Like a pesky virus, if something goes viral on the internet, it’s difficult for it to be scrubbed off. Just ask Beyonce. The same goes for any major car launch, especially one that is completely new like the Mazda CX-60.

The large crossover SUV that sits above the Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to make its global debut on 8-March 2022. Yet, just a day before, undisguised images of the latest addition to Mazda’s ever-growing (and profitable) SUV line-up have been leaked online, in high-quality studio shots too.

So much for Mazda to put up all those teasers to hype up the model’s global debut. At the very least, these images are leaked a day before its launch so damage control must be at least minimal at Mazda’s marketing HQ.

Also read: There's something special about Mazda's white - RWD CX-60 PHEV teased again ahead of 8-Mar debut

With that out of the way, what do you think of the CX-60’s design? Well, we think it looks like an evolution of the Mazda CX-5 but as mentioned earlier, the CX-60 won’t be replacing the CX-5. Compared to the spyshots obtained last year, the leaked CX-60 photos look largely similar with the vertical slats on the front grille more obvious in the latest leaked photos.

Also read: Spied: 2023 Mazda CX-60 caught undisguised – Will it come with inline-6 and RWD?

Going round the back and the CX-60 appears a little more coupe-like, at least from this angle. The LED taillights’ design almost reminds one of the Toyota Harrier albeit Toyota’s approach is one undisturbed strip across the tailgate.

Also read: Review: 2021 Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury - Do you really miss the turbo?

Something of interest is the chrome dual tailpipes exit at the bottom of the rear bumper. Maybe it’s a half of a quad tailpipe set-up but are these functional or just for a sporty aesthetic? Also, the badge gives a bit of a clue that this particular leaked CX-60 comes with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration.

Besides the exterior shots, the leaked set also includes the interior and it looks premium just like any Mazda. There’s a fully digital instrument cluster, a floating infotainment screen, and barely any blank switches, cluing in that the CX-60 will be fully-loaded with Mazda’s i-Activsense ADAS suite.

Also read: What is ADAS and why do we need them in our cars?

Still sticking inside, the CX-60 comes with a large floating infotainment screen in the centre and the trim is a mixture of premium leather and wood inserts. This or a BMW/Mercedes-Benz?

The CX-60 is an important model for Mazda as it along with the CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 are part of the Hiroshima automaker’s Large Product Group. The odd-numbered models (CX-70, CX-90) would be for the North American market while even-numbered models (CX-60, CX-80) are destined for Europe and Japan.

Also read: 5 new SUVs confirmed - Mazda CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90 starting 2022

Car enthusiasts all over the world must be groaning “Not another crossover!” but based on Mazda’s plans, these won’t be some run-of-the-mill SUVs that everyone from a hustling young entrepreneur to a soccer parent would want on their driveway.

Besides the AWD configuration, the CX-60 will also be available with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and its powertrains include a newly-developed inline-6 engine as well as a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. The latter is confirmed by Mazda and would produce a combined output of over 300 PS.

Also read: 300 PS RWD plug-in hybrid Mazda CX-60 teased, debuting on 8-March

Do the words “RWD and inline-6” now get your attention? Don’t get just too excited at the prospect of a drifting SUV just yet though.

While the CX-60 is earmarked for some markets outside of Japan and Europe with Australia being one of them, Malaysians who are anticipating the CX-60 would probably have to wait a little longer until Bermaz gives its announcement.

Also read: Bermaz Auto plans big for its EV game, multiple model launches planned