Toyota has sent shivers through the competitive landscape in China with its debut all-electric SUV—the bZ5. Set to start just around $18,000, the bZ5 will costs less than half of a Tesla Model Y. Currently it is only available in China, but the bZ5's competitive pricing and clean look are turning heads globally, including in the U.S.
Let’s cut to the chase—here’s why this EV is important, what it offers, and what that could mean for buyers outside of China.
Looks New Without Shouting “Budget EV”
Out of the gate, the Toyota bZ5 wasn't screaming "cheap." The Toyota features an aggressive "hammerhead" frontend design and a clean look with a sculpted side. The fastback-style roofline gives it a modern crossover look, almost like a toned-down concept version of an actual car.
Riding on 21-inch wheels and outfitted with flush door handles and sharp LED lighting, the treatment continues inside. You get a premium "feel" setup thanks to a floating center console, a wide 15.6-inch touchscreen display, and a panoramic sunroof. It may cost well below mainstream EV pricing, but the bZ5 looks like it belongs a class above.
Toyota x BYD = The Perfect Partnership
Underneath that handsome facade is a collaboration that could flip the EV space on its head. To bring the bZ5 to life, Toyota teamed up with BYD—China’s leading force in EV battery tech. At the heart of the bZ5 are BYD’s dependable Blade LFP batteries, known for their durability and safety. This car can be configured in two versions:
- 65.28 kWh pack: Claimed 550 km range (CLTC)
- 73.98 kWh pack: Extended 630 km range (CLTC)
You can expect real world range to be somewhat lower than these highly optimistic but still competitive CLTC figures. Charging is decent too - the bZ5 can fast charge up to 90 kW, getting from 30% - 80% charge in under 30 minutes. That is way more than most are doing (or should do), daily driving.
Performance That Feels About Right
You are not going to win any track events here, but for daily driving, the bZ5 feels quick. The single 200 kW (268 hp) power unit drives the front wheels. It also boasts 330 Nm of torque which allows for decent city and highway speed acceleration.
The handling should feel composed and balanced, and with regenerative braking, the bZ5 should feel superior to the other entry-level cars that most consumers are used to.
Tech-Focused, But Easy to Use
Toyota has provided the bZ5 with a nice clean driver's area, with a full-width display set up for the driver. The 15.6-inch infotainment screen uses the latest software with voice commands, wireless updates, and a ton of connected features.
In addition to this, the bZ5 has the Toyota Pilot semi-autonomous driving tech developed in China and enhanced by Momenta. Higher trims are equipped with 33 sensors (including LiDAR) giving the vehicle a real-time awareness of the surrounding road environment, more capable highway driving, and emergency support.
Will it be coming to the U.S.?
Toyota now says the bZ5 will be China-only. The bZ5 is manufactured there by FAW-Toyota and is being specifically designed to target the massive and fast-growing EV market in China, domestic only. The growing interest for affordable electric crossovers in the U.S. may influence Toyota's global strategy with this launch.
If the bZ5 pricing and specifications are the same as global models, it could influence competitors Ford, Tesla, and Hyundai to rethink their pricing and specifications.
Toyota bZ5 Key Specifications
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Conclusion
The Toyota bZ5 may only be available in China for now, but it delivers a global message: EVs can be stylish, practical, and truly affordable. With features that could be found on vehicles two or three times its price, and a price tag under $20K, it shows what is possible when legacy manufacturers combine with local innovators. If Toyota brings anything like the bZ5 to the U.S., it will surely change expectations for affordable EVs - and give American buyers a lot more to be excited about.
