Toyota has launched the bZ3X, its most affordable battery electric vehicle (BEV) to date, in China. The bZ3X is Toyota’s first pure electric SUV priced within the RMB 100,000 range.
GAC Toyota, a joint venture between Toyota and GAC Group, unveiled the bZ3X with a starting price of RMB 109,800 (approximately $15,150). The model is available in seven variants: five without LiDAR, priced at RMB 109,800, RMB 119,800, RMB 129,800, RMB 139,800, and RMB 159,800; and two with LiDAR, starting at RMB 149,800 and RMB 159,800. Limited-time purchase entitlements reduce these starting prices by RMB 5,000.
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The bZ3X measures 4,600 mm in length, 1,850 mm or 1,875 mm in width, 1,600 mm or 1,645 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. The interior features a 14.6-inch horizontal center screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
Two variants equipped with LiDAR utilize the Momenta 5.0 smart driving system, incorporating an Nvidia Orin X chip with 254 TOPS of computing power. This system enables full-scenario Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) functionality without relying on high-definition maps.
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The bZ3X comes standard with a single electric motor offering maximum power options of 150 kW or 165 kW. It provides CLTC range options of 430 km, 520 km, and 610 km.
GAC Toyota reported that the bZ3X received over 10,000 orders within the first hour of its launch, leading to a temporary crash of their web server due to high traffic.
This release marks Toyota’s effort to address the rapid electrification transition in China, where Japanese automakers have previously lagged.
In January, new energy vehicle (NEV) retail penetration in China stood at 41.5%, with local brands at 60.6%, luxury brands at 20%, and mainstream joint venture brands at 3%.
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