KLIMS 2026: Mazda CX-60 3.3G AWD previewed, Inline-six muscle joins the lineup from RM253,000

KUALA LUMPUR: Bermaz Motor is using KLIMS 2026 to introduce the most potent variant of the Mazda CX-60 to Malaysia yet. The CX-60 3.3G AWD makes its local debut at the show this week, bringing a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine and all-wheel drive to a lineup that previously only offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder in rear-wheel drive form. Pricing starts from RM253,000, sitting RM52,490 above the existing CX-60 2.5L 2WD High.

What is new?

The CX-60 first arrived in Malaysia in September 2025 as a single 2.5-litre naturally aspirated rear-wheel drive variant priced at RM200,510. The 3.3G AWD is a significant step up in every meaningful way. It brings Mazda's e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, paired with a 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost mild hybrid system featuring an electric motor and generator positioned between the engine and gearbox, backed by a 0.33 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Combined output stands at 284 PS between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm from the engine alone, with the mild hybrid system contributing an additional 16 PS and 153 Nm when needed. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. For context, this makes the CX-60 3.3G AWD considerably more powerful than anything else in Mazda's Malaysian SUV lineup outside of the CX-80 PHEV.

Design and equipment

The 3.3G AWD brings a few visual touches that distinguish it from the 2.5L variant. Body-coloured wheel arch cladding and dual-tone wheels give it a slightly more premium and planted stance, and a new Machine Gray paint finish is offered exclusively on the range-topping High Plus variant. Returning colour options include Rhodium White, Zircon Sand, Platinum Quartz, Soul Red Crystal, and Jet Black.

Inside, the 3.3G AWD mirrors the CX-60's existing interior formula, which centres around Mazda's longitudinal rear-wheel drive architecture giving it a notably longer bonnet and a more driver-focused cabin than typical front-wheel drive SUVs. Key features include - 

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Active Driving Display
• Driver Personalization System
• Ventilated 10-way power seats
• Ambient lighting 
• 360-degree View Monitor with See Through View
• Reverse camera with guidelines
• Wireless charging 
• 12-speak BOSE sound system 

As for safety, the SUV is equipped with Mazda’s advanced i-Activsense technologies, including High Beam Assist, Adaptive LED Headlamps, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System, with Road Departure Prevention, Driver Attention Alert with Driver Monitoring, Front and Rear Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Cruising & Traffic Support.

The Mazda CX-60 3.3L MHEV is offered in two exclusive exterior and interior pairings, Rhodium White with a Pure White interior and Machine Gray with a Tan interior. It comes with a five-year, 100,000 km manufacturer's warranty and a free service package as standard.

At RM253,000, the CX-60 3.3G AWD slots neatly between the existing CX-60 2.5L at RM200,510 and the larger CX-80 PHEV at RM296,610. It makes a strong case for itself against European alternatives in the same price bracket, offering a genuine inline-six turbocharged engine with mild hybrid assistance and all-wheel drive at a price that undercuts most comparable German offerings considerably.

Its closest local rivals would include the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, both of which command significantly higher price tags for similar or lesser specifications on paper.

The CX-60 3.3G AWD is arguably the variant the CX-60 always needed in Malaysia. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder model made a reasonable case for itself at launch, but a rear-wheel drive platform this good deserves a more characterful engine. The 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six delivers exactly that, and the addition of all-wheel drive makes it a more complete package for Malaysian road conditions.

At RM253,000, it is not cheap, and neither will be its road tax. But for what you are getting, a longitudinally mounted inline-six, mild hybrid assistance, AWD, and Mazda's most premium SUV packaging below the CX-80, it is a genuinely compelling option in a segment that has long been dominated by European brands.

Also read: KLIMS 2026: All-new third-gen Mazda CX-5 makes its Malaysian debut