Mazda’s 2021 Mazda6 Adds This Feature You Won’t Find In Many Luxury Sedans

For 2021, the Mazda6 sedan will add wireless Apple CarPlay. We are big fans of this safety technology which was proven in a AAA study to reduce driver distraction compared to the native infotainment systems offered by many manufacturers. Getting rid of the need to connect phones by a cable in order to make full use of Apple CarPlay is a move we applaud.

And that isn’t all Mazda is offering to push the Mazda6 sedan into the premium class. The new Carbon Edition with its Polymetal Gray exterior paint, gloss black rear lip spoiler, gloss black door mirrors and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels will make the Mazda6 a standout for looks as well as ease of use.

Related: Why A Mazda CX-5’s 30K Service Can Cost Half What A Competitor’s Does

Although we appreciate that one can purchase a 2021 Mazda6 sedan for around $25K, it is the top trim available for under $34K that really blows our skirt up. The Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve comes with many premium features often missing in the premium midsize sedans we test. For example, the Mazda6 “GTR” includes a windshield-projected, full-color Active Driving Display head-up unit, Adaptive Front-lighting System, Parchment perforated-leather-trimmed seats with both ventilation and heat, a heated steering wheel, automatic power folding door mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icing system, eight-way power and memory driver’s seat with power lumbar support and six-way power passenger’s seat.

Traffic Sign Recognition is available with the optional Mazda Navigation System, but with Google Maps enabled via your wireless Apple Car Play or corded Android Auto, you really don’t need it. Mazda allows you to save that money instead of forcing you to pay for Nav.

The Mazda6 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus-rated sedan. There is no higher level of safety. Importantly, the Superior-rated active front crash prevention systems that earn that safety ranking are standard on the Mazda6. As is the advanced Mazda vehicle to pedestrian safety system. Why should buyers have to pay more for safety? A $43K vehicle we tested this past week from another manufacturer made these systems optional, and asked buyers to pay $495 more for them.

Here Are the 2021 Mazda6 Prices. Add $945 To These For Delivery Charges:
Mazda6 Sport $24,325
Mazda6 Touring $26,925
Mazda6 Grand Touring $30,025
Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve $32,525
Mazda6 Carbon Edition $32,800
Mazda6 Signature $35,750

PREMIUM PAINT COLORS:

Soul Red Crystal Metallic $595
Machine Gray Metallic $495
Snowflake White Pearl Mica $395

Mazda is moving upmarket rapidly, and the latest Mazda6 is just one example. We are testing a $63,000 German sedan the size of a Mazda6 this week. That is literally double the price of a well-equipped Mazda6 sedan. The “luxury car” has 45 fewer ft-lbs of torque and requires a cable to use Apple CarPlay. When will the overpriced legacy luxury brands catch up to Mazda in content, power, and style?

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of a team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of battery thermal control designer. For 20 years he applied his engineering and sales talents in the high tech world and published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career to chase his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin

Hover mouse over image to see photo credits