Toyota bZ3C leaked as new Prius-like electric SUV in China

A new electric crossover SUV from Toyota is coming soon to the world's largest electric vehicle market. The Toyota bZ3C leaked in China on Friday and looks familiar. The new electric crossover SUV was developed in collaboration with China's leading electric vehicle maker BYD.

Toyota bZ3C leaked: New electric SUV presented in China

Toyota unveiled the bZ3C concept at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show in April. The electric crossover was presented alongside the bZ3X, a larger SUV aimed at families.

The bZ3X was built by BYD Toyota EV Technology, a joint venture formed in 2020 to develop electric vehicles and batteries. Others, including FAW Toyota, were involved in the process.

Toyota said the bZ3C was designed around a “reboot” concept that includes fun features to appeal to younger Generation Z buyers.

In comparison, the bZ3X SUV is intended to offer a “cozy home” as a family vehicle. Both models are designed specifically for the Chinese market.

We get a closer look at the smaller crossover after China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released documents on Friday.

The documents show the purely electric drive with an LFP battery from BYD's Wuwei Fudi Battery Co. The 268 hp (200 kW) electric drive also comes from BYD.

Toyota offers optional 21-inch or 18-inch wheels, a black rear spoiler and a laser radar on the windshield.

At 4,780 mm long, 1,866 mm wide and 1,510 mm high, Toyota's new electric crossover is about the same size as Tesla's Model Y (4,750 mm long x 1,921 mm wide x 1,624 mm high).

It will be Toyota's third electric vehicle to be launched in China, following the bZ4X and bZ3. Toyota is expected to launch the new bZ4C later this year, with production set to begin at FAW-Toyota's Tianjin plant in late 2024. Although not announced, AutoNewsChina The new electric vehicle is expected to have a CLTC range of around 500 to 600 km.

What do you think of Toyota's electric crossover? Would you buy one in the US, Canada, Europe, or other markets outside of China? Drop us a comment below to let us know what you think.