Toyota has released a surprising all-electric SUV in China, priced lower than BYD

[PCauto] Toyota bZ3X debuts in the Chinese market with prices ranging from RMB 109,800 to 159,800, roughly equivalent to RM67,100–97,600. As a C-Segment SUV, Toyota bZ3X features a wheelbase of 2765 mm and overall dimensions of 4600 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and 1645 mm in height, comparable to models such as BYD Song Plus, GWM HAVAL H6, and iCar 03, while its pricing is competitive, if not lower, than these rivals.

Historically, Toyota vehicles in Southeast Asian markets have commanded a premium over local brands. However, this time around, Toyota bZ3X not only launches in China at a more attractive price point, but also offers select variants equipped with LiDAR as part of its advanced ADAS hardware package.

• bZ3X 430 Air, RMB 109,800, equivalent to RM65,000
• bZ3X 430 Air+, RMB 119,800, equivalent to RM71,000
• bZ3X 520 Pro, RMB 129,800, equivalent to RM77,000
• bZ3X 520 Pro+, RMB 139,800, equivalent to RM83,000
• bZ3X 520 Pro (with LiDAR), RMB 149,800, equivalent to RM89,000
• bZ3X 520 Pro+ (with LiDAR), RMB 159,800, equivalent to RM95,000
• bZ3X 610 MAX, RMB 159,800, equivalent to RM95,000

bZ3X is equipped with the Momenta 5.0 driving assistance system (ADAS), powered by the NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin X chip and supported by 27 sensors, including 1 critical LiDAR, 11 high-definition cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 3 millimeter-wave radars. Such robust suite of hardware enables bZ3X to deliver more than 25 ADAS functions without relying on detailed maps, offering capabilities such as speed limit assistance, traffic light recognition, remote parking, and blind spot monitoring.

In the realm of smart driving, when compared to BYD SONG PLUS EV, the combination of bZ3X’s LiDAR and the high-powered NVIDIA Orin X chip, capable of up to 256 TOPS, enhances its capacity to interpret complex road scenarios, which allows for earlier and more accurate obstacle and traffic signal recognition, ultimately providing drivers with reliable safety and support. While XPENG G6 shines in the intelligent cockpit space, bZ3X’s comprehensive smart driving hardware, which features a 126-line LiDAR and others, pushes its environmental perception to a higher level in terms of both precision and scope, delivering a more stable and intelligent assisted driving experience. Moreover, when pitted against AION V, bZ3X’s smart driving system, with its finely tuned integration of algorithms and hardware, responds more swiftly and appropriately to unexpected situations, ensuring a reassuring ride.

Toyota bZ3X offers a variety of powertrain options with commendable performance, featuring two electric motor choices with maximum outputs of 150 kW and 165 kW respectively. It is available with three lithium iron phosphate battery capacities—50.03 kWh, 58 kWh, and 67.9 kWh—delivering CLTC range estimates of 430 km, 520 km, and 610 km. Compared to BYD SONG PLUS EV, which provides a similar range, bZ3X holds its own and even surpasses its competitors under certain conditions within the same price bracket as XPENG G6 and AION V. Additionally, fast charging can boost the battery level from 30% to 80% in just 24 minutes, while a full charge via slow charging takes approximately 10 hours.

On the exterior, bZ3X adopts a "pure electric aesthetics" design language, featuring split-style headlights paired with an elongated and diamond-like light strip composed of 112 LEDs. The design element creates distinctive lighting interactions at startup, shutdown, charging, and positioning, exuding a futuristic vibe. Hidden door handles, a 1.14 m² panoramic sunroof, blacked-out side mirrors, skirts, and wheel arches further enhance the vehicle’s stylish and dynamic presence.

Inside, bZ3X is outfitted with a dual-spoke multifunction steering wheel, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch floating central control screen supported by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, which offers excellent voice recognition capabilities. The rear cabin is designed with air-conditioning vents and foldable armrests, while additional features such as wireless phone charging, 32-color ambient lighting, 7 SRS airbags, and an 11-speaker Yamaha sound system cultivate an environment that is both comfortable and upscale.

With its affordable pricing, cutting-edge smart driving configuration, and impressive range, Toyota bZ3X demonstrates formidable competitiveness in China’s new energy vehicle market. The variant priced around RMB 150,000 with LiDAR particularly stands out, offering superior endurance and smart driving capabilities compared to many of its popular counterparts. Should bZ3X prove successful in China, it is poised to expand further into Southeast Asian markets.