Mazda launches the CX-80 at RM331k - all-new 3-row, luxury SUV flagship with 328PS 2.5L PHEV powertrain

Mazda Malaysia has introduced its latest flagship SUV, the CX-80, which makes its local debut alongside the five-seater CX-60. The newcomer arrives exclusively in a single plug-in hybrid variant, the CX-80 2.5L PHEV AWD High Plus, priced at RM331,610 (OTR without insurance).

With this launch, the CX-80 becomes Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid SUV to be offered in the Malaysian market, and it promises a blend of performance, efficiency, and elevated luxurious comfort in a six-seat configuration. Five exterior colours are offered: Melting Copper Metallic (our favourite), Rhodium White, Artisan Red, Platinum Quartz, and Jet Black.

The CX-80 pairs a the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor placed between the engine and its eight-speed automatic gearbox. On its own, the petrol unit, which is solely powering the CX-60, produces 191 PS at 6,000 rpm and 261 Nm at 4,000 rpm, while the electric motor contributes an additional 175 PS and 270 Nm.

Together, the plug-in hybrid system generates a total output of 328 PS and 500 Nm of torque, channeled to all four wheels through Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system. This setup allows the SUV to achieve a top speed of 195 km/h.

Power for the electric motor comes from a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. On the NEDC test cycle, the CX-80 delivers an electric-only driving range of up to 67 km, making it suitable for urban commutes without petrol assistance. Charging is supported at up to 7.2 kW AC, enabling a full 0–100% charge in approximately two and a half hours.

Built on Mazda’s Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, the CX-80 shares its underpinnings with the CX-60, featuring a longitudinally mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive-based layout. However, it is considerably larger, measuring 4,995 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,705 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm.

This puts it between the CX-9 (5,075 mm) and the CX-8 (4,900 mm) in overall length, though the CX-80 boasts a longer wheelbase than both, giving it more cabin space. Ground clearance stands at 175 mm, while kerb weight is a hefty 2,342 kg, reflecting the addition of hybrid hardware and a third row of seats.

The suspension setup mirrors that of the CX-60, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four corners, while steering is assisted electrically. The CX-80 rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50R20 tyres, though unlike the CX-60, it comes with a tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare wheel to accomodate its high voltage battery. 

Exterior lighting is fully LED, comprising automatic, self-levelling headlights with daytime running lights, as well as LED combination taillamps with LED reverse functions.

Inside, the CX-80 is configured as a six-seater. The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable with memory and is paired with an electrically adjustable steering column, while the front passenger seat also offers 10-way power adjustment. In the second row, two captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation and powered recline provide first-class comfort, complete with a dedicated centre console. The third row houses a 50:50 split-folding bench suitable for occasional use.

Upholstery is finished in tan Nappa leather, giving the cabin a more luxurious touch compared to the CX-60. On the tech front, the SUV features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen controlled by Mazda’s Multi-Function Commander system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. Driver information is displayed via a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, complemented by a head-up display while audio duties are handled by a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Connectivity options include six USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and two 12-volt sockets located in the centre console and boot. A 360-degree camera system with a see-through function aids in manoeuvring the sizeable SUV.

Like its smaller sibling, the CX-80 is packed with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of driver assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, smart brake support, driver monitoring, and front and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional systems such as hill launch assist, auto hold, ABS with EBD, stability control, and traction control are also standard, though unique to the CX-80 is off-road traction assist, enhancing its capabilities when venturing onto rougher terrain. Safety is rounded out by seven airbags, covering the driver, front passenger, side, curtain, and driver’s knee.

Mazda Malaysia backs the CX-80 with a 5-year, 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty along with a 5-year, 100,000 km complimentary maintenance package. With its premium plug-in hybrid powertrain, three-row seating, and an extensive feature set, the new Mazda CX-80 positions itself as a sophisticated alternative to the CX-8 and CX-9 while also giving contenders like the BMW X5 xDrive50e and Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine something to worry about, offering Malaysian buyers an electrified SUV experience without sacrificing practicality or luxury.