The new Toyota bZ5 electric vehicle, a stylish crossover fastback, is stealing attention by competing with the Tesla Model Y at much less than half the price. Built using FAW-Toyota joint venture technology and BYD batteries, the bZ5 represents Toyota’s biggest step yet into electric vehicles in China.
As the middle sibling between the bZ3 sedan and the upcoming flagship bZ7, the bZ5 takes a mix of design details from sedans, crossovers, and fastbacks. The platform comes with 21-inch alloy wheels and has Toyota’s SUV “hammerhead” grille, slanting roofline, and one wide taillight across the back.
Those seated inside will notice a large touchscreen, digital dials, and a unique center console. It’s worth noting that the seatback in the front can fold into a bed when the nap setting is selected on the infotainment screen. A panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker JBL sound system, a fragrance dispenser, nine airbags, and Level 2 autonomous driving are included as well.
The bZ5 uses Toyota’s e-TNGA architecture and features two battery capacities—65.28 kWh or 73.98 kWh—which enable up to 392 miles (630 km) on China’s testing cycle. Each version delivers 268 hp and 330 Nm of torque, allowing it to be charged from 30% to 80% in just 27 minutes.
The big surprise is that the bZ5 comes in at 130,000 RMB ($18,000), which means it is half the price of the Tesla Model Y in China, which costs 263,500 RMB ($36,500) to start. For now, only the Chinese can buy a bZ5, but it represents a major move forward for Toyota in EVs and shows serious competition for Tesla’s place at the top.
