FAW Toyota Motor Company, one of Toyota’s main Chinese joint ventures, officially launched its new competitively-priced bZ5 battery-powered SUV on the local market, as the Japanese automaker looks to strengthen its foothold in China’s fast-expanding new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
The new bZ5 is available initially in four main variants, the 550 Joy, 550 Pro, 550 Pro Smart Drive and the 630 Pro, offering varying levels of equipment and trim, and with prices ranging between CNY 129,800 and CNY 159,800 yuan (US$ 18,100-US$ 22,300), inclusive of manufacturer incentives.
The bZ5 550 models are powered by 200 kW motors, with their standard battery pack offering a maximum range of 550 km on a single charge. The come with features such as 16-inch central touchscreen, 5G connectivity, and AI-powered voice control. The 630 Pro model has an extended range of 630 km.
The bZ5 range is designed to compete with the Tesla Model Y, China’s best-selling battery-powered SUV, and is priced significantly lower than the Model Y’s starting price of CNY263,500 while offering a similar range.
