Mazda ‘CX-90’ SUV revealed
Mazda’s CX-90 SUV, what the Japanese carmaker is describing as a new level of family luxury and premium design, has been officially unveiled, making its debut in California at the end of January.
Australian delivery of the CX-90 has been confirmed, but an actual delivery date hasn’t. What has been confirmed is that when the CX-90 does come here, it will be offered with hybrid powertrains exclusively, based on six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
“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,” said Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi.
“Our second entrant into the new large platform family [after the CX-60] brings with it even more of everything – more power and performance, greater versatility and heightened luxury.”
Built on the same platform as the CX-60, the CX-90 stretches the proportions in key areas to create a three-row interior with comfortable seating for up to seven, while the premium finishes and high level of standard features will place it above the seven-seat CX-9 in Mazda’s existing SUV range.
Hybrid Only
The hybrid-only powertrains offered on the CX-90 for Australia start with an eSkyactiv 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol inline six producing a listed 254kW and 500Nm – the most powerful petrol engine Mazda has ever offered in a production car.
Paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 3.3 petrol six is combined with an M-Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid system that includes an electric motor placed between the engine and transmission, providing EV-only running at low speeds and delivering what Mazda says is smooth acceleration, enthralling sound and an “upscale feeling”.
Alternatively, the CX-90 can be ordered with an e-Skyactiv 3.3 turbodiesel six, which also employs MHEV tech and delivers listed maximums of 187kW and 550Nm. Like the petrol hybrid six, the diesel hybrid six is matched exclusively to an eight-speed automatic. The turbodiesel has already been applied to the CX-60, which is a more premium alternative to the CX-6, just as the CX-90 will be to the CX-9.
Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system will be standard on Australian-delivered units of the CX-90, with no 2WD variant offered, at least initially. This rear-biased system is already in use on several Mazda SUVs, but what modifications have been made for the CX-90 are unknown.
CX-90 Design
Where the CX-9 has arguably sleeker styling, the CX-90 is more imposing, with a wider, boxier appearance, accentuated by the chrome trim on the sills, lower bumper and roof rails. Standard 21-inch wheels add to the sense of size, too.
That being said, curves still remain, along with slimline head and tail light treatments in the vein of what’s already been seen on the CX-60. Mazda states that the front end, roofline and tail give the CX-90 "a sense of ever-changing expressions created by the reflections of light and shadows”.
The new SUV will also be available with Mazda's latest Takuminuri premium paint option, Artisan Red. Specially developed for large vehicles in the Mazda range, this colour has already been seen on the Mazda6.
Inside, the cabin design is said to bear the influence of traditional Japanese aesthetics, with a modern, linear appearance. A horizontal theme makes the dash look expansive, accentuated by the air vents being pushed to the corners and the 12.3-inch main infotainment screen sitting above the main dash panel, with additional vents and heating/cooling controls below.
The driver display is also 12.3 inches and will presumably be configurable. The steering wheel is conventional, with an abundance of controls, but no apparent paddle shifters. Gear changing appears to be via a conventional shifter in a wide console between the (heated and ventilated) front seats.
While third-row seat occupants in large SUVs often miss out on amenities, all three rows are catered for in the CX-90, with USB-C ports, air con vents and upgraded lighting. The available panoramic sunroof doesn’t stretch to the third row, however.
A premium approach to interior trim materials includes the use of maple timber veneer and Nappa leather. Fabric-wrapped sections of the dash and doorcards seem at odds with this approach, but the colour and finish of the fabric does add to the cabin’s premium look.
An example of the Japanese artisanal approach to the interior is the use of ‘hanging stitches’ separating two fabric sections and highlighting the space between. This is inspired by a weaving technique known as Kakenui.
CX-90 Safety
The full safety suite for the upcoming CX-90 has yet to be revealed, but being a premium model, it will certainly be well-equipped on that front.
Under the umbrella of i-Activesense, safety features listed so far include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, i-Adaptive Cruise Control, and what Mazda says are other new safety systems that will “enhance the confident experience for all occupants”.
Driver assistance tech includes a See Through View monitor that makes for easier parking and other conveniences designed to give the driver “a seamless experience with the technology”.
The CX-90 will also feature Kinematic Posture Control, a feature already seen on the MX-5 roadster, that uses inner wheel braking to counteract body roll and improve grip during cornering. A byproduct of this is that occupants maintain a more natural posture as the vehicle is more stable.
Future Arrival
As already mentioned, an Australian delivery date for the CX-90 has yet to be revealed, but it’ll most likely be toward the tail end of 2023 or in early 2024.
Similarly, model grades and full specs haven’t been announced yet, but expect familiar GT, Touring, Sport and Azami options to be offered. For now, it appears that the CX-90 will be sold alongside the CX-9 and won’t replace it in the local Mazda range.
Pricing is expected to start somewhere north of $70,000, given the top-spec CX-9 is over this figure and the most expensive version of the upcoming CX-60 is priced in excess of $87,000 before ORCs.
Further details on the Mazda CX-90 will be revealed closer to local launch.
