2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami review (video)

Mazda, in an effort to reinvent their wheel, has released a range of luxurious SUVs. The largest being the huge CX-90, featuring new turbo inline-six mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines. It is aiming squarely at the premium European rivals.

Pricing is also edging near such rivals. But should that deter you? And which engine is best? We recently tested the surprisingly economical D50e to find out.

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: Specifications

Engine: 3.3-litre turbo-diesel inline-six mild-hybrid
Output: 187kW@3750-6000rpm / 550Nm@1500-2400rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 21×9.5, 275/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2241kg
Power-to-weight: 11.98:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.4L/100km
Our consumption: 6.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 74L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 34.62kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.74 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.84 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.46 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.77 seconds at 147.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.778g*
100-0km/h braking: 41.66m in 3.38 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.564g*
Decibel at idle: 44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $93,515 (plus $6500 for 6-seat layout)

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: How much does it cost?

The new engines and interior indulgence come at a hefty price. Starting from $74,550 and stretching to $94,630, the CX-90 is the most expensive Mazda on sale. But the good thing is you can choose both the petrol ‘G50e’ and diesel ‘D50e’ engines across three trim levels; from the Touring, GT, and the range-topping Azami’. Our week with the diesel comes in the form of the prestigious Azami. It retails for $93,515 (all excluding on-road costs).

To help justify the steep price, all variants come with three rows of seats as standard. And both engines connect to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 4×4 on-demand system. Notably, power distribution is biased to the rear wheels to help provide a traditional touring feel, usually associated with luxury brands.

Given the luxury market it now enters, it is one of the most affordable options. For example, it’s cheaper than the Audi Q7 range ($117k to $136k), the BMW X5 ($135k to $173k), Jaguar F-Pace ($81k to $115k), the Lexus RX ($90k to $127k), Mercedes GLE-Class ($140k to $272k), Volkswagen Touareg ($86k to $130k), and Volvo XC90 ($100k to $128k).

The CX-90 is offered with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance. It also requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km (the petrol engine is 15,000km). Incrementally, each service by a Mazda dealer costs $490, $660, $999, $660, $490, $1169, and $490 over seven years or 70,000km. Over the seven-year period, models with the petrol engine cost $262 less to service in total, and cover 35,000km more (105,000km).

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: Interior & packaging

The Japanese-built CX-90 surpasses the CX-9 in size, measuring 45mm longer, 25mm wider, and with a 190mm greater wheelbase. This increase in dimensions results in significantly more interior space across all three rows. Passengers enjoy ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder space. Extra-long rear doors provide a wide opening for easier access to the third row and swing open to almost 90 degrees, making it more practical for securing children in their seats.

Accessing the third row is made easy by a semi-electronic seat retraction system, which partially retracts the seat. However, some manual adjustment is still required to fully move the seat out of the way. The second row sits on sliding rails, enhancing the flexibility of interior space.

The boot space is notably expansive. Even with all rows in place, you have 608 litres of capacity (including underfloor storage), which is enough to fit large suitcases upright. When you fold down the third row, this expands to 1163L. With both the second and third rows folded flat, the total volume increases to a generous 2025L (counting the underfloor area, up to the roof). The seats fold flat easily, and the low boot lip simplifies loading. Additionally, the tailgate height has been raised compared to the CX-9, which may be important for taller individuals.

Mazda deserves commendation for its meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every row offers a uniformly luxurious experience. Each row is equipped with two cup holders per outboard seat, USB-C charging ports, air-conditioning vents, and plush leather seating. The look and feel of materials immerse you into a lavish and modern environment that does not feel like a typical or traditional Mazda. Thankfully, a long row of physical climate buttons remain separated outside of the touch-screen.

You can count on a comprehensive array of safety tech, regardless of the model you select. Other feature highlights standard across the range include multi-zone climate control, heated driver and front passenger seats, leather and power adjustable front seats, rear window blinds, 19-inch alloys, an electronic tailgate, a 10.25-inch widescreen style touch-screen, wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 150W AC outlet in the boot, and a wireless phone charger.

The GT steps it up with 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated second row seats and steering wheel, electric steering column adjustment, a bigger 12.3-inch centre screen and instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose 12-speaker sound system.

Our Azami model further enhances comfort with ventilated front seats, Nappa leather, added see-through view on the 360-degree monitor, cruising and traffic support, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a facial recognition personalising system with easy entry and driving position guide, and access to an optional six-seat configuration with captain-style seating in the second row ($6500, as part of the SP and Takumi packs).

The external design exudes a commanding presence. The extended bonnet and leaned back rear create a rear-wheel drive roadster profile, while the longer horizontal taillights enhance the SUV’s sense of width and strength. Sleek door contours, chrome trim and skirting, and a range of rich colour options contribute to the CX-90’s elegant appearance. Despite its sophisticated look, it remains unmistakably a Mazda, especially with its prominent bull shark grille and striking headlights, reflecting the brand’s ‘Kodo’ design philosophy.

