge an EV while towing before you set off, too.

There’s little to choose between the two powertrains for acceleration. Both are brisk rather than downright quick, but should have enough pulling power to cope with towing duties. With a kerbweight of over two tonnes, pulling a caravan weighing up to the car’s 1500kg capacity should prove a stable experience. However, the ride is firm and the infotainment fiddly to use.

We look forward to taking the new Mazda 6e for a more thorough drive later in the year.

When you’re choosing a towing vehicle, knowing what features to look for will be a crucial step in ensuring you choose the right car. My guide to what to look for in a tow car will help you find one that will be able to pull a tourer well.

Technical spec

  • Price: £42,000 (est)
  • Kerbweight: 2037kg
  • 85% match: Above max tow
  • Max towing weight: 1500kg

For those who are interested in a different type of car, see what we made of the diesel Mazda CX-80 3.3D AWD Exclusive Line when we put it to the test, a seven-seater which impressed with the stable towing it provided.

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