Toyota bZ5 launches in China with shockingly low price

Toyota has launched its latest all-electric coupe SUV, aiming directly at the heart of the world's most competitive market for electric vehicles. With an almost shockingly low starting price of RMB 129,800 (about $18,000), Toyota bZ5 reveals a fascinating strategy: to beat the competition, Toyota is teaming up with one of its biggest rivals.

The secret to the bZ5's aggressive pricing and electric credentials lies in its partnership with BYD, another Chinese automotive giant. While the badge on the front says Toyota, some of the most critical components inside are pure BYD. The bZ5 uses BYD's lithium-iron-phosphate Blade Battery and the single electric motor that powers the front wheels, a unit producing 200 kilowatts of power and 243 lb-ft of torque, comes from a BYD subsidiary.

When it comes to the numbers that matter for electric cars, the Toyota bZ5 offers two choices. Buyers can opt for a 65.28 kWh battery pack, which delivers a claimed driving range of 342 miles based on China's CLTC testing cycle. A larger 73.984 kWh battery is also available, pushing the range to 391 miles. When it's time to plug in, the bZ5 supports 90 kW fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in a respectable 27 minutes. While not the fastest charging speed on the market, it's a practical figure for a vehicle in this price range.

The bZ5 adopts the brand's "hammerhead shark" design for its electric cars, featuring sharp, C-shaped headlights connected by a thin LED light bar. The side profile is defined by a sloping, coupe-like roofline, hidden door handles, and large 21-inch wheels that give it a sporty stance. The new SUV measures 188.2 inches long, 73.5 inches wide, and 59.4 inches tall, with a generous 113.4 inches wheelbase. These dimensions make it larger than its sibling, the Toyota bZ4X, promising plenty of interior space for passengers.

Inside, the bZ5 embraces the minimalist, screen-focused design popular in modern EVs. The dashboard is dominated by a large, 15.6-inch floating touchscreen for infotainment, paired with a fully digital screen for the driver's instruments. A sleek electronic rotary dial replaces the traditional gear shifter.

The cabin is loaded with technology, including gesture controls, advanced voice interaction, and a powerful driver-assistance system called Toyota Pilot. This system uses up to 33 sensors - including a LiDAR unit on top trims - to enable advanced features like navigating city streets on autopilot. For comfort, Toyota has included a massive 1.44 sqm panoramic glass roof, a 10-speaker JBL sound system, and even a "one-touch lie-flat" function for the front seats, complete with "Nap Modes" for a quick rest.

Toyota isn't launching the bZ5 into an empty market. It faces a brutal battle in the mid-size electric SUV segment. To give the bZ5 an early advantage, Toyota is offering initial buyers a package of perks, including a generous trade-in subsidy and a choice between a free sports body kit or complimentary maintenance. The message is clear: Toyota knows it's a bit late to the party, but it has brought a competitively priced, well-equipped electric car and is ready to make up for lost time.

Via