Mazda recently unveiled its fourth and latest model of the Large Product Group, the Mazda CX-80 for the European market. The crossover is essentially the CX-60 with a 3-row seating configuration, the first Mazda of its kind in Europe and will be the flagship model in the continent.

“Graceful” seems to be the buzzword surrounding the CX-80’s development as it is described as a “Graceful Driving SUV” and embodies a “Graceful Toughness” design concept.

The flagship model for Europe continues to follow Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai philosophy of car and driver as one with the Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) featured on some variants of the CX-80.

Similar to the CX-60, the CX-80 sits on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform with a choice of two longitudinally mounted engines – a 3.3-litre straight-six diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that Mazda calls M-Hybrid Boost or a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

The e-Skyactiv D mild-hybrid makes 251 PS/550 Nm while the e-Skyactiv PHEV unit produced a combined output of 323 PS/300 Nm. Both are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a rear-biased permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Outside, the CX-80 has similar Kodo design elements as the CX-60 with the former being longer thanks to stretched side windows to make the rear passengers feel airier. The CX-80 is also 250 mm longer in length and wheelbase than the CX-60.

The same goes for the interior with the cockpit looking as familiar as the CX-60. It is in the rear that the CX-80 shows off its differences with a choice of a 6-seat or 7-seat configuration.

The 6-seat layout comes in two versions – middle-row captain seats with a console between them or the same type of arrangement without a console to allow for walk-throughs. The 7-seat configuration sees a bench seat in the middle row.

Despite the addition of a third row, Mazda claims that there is enough boot space to fit a golf bag or a baby stroller even with all seats up. Folding the last two rows of seats frees up more space for luggage of course.

Aside from being the first 3-row SUV model in Europe, the CX-80 also debuts the Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) with Unresponsive Driver Support for the continent.

When CTS is active, the system alerts the driver, confirming if the driver closes one's eyes or looks away from the road ahead. If the driver's condition remains unchanged, the system assists in decelerating and stopping the vehicle to mitigate damage in an accident caused by sudden illness or careless driving.

Pre-sales for the CX-80 will begin in May and the product will begin sales in fall 2024, around the third quarter of the year (Q3 2024). It will be built in Japan and could be launched there to take over the flagship position from the discontinued CX-8.

The CX-80 could be arriving in Malaysia as it along with the CX-60 is marketed mainly for the global market which includes Japan and Europe. The CX-70 and CX-90 are primarily for the North American market.

Most markets only offer either the even-numbered or odd-numbered models of Mazda’s Large Product Group SUVs. Australia seems to be the only exception as Mazda Australia offers all 4 models on its website.

Also read: Malaysians can look forward to the Mazda CX-60, here's what you need to know