The Toyota bZ3 is officially launched as the second model in the brand’s new family of electric models. This four-door EV is the first to be launched for the Chinese market and comes from a collaboration between BYD and FAW Toyota.
The bZ3 retains the chiseled nose and upward-sweeping light signature from the bZ4X. Toyota describes it as being inspired by the Hammerhead Shark and a styling cue for all models in the BZ family. The sedan features a flowing roofline that contrasts with the massive rear fenders. The body drag coefficient is a sleek 0.218.
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Inside, the bZ3 has what Toyota calls a “Digital Island” infotainment layout. A tall, portrait-oriented infotainment display dominated the center stack. It handles the HVAC, stereo, and even the trunk release. A dial on the console controls the drive configuration. The driver sees a low-profile digital instrument cluster.
The BZ3 will be capable of a range of more than 373 miles (600 km) based on the China Light Duty Vehicle test cycle. BYD will supply the model’s lithium iron phosphate battery. The capacity of the pack is not yet available, but it reportedly retains 90 percent capacity after 10 years. Cooling, control, and safety monitoring systems are new elements for this EV.
Toyota’s announcement of the bZ3 does not specify the model’s powertrain specifications. According to Prior information from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of ChinaThere will be 178 horsepower (133 kW) and 238 hp (178 kW) options. Top speed is limited to 100 mph (160 km/h).
The table below shows the physical dimensions of the bZ3:
| length | 186 inches (4,725 mm) |
| Wheel base | 113.4 inches (2,880 mm) |
| width | 72.24 inches (1,835 mm) |
| Height | 58.07 inches (1,475 mm) |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
FAW Toyota will manufacture the bZ3 in China and sell the vehicle to its dealers there. Toyota will likely sell the electric sedan in Europe as early as 2024, according to a report in September. No information is yet available on availability in the United States.
Toyota is working on an entire family of BZ models. According to the plans of the company, at least six electric models riding on the e-TNGA platform are on the way. The initial strategy is to introduce a compact car, medium crossover, medium sedan, medium minivan, medium SUV, and large SUV.