Toyota’s new electric SUV is about the size of a Tesla Model Y, but half the cost. The bZ5 officially launched in China on Tuesday, starting at around $18,000. Can it keep pace with BYD, Tesla, and others in China?
Toyota’s new bZ5 EV lands in China for $18,000
We knew it was coming soon. Toyota’s joint venture partner in China, FAW Toyota, announced last week that it was planning to officially launch the bZ5 on June 10.
The bZ5 is available in four trims: Joy, Pro, Pro Smart Edition, and an extended range Pro model. It’s offered with two BYD Blade battery options: 65.28 kWh and 73.98 kWh.
Powered by the standard battery, the Joy, Pro, and Pro Smart Edition models are rated for a CLTC range of 550 km (342 miles). Upgrading to the Pro trim with the larger battery provides a range of 630 km (391 miles). All trims can be recharged from 30% to 80% in approximately 27 minutes.
The base model starts at 129,800 yuan ($18,000) while prices range up to 159,800 yuan ($22,000) for the Pro Smart Edition and extended range variants.
With a unique style, including Toyota’s new hammerhead front-end design, a full-length light bar, and a crossover fastback-like silhouette, the bZ5 is a sleek, sporty-looking EV.
The bZ5 is 4,780 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width, and 1,510 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y measures 4,797 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,624 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm.
In China, however, Toyota’s new EV is about half the cost. The base Tesla Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan ($36,700) in China, more than double the price of the bZ5, but offers a CLTC range of 593 km (368 miles).
Although the interior is relatively minimalistic, it’s packed with advanced tech and safety features. A 15.6″ infotainment sits at the center with a smaller driver display cluster.
Powered by Momenta 5.0 smart driving tech, the bZ5 is equipped with a new Toyota Pilot ADAS system. The system utilizes 33 sensors, which enable over 30 ADAS features, including assisted highway and city driving, as well as parking assistance. Higher trims include an added LiDAR sensor.
The bZ5 will sit between the bZ3X and bZ4X as Toyota expands its EV lineup in China. It follows the bZ3X, which launched in March starting at just 109,800 yuan ($15,000).
Source: CarNewsChina, FAW Toyota
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