The Toyota bZ3C, a midsize SUV, is set to launch in early 2025 with an impressive range of up to 630 kilometers. This electric vehicle, developed by FAW Toyota, is touted as the company's most intelligent car yet, featuring advanced intelligent driving capabilities and a cutting-edge intelligent cockpit.
First showcased at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, the bZ3C shares similarities with the bZ Sport Crossover Concept unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2022. This five-seater SUV boasts dimensions of 4780mm in length, 1866mm in width, and 1510mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2880mm.
The bZ3C offers a variety of eight exterior looks, thanks to five different exterior color options and three two-tone versions. The interior can also be customized with red, black, or white upholstery and inserts, while the dashboard and steering wheel remain black.
A dominant feature of the dashboard is a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, capable of supporting over 200 third-party apps. The vehicle is equipped with a first-of-its-kind driver and occupant monitoring system, utilizing AI face recognition, in-car video calls, child reminders, and gesture and voice control. The steering wheel is adorned with numerous buttons, and the absence of a head-up display is evident from the instrument panel's position near the windshield.
The bZ3C offers versatile seating arrangements, with the front seats fully reclining to create a spacious "snooze space" when combined with the second row. While the trunk capacity of 463 liters might be considered modest, it's claimed to be sufficient for four 24-inch suitcases. A Lidar unit mounted on the windshield suggests advanced smart driving capabilities, including urban smart driving, high-speed driving, and parking functions, enabled by an end-to-end large model.
Powering the bZ3C is a 200 kW electric motor, paired with a lithium-ion phosphate blade battery from BYD subsidiary FinDreams. Two versions will be available, offering ranges of 550 km and 630 km, respectively, as measured by the CLTC testing system.
The bZ3C represents a significant step for FAW Toyota, a joint venture struggling to maintain relevance in the Chinese market. With its competitive features and distinctive design, this electric SUV has the potential to revitalize the company and attract a new generation of customers.