Toyota is making a bold move in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market, China, with the launch of its most affordable EV yet: the Toyota Bz3x. This electric SUV is strategically positioned to challenge the dominance of BYD and other low-cost EV manufacturers. Unveiled recently, the bZ3X has already made waves, experiencing overwhelming demand that caused server crashes upon its launch.
Toyota bZ3X: Unpacking the Details of the New Electric SUV
The bZ3X, known as “Bozhi 3X” in Chinese, marks Toyota’s entry into the “100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV” category in China. This translates to roughly $15,000, making it Toyota’s cheapest EV offering to date. Launched on March 6th by Toyota’s Chinese joint venture, GAC-Toyota, the bZ3X immediately captured consumer attention. The company reported an astonishing surge in orders shortly after the price announcement, with over 10,000 orders placed within the first hour, leading to server overload. This impressive initial reception underscores the strong interest in affordable electric SUVs in China and Toyota’s potential to disrupt the market. Pre-orders for the bZ3X had already begun in December, hinting at the pent-up demand for a budget-friendly Toyota electric SUV.
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV launch in China
The Toyota bZ3X is offered in two main configurations to cater to different consumer needs and budgets: a standard model and a version equipped with advanced intelligent driving technology. The base model, without the full suite of smart driving features, starts at an attractive 109,800 yuan ($15,000) and comes in five different trim levels. For those seeking cutting-edge technology, the smart driving model starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500). The top-of-the-line “610 Max” trim, priced at 159,800 yuan ($22,000), boasts a long CLTC range of up to 610 km (379 miles) thanks to its 67.92 kWh LFP battery. The entry-level “430 Air” version provides a range of up to 430 km (267 miles) with a 50.03 kWh LFP battery pack, still impressive for its price point.
Toyota emphasizes the bZ3X’s interior design, describing it as a “mobile space that is comfortable as home.” The vehicle features front and rear seats that can be folded down to create a spacious cargo area of nearly 10 feet (3 meters), enhancing its practicality and versatility for everyday use and longer trips.
Toyota bZ3X interior comfort and space
Toyota bZ3X rear interior space
Inside the cabin, the bZ3X is equipped with modern technology, including a prominent 14.6-inch infotainment screen with voice recognition and an 8.8-inch driver display. The two-spoke multi-function steering wheel adds a touch of contemporary design to the interior.
Toyota bZ3x dashboard and infotainment system
Toyota bZ3X interior design
Toyota bZ3X interior features
A significant highlight of the Toyota bZ3X is its integration of the Momenta 5.0 Intelligent Driving System, marking a first for Toyota. This system, powered by NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin X, offers 25 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) features. These include functionalities like parallel parking, remote control parking, high-speed pilot assist, light traffic assist, and blind spot monitoring, enhancing both convenience and safety for drivers. GAC-Toyota claims to be among the first automakers globally to implement a “one-stage end-to-end intelligent driving model,” suggesting that the bZ3X’s AI system will learn and improve over time, offering increasingly sophisticated driving assistance.
Toyota bZ3X side profile
Toyota bZ3X exterior design
Toyota bZ3X vs. the Competition: Positioning in China’s EV Market
In terms of size, the Toyota bZ3X, measuring 4,600 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, is comparable to BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (known as Atto 3 in some markets). The BYD Yuan Plus is slightly smaller at 4,455 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall. Crucially, the starting price of the Toyota bZ3X at 109,800 yuan ($15,000) slightly undercuts the BYD Yuan Plus, which starts at 115,800 yuan ($16,000). This competitive pricing strategy signals Toyota’s intent to directly challenge BYD and capture a significant share of the affordable electric SUV segment in China.
Conclusion: Toyota bZ3X – A Game Changer in Affordable EVs?
The Toyota bZ3X represents a significant step for Toyota in the electric vehicle market, particularly in China. By offering a well-equipped electric SUV at a highly competitive price point, Toyota is poised to attract a wide range of consumers seeking affordable and reliable EV options. The initial surge in orders and server crashes upon launch indicate strong market interest and suggest that the Toyota bZ3X could be a game-changer in the affordable EV landscape. As Toyota continues to expand its bZ series, the bZ3X demonstrates the automaker’s commitment to electrification and its ambition to become a major player in the global EV revolution.
