Mazda CX-80: First drive of Mazda’s newest family-focused PHEV

By Mike Stevens

We’re in Augsburg, Germany. Hosting the global first drive of a new model here and around the winding roads of neighbouring Munich brings certain expectations, because both cities are well known for their affluence – and an appreciation for the finer things in life.

Germany. To test a Japanese car for Australian buyers.

Seems like a bold move, right? They say fortune favours such types, though, and there might be something in that to explain Mazda’s thinking: if you’re going to introduce a new range of models more advanced than ever before, set the stage. Well, there’s no stage better than the home turf of some of the world’s most premium motoring marques.

Good thing then that Mazda’s all-new CX-80, a three-row flagship SUV, was developed specifically to make an impression not just with Aussie motorists spoiled for choice, but also in markets like Germany, where discerning drivers place a premium on design, performance, and engineering.

It may indeed be a bold move, but this isn’t Mazda’s first rodeo. To be sure it would be up to the task of satisfying buyers in the premium space, Mazda thoroughly benchmarked the CX-80 through the development process against Germany’s beloved local heroes.

There’s another, arguably more prescient reason to be here: while Munich is famous for its slow historic streets and leg-stretching modern autobahns, the CX-80 arrives at a time when the city’s motoring culture and expectations are evolving in seemingly disparate ways.

For Münchner drivers as much as for their Australian counterparts, the CX-80 offers a compelling mix of luxury, technology, and practicality, perfectly suited not only to city commutes and errands, but also weekend getaways into Bavaria’s scenic countryside. Augsburg is, after all, only 70km away from Bavaria’s capital.

Of course, first impressions matter in a city like this. The CX-80’s exterior design reflects Mazda’s ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ philosophy, emphasising clean, minimalist lines that exude power and elegance. When cutting-edge design is as important as engineering precision, the CX-80’s long bonnet, flowing lines and purposeful stance answer the call.

Whether navigating the tight streets around Marienplatz or parked alongside Munich’s many luxury sedans, the CX-80 stands out with its bold grille and signature LED lights. The new Artisan Red and Melting Copper paint colours, crafted using Mazda’s Takuminuri painting technology, ensure the SUV gleams against the backdrop of famous architecture and ever-changing weather. First impressions, check.

Entering the cabin, our first thoughts are of craftsmanship and practicality, which we can only imagine is a proudly checked box for Mazda’s interiors team.

The wide dashboard and quality materials speak to the refined minimalist style the Japanese strive for, while touches like Nappa leather upholstery add sophistication. Likewise, the CX-80’s focus on usability shines. The extra-wide centre console, instant connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and thoughtful touches like second-row climate controls and USB-C charging ports prove the focus on serving all onboard. Convenience and tech, check.

The same applies to comfort. With a spacious interior that accommodates up to seven passengers, the CX-80 is well suited to family trips or longer journeys with friends. The choice of a six-seat configuration with captain’s chairs adds an extra layer of comfort, and the third row is easily accessible, thanks to a handy one-touch folding mechanism.

Cargo space, a challenge not well met by many three-row models, is a highlight here. Even with the third row of seating in its upright position, the CX-80 offers a generous 258* litres of space, expanding to 687* litres with the third row folded flat. Whether seating seven or fewer, this practicality ensures there’s plenty of room for camping gear or luggage for a family getaway. The CX-80’s hands-free tailgate and low loading lip makes life easier still, especially when both hands are full. Interior comfort and practicality, check.

Time to drive.

Call it a party trick, or the trick to doing your part: With more and more cities introducing low-emission zones in their busiest spaces, the CX-80’s plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain makes abundant sense for urban motoring and beyond.

If your greatest priority is town driving, the e-Skyactiv PHEV system pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 129kW electric motor, delivering a combined 241kW of power and a spritely 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds. Importantly for that city focus, the electric-only range of up to 61 kilometres* allows the CX-80 to do the run to school, work and the shops (and back) without relying on the petrol engine. In our testing, its quiet and efficient electric mode proved well-suited to Bavaria’s evolving turn towards sustainability.

On the autobahn, where speed and stability are key, the CX-80 holds its own, whether driven by the 2.5 PHEV or the 3.3-litre straight-six diesel mild hybrid option delivering 187kW and a huge 550Nm of torque. This engine, with its refined power delivery and impressive fuel economy is well-suited to long-distance cruising on the autobahn, where we never saw it push past 6.2l/100km, even past sustained periods sat at +160km/h.

Joining the local Germans in making the most of the famous freeway’s many unlimited sections – sensibly, of course – the diesel’s smooth performance and torque made overtaking a breeze. Likewise, and critically at high speeds, the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup ensured the CX-80 remained composed, comfortable and controlled.

Our route, planned to expose the CX-80 to the full spectrum of twists, surfaces and speeds, allowed Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control to enhance the big family-focused SUV’s handling further. This system subtly brakes the inside rear wheel in cornering to reduce body roll, giving drivers more confidence when tackling tight curves. The rear-biased all-wheel-drive system also improves traction on slippery or uneven roads – a valuable asset when navigating Bavaria’s unpredictable weather.

As with its Large SUV siblings in the Mazda range, the CX-80 was developed to minimise road and wind noise, which means quietness on the road is another calling card. Around Munich’s mishmash highways or the ancient cobbled city roads outside Hotel Maxmilian in Augsburg’s picturesque centre, the SUV’s noise insulation ensured a peaceful ambience inside. Combined with the premium audio options – including a 12-speaker Bose sound system – the cabin presents as a serene space that matches its looks. Supreme motoring comfort, check.

Here we come to the big one for any family car: Safety. The precision and responsiveness of Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite was proven when a poorly parked scooter fell into our path and our CX-80 responded well before any human could have. This sort of capability is thanks to advanced autonomous emergency braking, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera with See-Through View. All of this comes together to make navigating narrow streets and increasingly crowded motorways safer and more relaxing. Another check for safe and confident driving.  

As Bavaria’s automotive landscape shifts towards more sustainable and ever more sophisticated vehicles, the Mazda CX-80 feels perfectly at home. Likewise, as Australia marches towards its own sustainability targets, it’s clear that Munich and its surrounds were the perfect settings to showcase Mazda’s plan for getting us to those goals with comfort and class – and more than a little of that signature Mazda ‘Zoom-Zoom’.

First impressions, check. Now, onto the CX-80’s Australian launch later this year. See you there?