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The bZ7, Toyota’s new flagship EV in China, may be its most advanced vehicle yet. After launching for under $22,000, the luxury electric sedan secured 3,100 orders within its first hour.
The bZ7 launches as Toyota’s new flagship luxury EV
Toyota’s joint venture, GAC-Toyota, launched the bZ7 in China over the weekend, starting at 147,800 yuan ($21,500), including limited-time incentives.
The flagship EV is available in five variants with prices ranging up to 199,800 yuan ($29,000). According to GAC-Toyota’s vice president of sales, Peng Baolin, the bZ7 got off to a strong start, securing 3,100 orders in its first hour of launch.
After unveiling the bZ7 at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November, Toyota said the flagship EV “possesses a higher level of intelligence than any of Toyota’s offerings in global markets.”
Like many global automakers, Toyota is sourcing advanced software, tech, and vehicle components from local suppliers to gain an edge in China.
Toyota partnered with China’s “car industry bigwigs,” including Xiaomi, Huawei, and Momenta, to stay competitive with BYD and other leading automakers.
The bZ7 features Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 intelligent driving system and Xiaomi’s “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem. Together, drivers can manage everything directly on the vehicle’s infotainment, including smart home appliances.
It’s also equipped with Momenta’s R6 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes a roof-mounted LiDAR to support nearly 50 safety and convenience features, such as Navigation on Autopilot in cities and highways.
Inside, you wouldn’t know it was a Toyota if you were sitting in it. The luxury EV boasts zero-gravity front seats with heating, cooling, and massage capabilities. There’s even a built-in refrigerator.
A 15.6″ floating touchscreen infotainment sits at the center with a smaller 8.8″ cluster display in front of the driver. It also includes a 27″ Head-Up Display (HUD). Toyota said the dual-chamber air suspension and chassis provide a smooth, quiet drive.
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 the Tesla Model S or BYD Han L.
Buyers can choose from two CALB-supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs: 71 kWh and 88 kWh, providing a CLTC range of 600 km (372 miles) and 700 km (435 miles), respectively.
With 3C fast charging, the electric sedan can add 300 km (186 miles) of range in 10 minutes, according to GAC-Toyota.
Toyota is also offering a battery warranty. If the new bZ7’s battery degrades by more than 10% within 2 years of purchase or 50,000 km (31,000 miles), GAC-Toyota will replace it for free.
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