Toyota launches bZ5 electric SUV coupe in China
Toyota has officially launched the bZ5, its third all-electric model under the ‘beyond Zero’ (bZ) subsidiary, in China. Priced between 129,800 and 159,800 yuan (equivalent to approximately €15,800 to €19,500), the new mid-size electric SUV coupe enters a competitive landscape dominated by the Tesla Model Y, Leapmotor C10, and Deepal S07. The vehicle is manufactured by the GAC Toyota joint venture and marks a deepening of Toyota’s cooperation with BYD, featuring the latter’s proven Blade Battery technology.
Built on the e-TNGA platform, the bZ5 will be offered in four trims: 550 Joy, 550 Pro, 550 Pro Smart Edition, and 630 Pro. The model is equipped with either a 65.28 kWh or a 73.984 kWh LFP Blade Battery pack, delivering CLTC ranges of 550 km and 630 km, respectively. All versions utilise the same front-mounted TZ200XS003 permanent magnet synchronous motor from Fudi Power (a BYD subsidiary), producing 200 kW of peak output and 330 Nm of torque. The bZ5 supports DC fast charging at up to 90 kW, enabling a 30% to 80% recharge in 27 minutes.
Toyota is positioning the bZ5 as a tech-forward and energy-efficient alternative to more established players in China’s fast-growing electric SUV market. Aesthetically, the design draws heavily from the Toyota Crossover EV Concept, characterised by its ‘hammerhead shark’ front-end design, full-width LED lighting, C-shaped headlamps, and coupe-style sloped roofline. The 4780 mm-long vehicle offers a longer wheelbase (2880 mm) and lower height (1510 mm) than the bZ4X, optimising aerodynamic performance and cabin space. Hidden door handles and 21-inch alloys complete the exterior.
Inside, the bZ5 adopts a minimalist architecture, highlighted by a 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Other key features include an electronic rotary shifter, 256-colour ambient lighting, and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. Toyota integrates a full suite of intelligent systems, including gesture and voice control, smartphone mirroring, and nine SRS airbags. A standout comfort feature is the fully reclinable front seat with four configurable ‘Nap Modes’, supported by a panoramic roof and acoustic glass.
The bZ5 also debuts the ‘Toyota Pilot’ system, an advanced driver assistance system based on Momenta 5.0, incorporating up to 33 sensors—including LiDAR in higher trims—and powered by a 544 TOPS chip. The system enables urban Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) capabilities and over 30 semi-autonomous driving functions.
To incentivise early adopters, Toyota is offering an eight-piece benefits package for orders placed in June. This includes a trade-in subsidy of 10,000 yuan (approx. €1,280), a 5,600 yuan (€715) sports kit option, or six complimentary maintenance sessions.
With pricing aggressively set well below many Western rivals, and BYD’s robust battery technology on board, the Toyota bZ5 underscores the company’s increasing localisation strategy in China’s EV sector. Whether it can carve out a significant market share against domestic incumbents remains to be seen, but the combination of tech, pricing, and brand recognition puts the bZ5 in a strong starting position.
The FAW Toyota bZ5 is the latest counterattack by a Japanese-Chinese joint venture manufacturer in China after the Nissan N7 (from Nissan Dongfeng). Both companies had lost a lot of ground there in recent years. Nissan is now also undercutting the price of the N7, offering the model in China from just 119,900 yuan (around 14,600 euros). Apparently with success: according to the CN EV Post portal, the model had already received over 17,000 firm orders within a month of its market launch.
Meanwhile, Toyota is already working on its next China launch: at Auto Shanghai in April, the Japanese manufacturer unveiled the bZ7, a purely electric sedan over five metres long, which was developed locally in cooperation with Toyota’s partner GAC.
0 Comments