Toyota bZ3X: Toyota’s Smartest EV Yet

Toyota introduced a third electric vehicle (EV), the bZ3X SUV, in China, and received an impressive 10,000 orders within the first hour of launch.

This order spike even caused the company’s server to crash. Early buyers are eligible for a RMB5,000 (RM3,000) discount as part of a limited-time promotion.

Though badged as a Toyota, the bZ3X is largely based on the GAC Aion V. It shares the same size, motors, and drivetrain but uses different battery technology. This 5-door, 5-seater has dimensions of 4,600 MM long with a 2,765 MM wheelbase, 1,850 MM wide, and 1,600 MM tall.

It is a single motor front-wheel-driven EV available with three LFP battery capacity options - 50.0 kWh  with 430 KM range, 58.4 kWh with 520 KM range, and 67.9 kWh with 610 KM range (all figures based on CLTC conditions).

The Toyota bZ3X was coined to challenge the perception that it only produces “dumb” cars which explains the presence of Toyota’s Robosense lidar and Momenta 5.0 ADAS in its top variants.

Momenta 5.0 provides Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) functionality. It does not require HD maps, making it a notable advancement in autonomous driving. Lower trims are equipped with Toyota Pilot driver-assistance technology.

Inside, the bZ3X features a Tesla-inspired, minimalistic design. A large 14.6-inch screen dominates the interior. However, it runs on an older Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, while most new EVs use the more powerful Snapdragon 8295.

Lidar-equipped trims include the Nvidia Orin X chip delivering 254 TOPS of computing power. This makes the bZ3X Toyota’s first joint-venture vehicle in China to feature lidar.

The bZ3X lineup offers multiple trims catering to different needs. The 430 Air trim has 430 KM of range, a 50 kWh battery, and a 150 kW motor. It lacks ADAS and lidar, priced at RMB109,800 (RM67,000). The 430 Air+ has the same specifications but includes T. Pilot ADAS at RMB119,800 (RM73,000).

The 520 Pro offers 520 KM of range with a 58.4 kWh battery and a 150 kW motor. It comes with T. Pilot ADAS for RMB129,800 (RM79,000). The 520 Pro+ has the same specifications but better trimming and features, raising its price to RMB139,800 (RM85,000).

The 520 Pro Smart variant has 520 KM of range, Momenta ADAS with lidar, and costs RMB149,800 (RM91,000). The 520 Pro+ Smart version retains these features but is priced at RMB159,800 (RM98,000).

The 610 Max trim has 610 KM of range, a 67.9 kWh battery and a 165 kW motor. It includes Momenta ADAS with optional lidar for RMB159,800 (RM98,000).

Each trim balances affordability, range, and autonomous driving features. bZ3X customers are given the option to spec their vehicle based on their preferences.

The bZ3X joins Toyota’s existing bZ series in China. The lineup includes the bZ4X SUV and the bZ3 sedan. While the bZ4X has stopped production in China, the bZ3 continues to perform well. In January, it sold 3,510 units, a 45% increase year-over-year.

With 65% of its parts sourced from Chinese suppliers and only 1% imported, Toyota is strengthening its foothold in the China EV market. Currently, the bZ3X is a China-exclusive model.

The success of this model in China could lead to its introduction in other global markets, much like the bZ4X. Hopefully, unlike the bZ4X - which has been teased multiple times but has yet to arrive in Malaysia - the bZ3X SUV will launch early to fill the EV gap left among Toyota purists.