Toyota BZ3 electric sedan debuts in China

Toyota bZ3 is an electric sedan and it is the second electric car in the “bZ” family after the bZ4X SUV. The car is based on the e-TNGA platform and it was jointly developed with Toyota, FAW Toyota and BYD with the latter providing the battery pack and the electric motor to power the bZ3.

At 4.7 meters long the new sedan joins the midsize segment and with its nearly 2.9 meters wheelbase it will compete with the likes of Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5. There are two power options - either 135kW or 180kW. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by a single electric motor likely making the stronger 240hp model proper fun to drive.

The BYD-provided Blade LFP battery packs are available in two sizes - either 49.92kWh or 65.28kWh with CLTC certified ranges of 517km and 616km, respectively. Toyota claims it used its “electrification expertise” to reduce battery degradation and promises that the bZ3 batteries will retain 90% capacity after 10 years.

The interior has been developed based on the Family Lounge concept and according to the company, it is supposed to provide space to enjoy time with family and friends. From the photos we can gather that it is clean and uncluttered with neutral colors and plenty of light thanks to large windows.

Toyota’s Digital Island system integrates the large central screen with a tray-like console, driver gets a dedicated digital cluster and the steering wheel is almost identical to the one in bZ4X. There is wireless charging for phones, voice control and pretty much every function of the car can be controlled from within this one location.

There is no official delivery time given yet, the car will be manufactured by FAW Toyota in China and it will be sold through its dealer network. Reuters reported last month the car will go into production before the end of this year with sales to follow shortly at a target price of $28,000, but that is yet to be officially confirmed or denied.

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