Toyota bZ3 electric sedan revealed
All-new four-door emerges in China with BYD battery pack and slippery body that enables 600km rangeToyota has unveiled its all-new 2023 Toyota bZ3 sedan it has co-developed with Chinese partners BYD and FAW Toyota.
It’s the second battery-electric bZ model after the Toyota bZ4X SUV, which is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2023.
At this stage, there’s no official word if the new Volkswagen Passat-sized bZ3 sedan will be sold outside China.
Toyota says the bZ3 has a snout inspired by a hammerhead shark and that the slippery styling contributes to an ultra-low 0.218Cd drag coefficient.
Measuring in at 4725mm long, 1835mm wide and standing 1475mm tall, the sedan is 40mm shorter, 3mm wider and 3mm taller than a Passat.
Beneath the skin the bZ3 gains all-new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries sourced from BYD.
Toyota claims the batteries are safer and more reliable than a conventional lithium-ion battery pack and will still provide 90 per cent of its original capacity 10 years down the line.
The manufacturer claims the bZ3 can cover more than 600km between recharges, based on the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle rather than the stricter European WLTP test regime.
Based on the same e-TNGA architecture as the bZ4X, Toyota says its latest zero-emissions sedan features a low centre of gravity that provides for better handling.
The company has yet to reveal what powers the bZ3, but earlier reports suggest a single-motor powertrain will be offered in two states of tune – 133kW and 178kW.
Both have a top speed limited to 160km/h.
Initially, Toyota will produce the bZ3 for Chinese buyers but overseas reports suggest Toyota is pushing ahead with plans to offer the all-electric sedan in Europe in 2024.
If so, right-hand drive is likely to be part of the bZ3 plan for Toyota to sell in markets like the UK, which could see it fast-tracked for Australia following the brand’s declaration it is targeting “EV leadership”.
With both the bZ4X and bZ3 sedan introduced, a further four more electric cars riding on the e-TNGA platform are all said to be in the pipeline, including a compact car, mid-size sedan, people-mover, mid-size SUV and a flagship large SUV.
Related: Toyota Australia targeting EV leadership
Related: Toyota bZ4X driving range revealed
Related: SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: Toyota bZ4X breaks cover
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