
Developed by GAC Toyota's joint venture in China, the model is designed to compete with market leaders and, according to the company, marks a new phase in the Japanese auto giant's electric vehicle strategy.
The new sedan measures 5,130 mm in length, slightly longer than the Tesla Model S and BYD Han L. From the front, the car resembles the new Camry and Crown models.
The bZ7 is arguably Toyota's most technologically advanced electric vehicle. It is the brand's first model to feature Xiaomi's "People x Car x Home" smart ecosystem, allowing users to control their smart home system directly through the vehicle's multimedia screen or smartphone. A roof-mounted lidar sensor will be integrated into the brand's latest Momenta 6.0 Intelligent Driving System.
Technical specifications are also based on collaboration with Chinese companies: the electric vehicle will utilize Huawei motors and the Hongmeng operating system. The base model will have 282 horsepower and a top speed of 180 km/h.
Preliminary information indicates that the electric vehicle will start at $28,000.