√2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid due in Australia next year

A plug-in hybrid version of the new Mazda CX-90 family SUV is not due in Australian showrooms until next year at the earliest – where it would likely become the company’s most expensive model.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is set to gain the option of plug-in hybrid power in Australia at least three months after the standard six-cylinder petrol and diesel models arrive in showrooms.

The CX-90 six- or seven-seat SUV – which will initially be sold alongside the CX-9 – is due to launch in Australia in the third quarter of this year (July to September) with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel six-cylinder engines.

Due to follow sometime in 2024 – or later, pending any delays – is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, the second PHEV for Mazda in Australia after the CX-60 plug-in hybrid due in Australia this June.

The delay is related to additional engineering work needed for the vehicle to comply with Australian motor vehicle regulations.

“It was developed in the US, so our engineers need to do some work to ensure it’s … compliant [with Australian regulations],” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told media.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for any CX-90 model, however the smaller, five-seat CX-60 retails for $85,675 plus on-road costs.

The $18,000 difference between top-of-the-range versions of the existing five-seat CX-5 and seven-seat CX-9 indicates the CX-90 PHEV may cost more than $100,000 before on-road charges.

Powering the CX-90 plug-in hybrid is the same drivetrain as the CX-60, combining a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and 17.8kWh battery pack for system outputs of 241kW and 500Nm.

Mazda doesn’t quote driving range for the CX-90 PHEV, but the smaller and lighter CX-60 PHEV lists 76km in Australian lab testing.

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