The future of Mazda’s beloved midsize sedan gets even murkier.
The Mazda 6 was one of the best-kept secrets on the market before it departed the United States in 2021. With its sharp dynamics, upscale styling, and forbidden diesel and manual models, it was just about the perfect daily. There’s a chance it returns to being that too, as Mazda’s intellectual property filings suggest a comeback as an EV is in the cards—potentially in parallel to a rear-wheel-drive, internal combustion engined-model.
Mazda patent for an electric sedan. Mazda via USPTO
Now, don’t get your hopes up too high, because trademark filings aren’t proof that a product will follow. It’s standard practice for car companies to secure the rights to names they won’t use. Outside this, there isn’t much firm evidence for an electric Mazda sedan, nor does such a car look likely in a market dominated by crossovers. However, there is a body of circumstantial evidence that still points to a Mazda 6 EV (or 6e) being possible.
Of course, that rumor says nothing about an EV, so these lines don’t yet cross. For now, the return of Mazda’s cult favorite sedan with any drivetrain seems like wishful thinking. If it ever does come around, let’s hope Mazda does a better job than it did with the ill-considered MX-30.
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