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: Powertrain & handling

It is a pleasure to revisit the sound and feel of a straight-six engine. The performance and smoothness of having six inline explosions per cycle are unmatched by increasingly popular four-cylinder engines. The ‘e-Skyactiv D’ engine pelts out a self-assured 187kW and 550Nm of torque. It is enough to give you that confident and commanding feel to match its sheer size. Especially since maximum torque presents from a low 1500rpm.

The 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack and starter-generator help push it off the line, assisting with moving all 2241kg of weight. We clocked 0-100km/h in 7.84 seconds using a Vbox and private road. The 254kW petrol variant is advertised to clock 6.9 seconds and we previously timed 6.84 seconds in the GT version of the G50e.

The D50e achieves incredible economy for a 3.3-litre six-cylinder. On paper, just 5.4L/100km. A large contribution stems from the mild-hybrid system, and Mazda’s ‘i-Stop’ technology that is used at all speeds. The engine turns off whenever power is not applied – even above 100km/h – during coasting or braking.

At traffic lights, the resume of the engine from the i-Stop is nearly instant. Surprisingly, our averages saw better economy in the city, with 6.3L/100km. Then 6.5L/100km on the highway. It is clear that Mazda has done lots of work to make this engine efficient for its output. It also has a decently-sized fuel tank, at 74L. You should easily achieve 1100km before needing to refuel – the theoretical average range is 1370km based on 5.4L/100km.

Power distribution is managed by Mazda’s ‘Skyactiv-Drive’ eight-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox operates differently from traditional torque converter systems, instead incorporating two wet clutch packs (one between the engine and starter-generator, and another between the end of the transmission and the drive shaft). These help open up space around the footwell and provide that capability to coast with the engine off.

It’s not the smoothest system in our opinion, and our test car suffered from abnormal light scraping/grinding sounds from underneath at low speeds – it sounded like the mechanics were working under heavy strain, especially during first take-off from a side street, with steering angle applied.

In motion, the suspension is an improvement over the CX-60’s known issue on initial release. The CX-90 still exhibits a slight initial thud that travels into the cabin over bumps, but then further springing comes to play to make the ride feel soft. It tries to find a balance between sportiness and comfort, but sometimes feels not quite right.

On the handling front, that softness has it tackle hard bends with mild sloppiness. And you cannot help but notice its sheer size when those agile moments arise and lean comes into play. It’s difficult to offer sporty and comfortable suspension without adaptive dampers in this class in our opinion. Although, it’s certainly tighter and more athletic than non-premium SUVs such as the Toyota Kluger.

We found Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE to be overbearing at times. Under certain conditions, the system cancels out accelerator input from the driver if the vehicle deems it to be too close to the vehicle in front, even if the driver feels comfortable. You cannot override it. It needs some tweaking for moments when you pull out of a slow lane to overtake, in our view. Basically, you can be stuck with no acceleration until you’re fully out of the lane. We often start accelerating beforehand to get to the desired speed quicker to avoiding interrupting the flow of cars proceeding behind us.

Off-road touring benefits from a solid 206mm of ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and an ‘Off-road’ driving mode. However, its performance is limited by low-profile tyres and 21-inch alloy wheels, and a space-saver spare. As a result, it is suitable for light off-road tasks and dirt roads only in our opinion.

Curiously, the diesel engine offers a 2000kg towing capacity. That’s 500kg less than the petrol engine because the G50e scores an additional cooling system to support the extra strain of towing a heavy load. It’s rather odd that Mazda doesn’t offer additional cooling on both engines, especially as diesels are often favoured for touring and long-distance travel.

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Captain-style seating: If your budget allows, the top-spec Azami variant can be optioned with the ‘Takumi’ and ‘SP’ packages. Both of which offer ultimate luxury captain-style seating for the second row and interior finish upgrades that are not replicated by any other brands at this price.
• Impressively huge: If you need big, the CX-90 should more than suffice.
• Straight-six, rear-biased AWD powertrain: If you miss the good-old rear-wheel drive, straight-six days, let the CX-90 take you back.
• Outstanding fuel economy: Official 5.4L/100km from a six-cylinder diesel engine with strong power and torque is remarkable.

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: Key considerations before you buy

• Hidden diesel impediments: Lower towing capacity, less power, and more expensive servicing when compared to the G50e petrol variant.
• Ride: Comfort levels from the suspension are improved over the CX-60’s first release, but it does not quite offer the same level of comfort and agility as luxury rivals.
• Overbearing i-ACTIVSENSE: The system cancels out accelerator input from the driver if too close to the vehicle in front, even if the driver deems it comfortable. You can be stuck in situations with no acceleration when you genuinely need it.
• Complex clutch/transmission system: The two separate clutch packs and integrated starter-generator result in a complicated method of power delivery, and, at times, it feels strained and uncomfortable.

2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami: Video