Move over Lexus and BMW, there’s a new car in town. The highly anticipated 2022 Mazda6 will be the newest entry into the premium segment. Mazda is giving its popular midsize sedan a complete overhaul, and the changes are astonishing. The new 2022 Mazda6 will take on the look and feel of a luxury vehicle, with the best part being a lower sticker price.

The current iteration of the Mazda6

The Mazda6 hasn’t seen a redesign since 2014. A refresh occurred in the 2018 model, changing up the front grille with more chrome and updated headlights. This gave the Mazda6 a high-end look with no other changes made since then. Mazda has decided not to hold back this time around and is giving the 2022 Mazda6 a fresh design inside and out.

Those that have seen the concept car say it will look, feel, and perform like a whole new vehicle. The transverse engine is being replaced, and the next-generation Mazda6 will be rear-wheel drive with a longitudinal engine platform. This change alone has auto enthusiasts excited about the future of Mazda automobiles.

Changes to the engine

When the Mazda6 was introduced in 2003, it was a front-wheel-drive sedan that fit into the midsize market alongside the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Now, in a move comparable to luxury vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, MotorTrend reports that the Mazda6, “will implement a longitudinal, rear-drive-based layout.” The only other rear-drive vehicle in the Mazda product line is the MX-5 Miata, so this drastic change is a big deal for the 2022 Mazda6.

It’s reported that diesel and hybrid versions are also in the works. It appears the small four-cylinder of past models is going to be replaced to achieve more power. MotorTrend discovered that Mazda recently filed a patent for a “new inline six-cylinder exhaust system and a new eight-speed automatic transmission.”

The importance of the inline-six engine

It seems reasonable to assume that Mazda is restructuring the exhaust layout to allow for a compact engine block that can house six inline cylinders. The small space under the hood of a midsize sedan means they will have to modify the platform to allow for more space. The patent also involved an eight-speed automatic turbocharged transmission that will keep Mazda competitive in the performance market.

Utilizing their SKYACTIV-X compression ignition technology will enhance the power to an impressive 350 hp. The improved efficiency from an eight-speed transmission could be what the 2022 Mazda6 needs to break into the luxury market.

Speculation for new interior features

Car and Driver listed the 2022 Mazda6 as one of the “25 Cars Worth Waiting For.” Not only is the engine getting a makeover, but the interior is getting some pretty impressive upgrades as well. There’s speculation that the luxurious interior will include leather heated seating, an enhanced infotainment system, and improved controls for both the driver and passengers. The enhancements to the interior make the 2022 Mazda6 a worthy contender in the crowded field of luxury vehicles.

When will the new 2022 Mazda6 be released?

The new 2022 Mazda6 should be available by the end of 2022, but with the coronavirus pandemic looming, major automobile manufacturers have had to push back their development plans for future models. It’s unclear when the new 2022 Mazda6 will be unveiled as it depends on when the production lines can start rolling again.

As we wait in anticipation of the return to normalcy, Mazda has assured us that the new 2022 Mazda6 will be a luxury car worth waiting for.