Toyota opens orders for 13,000 euro electric SUV in China

Toyota’s GAC joint venture has officially opened orders in China for its highly anticipated “new force pure electric SUV,” the bZ3X. While Toyota is slowing down on its global EV plans, the bZ3X plays a pivotal role in the company’s success in the Chinese marketplace—and it might end up in Europe.

Toyota has unveiled the bZ3X at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024. It’s a battery-electric compact crossover developed in collaboration with GAC Group and is part of Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” (bZ) series, which is currently represented by the bZ4X in Europe.

Measuring 4,600 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm, the bZ3X offers for its money a spacious interior designed to prioritize passenger comfort. Toyota claims it provides the largest rear space in its class – a quintessential trait for Chinese customers – featuring a panoramic glass roof to enhance the cabin’s airy feel.

Lidar-based driving assistance

Under the hood, the bZ3X has a front-mounted electric motor producing 150 kW (201 hp). It offers three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options from BYD subsidiary FinDreams: 50 kWh, 58 kWh, and 67 kWh. According to the optimistic Chinese cycle (CLTC), these batteries deliver a range between 430 and 620 km.

As the car combines this cheaper battery chemistry with local production, Toyota can keep pricing competitive, with a fork between 100,000 to 200,000 yuan (13,000 to 26,000 euros). Even more remarkable is the adoption of relatively expensive lidar-based driver assistance systems, usually only found on luxurious SUVs.

Deliveries are expected for March 2025. While currently exclusive to the Chinese market, Toyota is considering introducing the bZ3X to European markets. However, its commitment to expanding its global electric vehicle offerings is under continuous evaluation, and the geopolitical tension over trade tariffs might soften the international ambitions of its latest BEV.

Delays in the EV strategy

Toyota’s global EV strategy has seen some recent shifts, notably with the delay of its high-range Lexus EVs. The production of Toyota’s next-gen EVs, initially slated for 2026, has been pushed to mid-2027. This delay is attributed to Toyota’s efforts to introduce gigacasting technology to reduce costs and accelerate manufacturing.

Also, the rollout has been pushed back in the US, where Toyota has eyes on larger BEVs. Initially scheduled for 2025, its three-row electric SUV is expected to start assembly in 2026. Toyota’s annual EV production target has been revised from 1.5 million to 1 million units.

The bZ3X, however, is on track for its launch, as demand for mid-range electric SUVs in the Chinese market remains strong. The introduction places Toyota in direct competition with several other electric SUVs in China. It enters a crowded field that includes models from Geely, NIO, and BYD, but its pricing undercuts many of these while it offers a comprehensive list of standard features.