Toyota has used the Beijing motor show to unveil its latest pair of electric vehicles (EVs), but they may never be sold outside China.
The Toyota bZ3X SUV and bZ3C crossovers are exclusive to the Chinese market for now, where they have been jointly developed by the brand’s local division along with Chinese partners FAW and GAC.
They will join the China-only bZ3 electric sedan in Toyota’s lineup there, while the bZ4X SUV serves as its only global EV at present, with Australian deliveries starting in recent weeks.
bZ3X
Toyota has yet to release dimensions for these models, though their names would suggest they’re smaller than the existing bZ4X.
The Toyota bZ3X is more upright than any of the brand’s existing EVs, with a squared-off exterior shape separating it from the current lineup – though it retains the front end design seen on other bZ models.
At the rear its full-width tail lights are reminiscent of Lexus models, and the angular lines continue with its rear bumper signature.
Inside, the bZ3X features a relatively contemporary cabin, with a large touchscreen, a thin digital instrument cluster, a semi-floating centre console and wide but flat dashboard.
The bZ3C has more of a sleek, coupe-esque exterior design, similar to the Citroen C5 X and Peugeot 408 – or even the new-generation Toyota Prius.
Toyota has differentiated the bZ3C’s cabin by fitting a touchscreen with more of a floating look, as well as a more conventional centre console with controls on top and an instrument cluster positioned closer to the windscreen.
There are no details about what powers the pair, though Toyota previously collaborated with Chinese EV giant BYD for batteries in the bZ3 sedan.
The carmaker says “models are equipped with the latest driver-assistance systems and smart cockpits, delivering safe, comfortable driving alongside new experience value”.
In Australia, Toyota is yet to announce which EVs it will introduce outside of the already-on-sale bZ4X. It has previously said it aims to have three battery-only models on sale by 2026.
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