Toyota bZ5 coupe SUV launches as relatively affordable EV
The Toyota bZ5 all-electric SUV has been launched in China. It is a joint venture between Toyota and FAW Toyota and sits between the brand’s older bZ3X and bZ4X models.
The bZ5 coupe crossover is built on the Toyota e-TNGA platform, with a single 200W peak power motor at the front. This is said to enable the EV to accelerate from 0 to 50 kph (~30 mph) in 3.4 seconds. There are four trim levels on offer: the Joy, the Pro, the Pro Smart Edition and the Pro (long range). The two battery options, both from BYD, have 65.28 kWh and 73.98 kWh capacities. The former is said to offer up to 550 km (~342 miles) range, while the latter is marketed as providing up to 630 km (~391 miles) range. According to Toyota, both Blade batteries can be charged from 30% to 80% in under half an hour.
Toyota’s new Bz5 is 4,780 mm long, 1,866 mm wide and 1,510 tall, with a 2,880 mm wheelbase. It is equipped with the brand’s Momenta 5.0 intelligent driving technology with the Pilot ADAS system. As such, there are features like assisted driving and parking assistance. Plus, the more expensive trims also have a LiDAR sensor.
In China, the Toyota bZ5 starts from CNY 129,800 (~$18,060). It is a relatively affordable model in this market, about half the price of a Tesla Model Y. The model is said to be exclusive to China for the foreseeable future, unlike the bZ4X.
