Production-Ready Toyota bZ3C EV Crossover Leaks, Features Prius-like Styling

Emerging on the Chinese internet this week are leaked images of the new Toyota bZ3C EV crossover, and it notably rocks updated styling heavily inspired by the Prius hybrid.

As the world’s first market to see its monthly electric vehicle (EV) sales surpass the 1 million units mark, it’s no surprise that China is set to see a sleuth of new all-electric offerings enter its market to sate such high demands.

Even Japanese powerhouse Toyota wants a slice of that pie despite preaching a ‘multi-pathway’ ethos towards decarbonising and zero-emissions. Leaked through documents filed with the China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) this week is the Toyota bZ3C EV crossover.

You may remember seeing  this model shown in in pre-production concept form during Auto China 2024 earlier this year. These latest images surfacing on the Chinese internet notably show Toyota giving said model’s production version styling that’s more akin to the brand’s latest fifth-gen Prius hybrid.

The leaked documents and images show lots of exterior and some mechanical details, though no images of the cabin have surfaced.

Documents filed by Toyota and its Chinese partners FAW indicate that the bZ3C sits some 4,780 MM long with a 2,880 MM wheelbase, 1,866 MM wide, and 1,510 MM tall. It also reportedly tips the scale a rather hefty 1,920 KG. Both its dimensions and heft are typical in the context of EVs made for China.

Back to its styling and, evidently, hints of the latest-gen Prius can be seen in exterior touches like the claw-shaped LED headlights connected by a slim lightbar up front. Apart from which, this production-bound version also ditches the concept’s blacked-out air vents in its front quarter panels.

Beyond which, it appears little else has changed as the production model continues to feature a split roof spoiler element, LED taillights connected by a full-width lightbar running across the tailgate, as well as flushed door handles seen in the initial concept mentioned.

Original Toyota bZ3C concept shown during Auto China 2024 earlier this year. Underneath, Toyota have sourced the model's battery pack from BYD, which promises between 500 and 600 KM of CLTC-rated range.

Underneath its pretty skin, it’s worth noting that the Toyota bZ3C sees its 268 HP e-motor juiced by an LFP-type battery pack that's sourced from Chinese NEV-making giants BYD. Its exact capacity remains undisclosed, but documents filed suggests it boasts between 500 to 600 KM of CLTC-rated range.

That aside, customers in China will be able to opt between 18-inch and 21-inch wheel options. Optional too is a LiDAR system that can be fitted atop of the front windscreen. Beyond which, the documents were just short of revealing this China-only model’s interior and cabin.

The original concept's cabin called for a spacious yet minimalist cabin design featuring a floating centre console, digital dash display, massive central infotainment touchscreen, and cabin ambient lighting.

For the latter, it’s worth noting that the concept shown earlier this year saw the bZ3C’s innards sport a digital instrument panel, massive central infotainment touchscreen, floating centre console, and the presence of cabin ambient lighting – all typical traits of EVs built for the Chinese market.

Toyota is set to see production of the bZ3C commence by the fourth quarter (Q4) of this year at its joint-venture facility established with partners FAW. Evidently, the bZ3C will enter the Chinese market to complement existing Toyota EV models like the bZ4X crossover and bZ3 sedan.