Mazda only has a single electric vehicle in its lineup, the MX-30, but the Japanese brand is among the most fuel efficient automakers because it only sells four-cylinder engines. Mazda has lacked any hybrid options for years, but that changes today with the debut of the 2023 Mazda CX-60. Revealed digitally as a nod to the current political climate in Ukraine, the CX-60 is a Europe-specific model that introduces Mazda's first plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The CX-60 arrives sporting a familiar Skyactiv 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque on its own. An electric motor contributes an additional 134 hp and 184 lb-ft, combining to put out 322 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. In other words, the CX-60 is the most powerful production Mazda ever (for now).

The PHEV system isn't the only big change here on the CX-60. This is the first vehicle to use Mazda's new Skyactiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture, which features a rear-wheel-drive biased system. The architecture will also see use on the Europe-only CX-80 and the next-generation Mazda6. Though we won't get the CX-60 in the US, we will receive the similar 2023 Mazda CX-70 and three-row Mazda CX-90. The CX-70 should use the same drivetrain as the CX-70, while the larger CX-90 should get a new inline-six engine under the hood producing even more power. The recently-revealed Mazda CX-50 will get a Toyota hybrid system.

It won't be the most powerful Mazda for much longer, but the CX-60 is no slouch, hitting 62 mph in 5.8 seconds with a 124 mph top speed (or 87 mph in EV mode). With its 17.8-kWh battery pack, the CX-60 can travel 39 miles on a single charge (on the WLTP testing cycle). It's also worth noting the CX-60 is the first Mazda to get a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the CX-60 is clearly pushing to prove that Mazda deserves to be taken seriously as a near-luxury automaker. The cabin introduces the Japanese concept of Kaichou, "an element of disruption which mixes different materials and textures such as maple wood, Nappa leather, uniquely worked Japanese textiles and chrome details, and Musubu," a special binding technique used for the instrument panel stitching.

The Mazda CX-60 may not come to the US, but it acts as a great preview for what we can expect from the CX-70. We are finally excited to see Mazda get serious about electrification.