Beijing Motor Show 2024: New Toyota BZ3X and BZ3C electric cars unveiled
Toyota's next two electric cars are SUVs for China, based on concepts shown 12 months ago. They are no certainty for Australian showrooms.
Toyota has unveiled two new electric cars at the Beijing motor show – the 2025 Toyota BZ3X and 2025 Toyota BZ3C – ahead of Chinese showroom arrivals within the next 12 months.
It is unclear if the BZ3X and BZ3C will be sold globally, as they have been designed for Chinese customers, and jointly developed with Toyota's joint-venture partners in China – FAW and GAC.
They are the first of 10 new electric Toyota and Lexus models due by 2026, joining the Toyota BZ4X SUV, and Lexus RZ and UX already on sale, as well as the China-only, BYD-powered Toyota BZ3 sedan.
The BZ3X is the production version of the BZ FlexSpace concept, while the BZ3C is based on the BZ Sport Crossover concept – both unveiled at the Shanghai motor show last year.
No technical details of the new models have been published, however, it is all but confirmed the BZ3C uses batteries supplied by Chinese car giant BYD.
The names of the models suggest they are smaller than the BZ4X in global Toyota showrooms, which is the size of a Toyota RAV4 – or Tesla Model Y.
The BZ3C is a sleek, coupe-styled SUV with large wheels, full-width front and rear lighting signatures, and a red interior fitted with a large tablet-style infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display on a piece of glass ahead of the driver, and the BZ4X's steering wheel.
In contrast, the BZ3X is a boxier vehicle with split-level LED headlights, a more conventional SUV look, and a white-upholstered interior with an even-larger touchscreen and slim digital instrument display.
The Japanese car giant says both models are fitted with "the latest" advanced safety technology, which the photos suggest could be powered by 'lidar' sensors, if the modules placed above the windscreen are a guide.
Toyota's media bulletin says the BZ3C was jointly developed with BYD, FAW – one of Toyota's Chinese joint-venture partners – and the 'Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center (IEM) by Toyota China'.
"Designed around the concept of a "Reboot," this dynamic, distinctively styled crossover [electric vehicle] focuses on features that create a fun personal space for younger Generation Z customers," Toyota says.
Meanwhile, Toyota said: "The BZ3X was jointly developed by Toyota, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd., GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., and IEM by Toyota.
"This family-oriented SUV-type [electric vehicle] offers a large interior space based on the concept of providing a mobile 'Cozy Home'."
Drive has contacted Toyota Australia for information on whether the BZ3X and BZ3C will be sold locally.
Toyota Australia announced plans last January to introduce three electric vehicles within three years – by 2026 – but 12 months on, it has only introduced one, the BZ4X.