After a long teaser program, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 has finally been revealed ahead of an Australian release later in 2023. Set to eventually replace the popular CX-9, the CX-90 is the second product revealed that uses Mazda’s new rear-biased ‘Large Architecture’ platform after the smaller CX-60 that’s due locally in June. At launch, it will be equipped only with six-cylinder engines – including Mazda’s most powerful production engine – with a plug-in hybrid due afterwards.
Welcoming the reveal of Mazda Australia’s newest flagship SUV, Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi commented: “Our second entrant into the new large platform family brings with it even more of everything – more power and performance, greater versatility and heightened luxury.
“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.”
Initially, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 will sit above the CX-9 as the company’s flagship product, though it will likely eventually replace it. While Mazda is yet to reveal the CX-90’s dimensions, it’s obviously larger than the CX-9 and will better compete with cars like the Hyundai Palisade, as well as the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and BMW X5.
Stylistically, the CX-90 is obviously related to the CX-60 with an almost identical front and similar tailights, but the 90’s extra width makes it appear more aggressive than the CX-60. It rides on wheels up to 21-inches in size, while it will also be available in Mazda’s new ‘Artisian Red’ colour that debuted on the new 20th Anniversary Edition of the 2023 Mazda6.
Under the bonnet of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is an uprated version of the 3.3-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system that debuted in the CX-60. In the CX-90, it produces 254kW of power and 500Nm of torque (up 45kW and 50Nm on the CX-60) and is the most powerful production Mazda ever made. The 241kW/500Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol plug-in hybrid from the CX-60 will also be used in the CX-90, though won’t arrive locally until 2024.
But while North America will only get petrol-powered CX-90s, Australian-spec versions will also offer the 187kW/550Nm 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel that’s used in the CX-60. Regardless of drivetrain, all CX-90s use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
On the inside of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a dashboard that’s quite similar to the smaller CX-60. The improvement in materials over the CX-9 (itself which has quite nice cabin) is obvious, with premium materials such as Nappa leather, fabric on the dashboard and Maple wood trim on the centre console. Atop the dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment system with both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Like the CX-60, there’s a digital display, as well as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated – and, for the first time – ventilated second row seats too. Like the CX-9, both six- and seven-seat layouts will be offered – we expect the six-seater to be offered only atop the range, like the current CX-9 Azami LE.
Other available features on the 2024 Mazda CX-90 include tri-zone climate control with rear row air vents, USB-C ports throughout the cabin, middle row inbuilt sunshades and Mazda’s ‘i-Activsense’ suite of safety equipment, including automatic front and rear braking, Matrix adaptive beam headlights, adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist. A new ‘see-through’ mode for the 360-degree camera will also be available, likely on higher grade models.
Australian pricing for the CX-90 is yet to be revealed, however, it will sit above the CX-60, which starts at $59,800 plus on-road costs and hits $87,252 +ORC for the top-spec Azami plug-in hybrid. For reference, the CX-9 Azami LE tops out at $74,710 +ORC.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 will go on sale in Australia later in 2023 with local pricing and specifications to be announced before then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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