The current third generation Mazda 6 debuted back in 2012 and is about to leave the stage, and for the new model Mazda wants to use index 6e, indicating an electric power plant.
Mazda began thinking about replacing the current “third” Mazda 6 in the middle of the last decade; its prologue was the four-door Mazda Vision Coupe concept presented in 2017. It was initially planned that the fourth generation Mazda 6 would be built on the Skyactiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture platform with a longitudinal combustion engine and basic rear-wheel drive, but in 2022 the new hydrocarbon “six” was canceled for economic reasons: in key markets there was a steady decline in consumer interest in traditional sedans and station wagons, so Mazda decided to focus on crossovers.
Mazda 6 third generation 1/3 
Mazda 6 third generation 2/3 
Mazda 6 third generation 3/3
The current Mazda 6 with a transverse engine has already left most markets — the USA, Europe and China; its production in Japan will end in April, after which there will be a pause until the successor appears. How long this pause will last is still unknown, but the Canadian magazine AutoGuide recently reported that Mazda has submitted an application to the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) to register the 6e index for the new electric car model — apparently, this is the new “six”.
In addition, there are rumors in the Chinese media that Mazda is preparing a new “six” in partnership with Changan, but it is not yet clear whether this will be the same Mazda 6e that is being prepared for Europe, or some kind of exclusive for China.
Mazda Vision Coupe Concept 2017 1/3 
Mazda Vision Coupe Concept 2017 2/3 
2017 Mazda Vision Coupe concept 3/3
We add that Mazda, which has been headed by new CEO Masahiro Moro since last year, still does not have a clear electric vehicle strategy and published schedule for the release of new models. We only know that Masahiro Moro has approved the development of new hybrid models with a rotary piston engine (RPM), and electric models on the all-new Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture platform will appear towards the end of the current decade. Electric vehicles created in partnership with Toyota could enter the market earlier.
Overall, Mazda expects electric vehicles to make up 25-40% of its sales by 2030. Mazda wants to be completely carbon neutral by 2050, with all its plants expected to be carbon neutral as early as 2035.