To capitalize on the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market, Toyota must significantly expand its market share by introducing a brand-new, competitively priced EV that disrupts the status quo. Now available for pre-order in China, the Toyota bZ3X electric SUV starts at a remarkably affordable price of just $13,800 (RMB 100,000).
Toyota opens pre-orders for bZ3X electric SUV in China
Although Toyota currently offers only one fully electric vehicle globally, the bZ4X, the company is set to introduce several new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) exclusively in China.
At the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, Toyota premiered its highly anticipated bZ3X electric SUV alongside the sleek bZ3C sedan. Toyota introduces its latest electric SUV as a family-friendly vehicle boasting a unique “Cozy Cell-like Interior Space” design.
China’s Toyota joint venture, GAC-Toyota, has officially started taking pre-orders for the bZ3X, priced from around $13,900 (99,800 yuan) to just under $14,400 (100,000 yuan). Available in three trims – the 430 Air+, 520 Professional+, and 620 Max – pre-orders range from 100,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan (approximately $14,300 to $29,500), with prices varying depending on trim.
Like its predecessor, the bZ3C, the newly launched electric SUV has been uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of Chinese customers. Toyota’s latest EV redefines its traditional design ethos with a modern, effortless, and sophisticated approach. The interior, powered by a fresh Chinese-inspired aesthetic, seamlessly blends simplicity with cutting-edge technology.
Toyota’s new bZ4X is the first model to feature the advanced Momenta 5.0 Intelligent Driving System, a cutting-edge technology that sets a new standard for driving safety and convenience. Equipped with the advanced NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin X platform, this innovative vehicle features a comprehensive suite of 25 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) capabilities, including cutting-edge technologies like High-Speed Pilot, Gentle Visitors Assist, and Automated Parking.
General Motors’ subsidiary GAC-Toyota plans to revolutionize the automotive industry by introducing one of the world’s first comprehensive end-to-end intelligent driving systems.
The entrance and rear seats fold down to create a spacious “Cozy Cellular House,” boasting nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of uninterrupted space perfect for lounging or stowing belongings.
Inside, various options feature a 14.6-inch infotainment system equipped with voice recognition, as well as an 8.8-inch LCD display for the driver, complemented by a two-spoke multi-function steering wheel that provides easy access to key controls.
Equipped with a robust 50.03 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, this electric SUV boasts an impressive CLTC range of up to 430 kilometers (267 miles), making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and sustainability on the go. While exact ranges for the opposing two trims remain unclear, they are expected to boast impressive estimates of approximately 520 kilometers (323 miles) and 620 kilometers (385 miles) on a single charge, respectively.
The Toyota bZ3X measures 4,600 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, slightly larger than BYD’s Yuan Plus (Atto 3), which stands at 4,455 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall. The BYD Yuan Plus starts at around $16,500 (119,800 yuan).
GAC-Toyota plans to officially debut the bZ3X in China in March. For priority allocation, consumers are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 2,000 yuan (approximately $275).
Within the United States, it appears we’ll have to wait a bit longer for the debut of a brand-new Toyota electric vehicle model, as the company has pushed back the launch of its first three-row electric SUV to 2026.
