Toyota’s bZ3X Kicks Off Electric SUV Revolution in China with $15,000 Price Tag

Toyota has officially launched its most economical electric vehicle, the bZ3X, in China at a starting price of approximately $15,000 (109,800 yuan).

The launch has proven to be extraordinarily successful, with the company reporting over 10,000 orders within just the first hour of availability, causing their online ordering system to crash due to overwhelming demand.

The bZ3X marks Toyota’s entry into the entry-level electric SUV market, aiming to compete directly with low-cost leaders such as BYD. This new offering is part of Toyota’s strategy to capture a larger share of the world’s largest electric vehicle market.

The base model is affordably priced at 109,800 yuan

The vehicle features two versions—one equipped with full-scenario smart driving technology and another without. The “smart driving” variant starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500), while the base model is affordably priced at 109,800 yuan.

Range is another highlight of the bZ3X, with the top-tier “610 Max” trim offering up to 610 kilometers (379 miles) of range from a 67.92 kWh battery, while the entry-level “430 Air” provides a range of 430 kilometers (267 miles) using a smaller 50.03 kWh battery pack. The interior is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a spacious layout and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with integrated voice recognition technology.

Additionally, the bZ3X is equipped with the cutting-edge Momenta 5.0 Intelligent Driving System, boasting 25 advanced driver assistance features (ADAS), including remote parking and high-speed pilot capabilities. The vehicle is powered by an NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin X, enhancing its smart driving features that reportedly improve with usage.

This new SUV measures 4,600 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, making it competitive in size with BYD’s Yuan Plus model. With its attractive pricing and innovative features, the bZ3X is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive electric vehicle landscape.