Mazda has revealed UK price and specification for the CX-6e electric SUV ahead of its arrival later this year.

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The new challenger to the Tesla Model Y and Škoda Enyaq will be priced from £42,990 and will deliver bold looks, advanced technology and up to 300 miles of WLTP range.

Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in January, the CX-6e joins the Mazda6e hatchback-cum-saloon as the Japanese brand expands its EV line-up.

As with the Mazda6e, it’s the result of Mazda’s collaboration with Changan. Both vehicles use the Chinese carmaker’s modular EPA1 architecture – shared with models such as the Deepal S07 SUV – and are manufactured at the Changan Mazda joint-venture factory in Nanjing, China.

The line-up consists of a single, high-performance electric powertrain across two premium model grades: the £42,990 Takumi and £45,350 Takumi Plus.

The powertrain features a 78kWh battery that feeds a rear-mounted motor developing 258hp and 290Nm of torque. Mazda says the electric SUV newcomer delivers the brand’s signature Jinba Ittai driving experience with “pure electric confidence”. It’s good for 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 115mph.

A maximum DC charging rate of 200kW delivers a 10-80% charge time of 24 minutes. The onboard charger supports 11kW three-phase AC charging via Type 2 connectors.

Onboard technology includes a 26.45-inch touchscreen with a customisable dual-split layout plus a large head-up display, gesture control and voice recognition. Alongside wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, the all-new CX-6e has its own dedicated app, with a variety of remote-control functions including Bluetooth key sharing and battery charge management.

The interior is available in three distinctive colour variations: Stone or Black Maztex in Takumi models, or a two-tone Amethyst and White Maztex in the Takumi Plus. Maztex is Mazda’s premium, vegan leather alternative that’s designed to be durable, easy to clean and supportive.

Takumi models feature 19-inch wheels as standard and can be upgraded to 21-inch wheels for £1,000, while the flagship £45,350 Takumi Plus gets 21-inch wheels as standard, as well as digital rear-view and side cameras, translucent interior styling bar with ambient lighting, heated outer rear seats and ventilated outer rear seat bases, plus additional controls on the rear function touchscreen to control these.

The CX-6e also features nine airbags and a full suite of driver assistance systems that include smart brake support, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring.

Exterior design evolves Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy for the electric era. The CX-6e’s 2,902mm wheelbase and short overhangs disguise its versatile load-carrying capabilities, with the 468-litre luggage bay expanding to 1,434 litres with the second row of seats folded flat. The cabin is designed for generous head, leg and shoulder room for all occupants.

Drivers can also choose from a palette of seven exterior colours, headlined by the Nightfall Violet hero colour, which shifts between a lustrous purple glow and near-black shadows depending on the light.

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda Motors UK managing director, said: “In the competitive electric SUV segment, our new CX-6e will be a compelling proposition. The all-new CX-6e offers the efficiency and performance our customers expect, while supporting Mazda’s broader ambition to reduce CO2 and expand our electric portfolio.

“Together with the Mazda6e, it accelerates our electrification strategy and strengthens our Multi-Solution approach.”