Mazda CX-6e gets a roof-mounted LiDAR and can now make U-turns on its own

Mazda has unveiled an updated CX-6e electric crossover at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show. The key upgrade is a roof-mounted LiDAR module, which elevates the driver assistance suite to a full Level 2 autonomous driving system operating under the Navigation-on-Autopilot (NOA) scenario.

The new LiDAR is not working alone. It is paired with three millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras. Together, these components enable the system to handle over 200 driving assistance scenarios. In urban environments, the CX-6e can now autonomously navigate intersections, manage roundabouts, and even perform U-turns without any driver intervention — a capability that stands out in the competitive Chinese EV market.

On highways, the autonomous system operates at speeds up to 130 km/h. The crossover can independently exit onto secondary roads, pull into service areas, and overtake slower vehicles by executing an automated lane change. The system is also capable of entering and exiting highway ramps. In the city, the autopilot speed is capped, though the exact limit was not specified in the announcement.

The update is a direct response to the fierce competition in China's electric vehicle segment, where advanced driver assistance features have become a baseline expectation. The Mazda CX-6e is a model primarily tailored for the Chinese market, and the addition of the LiDAR-based NOA system significantly improves its appeal against local rivals like NIO, XPeng, and BYD, which already offer similar or more advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

While the CX-6e's new hardware and software bring it closer to the tech-heavy EVs from Chinese startups, it remains to be seen how the system performs in real-world conditions. The company has not yet disclosed whether the LiDAR module will be available as an option across all trim levels or if it will be reserved for top-end versions. Pricing for the updated variant has also not been announced. Mazda's move signals that even traditional automakers are now fully embracing the LiDAR-based autonomy race in China.