Sarah stared at the BMW X5 configurator on her laptop screen, watching the price climb past £60,000 as she added basic options. Her family needed a seven-seater SUV, but the German premium brands seemed determined to empty her savings account. Just as she was about to close the browser in frustration, her colleague mentioned something unexpected over coffee: “Have you looked at that new Mazda? The big diesel one with the six-cylinder engine?”
That conversation led her to discover the Mazda CX-60 diesel – a vehicle that shouldn’t exist in 2024’s electric-obsessed automotive landscape. Yet here it was, offering the kind of smooth, powerful diesel engine that German brands usually reserve for their most expensive models, but at a price that made her do a double-take.
While Europe pushes harder than ever toward electric vehicles, Mazda has quietly launched what feels like a throwback to a different era – except this throwback costs £11,000 less than comparable German rivals and delivers the kind of real-world practicality that many electric SUVs still can’t match.
Why Mazda Chose Diesel When Everyone Else Went Electric
The Mazda CX-60 diesel represents a bold contrarian bet in today’s automotive market. At 4.75 metres long, this substantial family SUV sits on a rear-wheel-drive platform and houses a 3.3-litre straight-six diesel engine – a configuration that would have been unremarkable fifteen years ago but feels almost revolutionary today.
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“The CX-60 keeps the kind of straight-six diesel and rear-drive layout that German brands reserve for far more expensive models,” explains automotive analyst James Morrison. “Mazda is essentially offering premium engineering at mainstream prices.”
This Skyactiv-D engine comes in two power levels: around 200 hp with rear-wheel drive, or 254 hp when paired with all-wheel drive. Both versions use an eight-speed automatic gearbox and include mild-hybrid 48-volt assistance to improve fuel economy and smooth out low-speed operation.
The torque figures tell the real story: between 450 and 550 Nm depending on the version. This gives the CX-60 diesel the kind of effortless pulling power that makes long-distance driving genuinely relaxing, whether you’re cruising empty or loaded with family and luggage.
Mazda CX-60 Diesel: The Numbers That Matter
The specifications reveal why this Japanese SUV is turning heads across Europe. Here’s how the Mazda CX-60 diesel stacks up against the competition:
| Specification | Mazda CX-60 Diesel | BMW X5 30d | Mercedes GLE 300d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3L straight-six diesel | 3.0L straight-six diesel | 2.0L four-cylinder diesel |
| Power | 200-254 hp | 265 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 450-550 Nm | 620 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Starting Price (UK) | Around £44,000 | From £55,000 | From £54,000 |
| Range | ~1,000 km | ~850 km | ~900 km |
Key features that set the CX-60 diesel apart include:
- Longitudinal engine layout (like premium German SUVs)
- 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency
- Real-world fuel consumption of 5.0-5.5L/100km
- Seven-seat configuration available
- Towing capacity up to 2,500kg
- Premium interior materials and finish quality
“What strikes me most about the CX-60 is how Mazda managed to deliver German-level refinement at a Japanese price point,” notes automotive journalist Emma Richardson. “The diesel engine is genuinely smooth and quiet, something that wasn’t always true of Japanese diesels in the past.”
Swimming Against the Electric Current
The timing of the Mazda CX-60 diesel’s European launch couldn’t be more interesting. As governments tighten emissions regulations and cities prepare diesel restrictions, most manufacturers are racing toward electrification. Mazda’s response? A long-range diesel SUV that can cover 1,000 kilometres on a single tank.
This doesn’t mean Mazda is ignoring environmental concerns entirely. The mild-hybrid system recovers energy during braking and assists the engine during acceleration. While it can’t power the car on electricity alone, it helps achieve official consumption figures of around 5.0-5.5 litres per 100 kilometres – numbers that owners report achieving in real-world motorway driving.
The price advantage is substantial and growing. Mazda Europe has been offering significant discounts on the CX-60 diesel, with some markets seeing reductions of over €8,500, bringing entry-level pricing down to around €44,938. That’s roughly £11,000 less than equivalent German rivals when similarly equipped.
“For families who regularly drive long distances or tow trailers, the CX-60 diesel makes compelling economic sense,” explains fleet consultant David Parker. “The fuel range, towing capacity, and lower purchase price can offset the uncertainty around future diesel restrictions.”
What This Means for Car Buyers
The Mazda CX-60 diesel creates an interesting dilemma for European SUV buyers. On one hand, electric vehicles represent the future, with improving charging infrastructure and government incentives. On the other hand, this Mazda offers proven technology, exceptional range, and immediate availability at a significant price advantage.
For specific buyer groups, the CX-60 diesel makes particular sense:
- Families who regularly take long road trips
- Buyers who need significant towing capacity
- Rural residents with limited charging infrastructure
- Fleet operators focused on total cost of ownership
- Anyone wanting premium SUV features without premium pricing
The vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive architecture also brings dynamic benefits that most electric SUVs can’t match. The weight distribution is more balanced than typical front-wheel-drive crossovers, and the longitudinal engine layout allows for better packaging and a more premium feel.
“Mazda has essentially created a German premium SUV experience at a mainstream Japanese price,” observes industry analyst Michael Thompson. “Whether that strategy succeeds depends on how quickly diesel restrictions actually materialize and how patient buyers are with electric charging infrastructure.”
The CX-60 diesel represents more than just another SUV launch – it’s a statement about automotive diversity in an increasingly homogenized market. While competitors chase the same electric SUV formula, Mazda has doubled down on what many buyers still actually want: reliable, long-range transportation that doesn’t require lifestyle changes or compromise on capability.
FAQs
How much cheaper is the Mazda CX-60 diesel compared to German rivals?
The CX-60 diesel starts around £11,000 less than comparable BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE models, with current pricing around £44,000 in the UK.
What fuel economy does the Mazda CX-60 diesel achieve?
Official figures show 5.0-5.5 litres per 100km, with real-world motorway driving reportedly matching these numbers closely.
Is the CX-60 diesel available with all-wheel drive?
Yes, the higher-power 254hp version comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the 200hp variant is rear-wheel drive only.
How does the straight-six diesel compare to four-cylinder engines?
The six-cylinder engine offers smoother operation, more torque (450-550 Nm), and better refinement than typical four-cylinder diesel units.
Can the CX-60 seat seven people?
Yes, seven-seat configurations are available, making it a practical alternative to larger German SUVs at a much lower price point.
What’s the towing capacity of the Mazda CX-60 diesel?
The CX-60 diesel can tow up to 2,500kg when properly equipped, matching or exceeding most premium SUV competitors.
