Toyota’s new flagship EV for China should be sold everywhere

Toyota launched its new flagship electric sedan in China with pre-orders starting at under $30,000. The bZ7 is Toyota’s most advanced vehicle yet, offering far more tech and features than those sold in the US, Europe, and every other global market.

Toyota’s flagship EV launches in China for under $30,000

How come China gets all the cool new cars? Toyota’s joint venture, GAC-Toyota, launched the bZ7, its new fully electric flagship model, at the Guangzhou International Motor Show in China on Friday.

Toyota said the new EV “generated significant interest at the auto show,” with its debut showcasing some of its most advanced technology and features to date.

The bZ7 is the only model in its segment to feature a dual-chamber air suspension, a HarmonyOS-powered digital cockpit, and a LiDAR-based advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

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According to the automaker, its new flagship electric sedan “possesses a higher level of intelligence than any of Toyota’s offerings in global markets.”

Of course, Toyota didn’t develop the tech on its own. It leaned heavily on Chinese tech giants, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, for help.

The bZ7 is GAC Toyota’s first vehicle to feature Huawei’s HarmonyOS intelligent driving system, which acts as a central hub, managing everything from the entertainment system to the navigation and climate control.

Toyota’s new EV is equipped with Momenta’s latest ADAS system, Momenta 6.0. The system uses a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor to support nearly 50 new features, including Navigation on Autopilot in cities and highways.

The bZ7 is also Toyota’s first vehicle to feature Xiaomi’s “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem. The smart ecosystem integrates with HarmonyOS, enabling drivers to control smart home appliances directly from the vehicle’s infotainment system or a smartphone.

Measuring 5,130 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,020 mm, the bZ7 is about the size of a Tesla Model S or BYD Han L.

Toyota’s flagship EV is powered by an LFP battery from CALB, but range and battery capacity have yet to be released. It will also feature a 207 kW (277 HP) electric motor from Huawei.

GAC-Toyota didn’t reveal specific pre-sale prices but claimed the bZ7 will be “a top choice among 200,000 RMB [$28,000] luxury pure electric sedans.” The company said its new EV is “poised for a strong start, aiming to achieve one million units in production and sales.”

What do you think of Toyota’s new flagship EV for China? If only we could get one of these in the US or Europe… We’ll keep dreaming. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.