Mazda is raising the stakes with six-cylinder engines. Will it manage to beat BMW?

Inline-six engines are making a comeback, even though BMW made them fashionable in some of its most iconic models years ago. Now Mazda, is picking up the gauntlet and wants to equip some of its most representative models with them again. The Japanese manufacturer aims to make a leap in quality with both its new generation of platforms and its new engines. In addition, the new Mazda models will be available with diesel, petrol and Skyactiv-X inline-six engines. This will allow the range to cover a large part of the market.

It is important to highlight that the brand will combine inline-six engines with electrified propulsion. In this way, as the manufacturer itself has said, the aim is to increase quality, refinement and even sportiness. A few months ago, Mazda already confirmed the rumours surrounding the development of its first inline-six engine. This new engine arrives to raise the stakes and offer something new for drivers who choose the brand. However, the new engine will keep the manufacturer’s philosophy known as Skyactiv. Now, Mazda wants to launch on the market a new generation of inline-six engines based on a modular design, with the option for future drivers to choose diesel, petrol, mild-hybrid and even Skyactiv-X.

This is how the new inline-six engines from Mazda that will rival BMW will look

The Japanese brand has set itself the goal of completing the Mazda range at the top end, so it can move up a level and reach drivers looking for a premium car such as the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and even Jaguar Land Rover. These new powertrains arrive just as the brand also plans to debut its new modular platform, designed to accommodate rear-wheel drive layouts as well as all-wheel drive. The models that will feature these novelties are the Mazda6, the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-8. These three flagship models will debut a new generation, will feature the new engine and will be built on the new modular platform.

The official launch date is still unknown. The first information published suggested the presentation would take place this year, 2021, but it must be taken into account that production of the new inline-six engines from Mazda will not begin until mid-2022. The presentation of the model, engine and platform may take place simultaneously. The most eager drivers will have to wait until late 2022 to see the new models from the Japanese brand in person. Will the new Mazda engines be able to go head to head with the most legendary ones from BMW? We will have to wait a little longer to find out.