Toyota is preparing to introduce its bZ7 electric sedan in China, with development led by its local team, as the automaker accelerates its presence in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market.
GAC Toyota, the company’s joint venture with GAC Group, this week released official images of the bZ7, underlining the mid-to-large sedan’s imminent launch. The model also appeared in a regulatory filing, listing its dimensions at 5,130 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width and 1,500 mm in height, with a 3,020 mm wheelbase.
The bZ7 will be powered by a motor supplied by Huawei, producing up to 207 kW (278 horsepower). It has a curb weight of 2,105 kg and a top speed of 180 km/h. The sedan will also adopt smart technologies developed locally, including Huawei’s HarmonySpace cockpit and Xiaomi’s connected ecosystem.
The launch follows Toyota’s growing momentum in China’s EV market. In March, GAC Toyota introduced the bZ3X SUV with a starting price of RMB 109,800 ($15,430). The model secured more than 10,000 orders within its first hour and has seen four consecutive months of delivery growth. Deliveries reached 7,324 units in August, setting a monthly record, with more than 8,800 additional orders awaiting fulfillment.
Toyota has shifted more decision-making to its Chinese unit as part of its localization strategy. Responsibility for new model development, facelifts and generational updates is increasingly handled in China, reflecting the need for independent local research and development in a rapidly changing market.
