Will Mazda transform the CX-5 into a full-fledged luxury car?

Mazda’s next-generation CX-5 will graduate from premium to luxury to bolster the firm’s upmarket push, based on a recent report. It will again take the form of a crossover, however it might spawn a fastback-like model.

Japanese magazine Best Car learned from company insiders the next CX-5 will be comparable to the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. If that’s accurate, the people-mover will receive substantial upgrades within the coming years, since the current model isn't as big, less luxurious, and never as quick as either of those SUVs.

According towards the same source, the CX-5’s transformation will be made possible by two important elements. First, it will ride on the new rear-wheel-drive platform that it will share with the next Mazda6, though all-wheel-drive may also be offered. By using this architecture will allow stylists to improve the dash-to-axle ratio, which will consequently expand its footprint. Second, the area between your extra sheetmetal will be occupied by a new straight-six engine whose existence was already confirmed by Mazda. It will get SkyActiv-X technology, and it will be available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Elsewhere on the planet, Mazda will to produce turbodiesel variant of the six-cylinder.

Adopting rear-wheel drive and a straight-six engine will put the CX-5 in the same league as the Germans; on paper, a minimum of. Mazda will undoubtedly ask its stylists to give the model a suitably stylish appearance, and Best Car added the range could include a new four-door fastback possibly called CX-50 and aimed at the X6.

Mazda’s next CX-5 is expected to make its debut in 2023, so it may not arrive on our shores until the 2024 model year. We’ll begin to see the next Mazda6 a little sooner, and it'll give us advisable of what’s next.