All-new Mazda CX-90 revealed as new premium flagship

The first-ever Mazda CX-90 was today unveiled at its world premiere in Malibu, California – showcasing a new level luxury for the Mazda brand.

Built on the same front-engine, rear-biased all-wheel drive platform as the forthcoming Mazda CX-60, the wider and longer three-row CX-90 will be Mazda’s new flagship SUV when it arrives in global markets later this year.

Mazda CX-90 will be available in Australia with exclusively hybridised powertrains, comprising an inline six turbo-petrol MHEV and an inline six turbo-diesel MHEV that blend effortless performance with efficiency.

Welcoming the reveal of Mazda Australia’s newest flagship SUV, Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi commented: “Our second entrant into the new large platform family brings with it even more of everything – more power and performance, greater versatility and heightened luxury.

“The First-Ever Mazda CX-90 is the absolute pinnacle of Mazda premium; our most advanced model ever with exceptional levels of sophistication throughout that can be enjoyed not just by the driver, but the whole family.”

With seating for up to seven passengers in total, Mazda CX-90 can accommodate families and friends in all three rows. Cabin space, cargo capacity, safety features, and many amenities are optimised for their needs.

Available with an all-new 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder e-Skyactiv turbocharged engine offering 254 kW and 500Nm of torque, the new Mazda CX-90 becomes the most powerful mass production petrol car ever developed by Mazda.

This engine also is equipped with the M-Hybrid Boost 48V mild-hybrid system to provide efficiency without compromising on performance. The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, allowing the motor to directly power the SUV at low speed. Mazda claims the engaging powertrain provides the CX-90 with an “upscale feeling, a smooth-driving experience, enthralling sound and efficiency”.

The e-Skyactiv turbocharged diesel engine shares the same 3.3-litre capacity, inline-six configuration and MHEV technology as its petrol counterpart, with a power output of 187 kW and a substantial 550Nm of torque.

Both powertrains are paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform vehicles.

As with all Mazda vehicles, the CX-90 is designed with the driver in mind. Elevating Mazda’s renown driving performance, the all-new SUV is equipped with Kinematic Posture Control, an innovation that was first developed for the Mazda MX-5, to suppress body lift on tight corners, enhance the grip and allow all occupants to maintain a natural posture. Focus was put toward optimising rigidity across the entire vehicle body, while meticulously designing the seats and suspension to provide better balance, control, and confidence in a range of driving situations.

The large platform of the CX-90 allows for a wider body and longer wheelbase, accentuating the luxury SUV’s strong stance and further emphasising its sense of performance. The body is designed to be sleek with crafted curves that give the exterior a sense of ever-changing expressions created by the reflections of lights and shadows. Newly developed 21-inch diamond-cut wheels featuring a black metallic finish complement its powerful presence.

Adding to the visual sophistication is Mazda’s latest Takuminuri colour, Artisan Red, whch was specifically designed to suit the CX-90 and other large platform product.

The premium design continues into the cabin. The interior gives an expansive impression from the dashboard, with the positioning of the vents and chrome trim extending to the doors for a modern, linear appearance.

High quality materials are used throughout to enhance the cabin’s luxurious feel, including Nappa leather, Maple wood, and tone-on-tone fabrics that all come together harmoniously.

One example is the distinctive fabric on the dash, connected using hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as Kakenui. This method deliberately uses negative space to create a unique design for CX-90 that echoes its Japanese lineage.

Full pricing and specification of the Mazda CX-90 will be announced closer to local launch later this year.