The Mazda CX-60 won’t be the only luxury crossover to take on European brands in the Philippines.

Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan announced at the CX-60 launch on June 9, 2023 that the larger CX-90 will be in the country within the year.

“The reason why we pre-launched it in the market today, number one, because the development team is here,” he said at a press conference.

“Number two, the answer is very soon,” Tan replied, when asked about an exact timeframe for the launch.

RWD chassis, straight-6 motors

The CX-90, which made its global debut on January 2023, rides on the same “Large Product Group” platform as the five-seat CX-60.

As such, the CX-90 also gets a rear-biased, all-wheel-drive layout with mild-hybrid, turbocharged straight-6 gasoline or diesel engines.

Although final specifications have yet to be finalized, the CX-90 is available in other markets with a more powerful gasoline motor than the CX-60. This pumps out 345 PS and 500 Nm of torque.

The turbodiesel is identical to what is available in the smaller crossover, producing 254 PS and 550 Nm of torque. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version that uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that produces 327 PS and 500 Nm of torque.

All models are available with an 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the torque converter with an electric motor.

The CX-90 also features Kinematic Posture Control, a software feature initially developed for the Mazda MX-5 roadster that limits body roll on tight corners. Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive continues to provide grip in various scenarios and has been adapted to the high-output powertrain. 

High-end, 7-seat cabin

Similar to the philosophy of the CX-60, the three-row CX-90 gets Mazda’s interpretation of “Japanese luxury.”

As such, high-end materials like soft Nappa leather are used throughout the cabin, incorporating design features that are normally available in the likes of super-luxury European brands like Rolls-Royce or Bentley.

Seating configurations offer a bench or captain's chair layout for the second row, as well as a two- or three-seater option for the third row.

The Mazda CX-90 also introduces new technology and premium convenience features, such as a digital instrument cluster and a choice between a 10.25-inch or the larger 12.3-inch center display.  

The windshield-projected Active Driving Display is now larger in area and type size, although physical function buttons will continue to complement interior styling and promote ease of use and safety. 

A 12-speaker Bose audio system is also available, along with wireless phone charging. Meanwhile, a 360-view monitor and See-Through View monitor will also help drivers in parking maneuvers. 

There’s also the Mazda i-Activsense active-safety system that incorporates features like Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist, and Rear Seat Alert. 

Roomier than CX-9

Styling-wise, the CX-90 has the latest version of Mazda’s trademark “Kodo” design language. 

This includes pointed LED headlights that flank the large Mazda grill, along with a wider body and longer wheelbase. Mazda said the more upright roofline helps address complaints from the American market on the cramped interior of the Mazda CX-9.

New 21-inch diamond-cut wheels with a black metallic finish come with the CX-90. Mazda's new Artisan Red color, developed specifically for the CX-90, will also be available as a paint option in the Philippines.

Under ₱4M?

Like the smaller CX-60, the CX-90 qualifies for financial incentives under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.

This applies to vehicles manufactured in Japan with a displacement of at least 3000 cc. Although prices have not yet been finalized, the top-spec CX-60 Sport turbodiesel costs ₱2,890,000.

This means that the CX-90, assuming that both the gasoline and diesel variants are brought in, should be in the ₱3.4 million to ₱3.6 million range. In effect, it is poised to take on the likes of the Land Rover Discovery and Audi Q7 for around half the price.

Are you looking forward to Mazda Philippines’ big seven-seater?

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