Toyota has launched the bZ3X in China, an electric SUV that, with a price tag of around €14,000, a range of up to 660 kilometres and 204 horsepower, has caused a real euphoria. More than 10,000 orders were placed in one hour, which even caused the company's servers to crash!
Toyota expands its electric offensive in China with a brand new model bZ3X, which is the result of cooperation with the company GAC Toyota. A case of 4.60 meter long SUV, which is slightly smaller than the model bZ4X, but in many ways more attractive – mainly because of its extremely affordable price.
For the basic version bZ3X 430 Air the Chinese buyer will only pay 14,000 eurosThis model is equipped with an electric motor that develops 204 hp (150 kW) and 200 Nm of torqueIt draws energy from 50 kWh battery, which according to the Chinese CLTC standard should be sufficient for up to 430 kilometers of range.
More range for a slightly higher price
Toyota also offers versions with a larger battery, allowing for longer distances without recharging. Model bZ3X 520 Pro costs around 15,420 euros and is equipped with 58 kWh battery, which allows reaching up to 520 kilometers. The most powerful version bZ3X 660 Max but brings even greater 68 kWh battery, which allows up to 660 kilometers of rangeIn addition, this model also has a more powerful electric motor that develops 224 hp (165 kW) and 210 Nm of torque.
Regardless of battery choice, all versions support fast charging, which charges the battery charges from 30 to 80 % in just 24 minutes.
The digital revolution in the interior
The interior of the Toyota bZ3X follows the trends of digitalization and minimalism. There are very few classic buttons, and most functions are controlled via two screens. In front of the driver is 8.8-inch digital display, which replaces traditional meters, while the central 14.6-inch screen serves to control the infotainment system.
Toyota hits the nail on the head with the bZ3X – but what does this mean for Europe?
It seems that Toyota has opened a whole new chapter in electric mobility with this model. In More than 10,000 orders were placed in a single hour, proving that the demand for affordable electric SUVs is huge.
The main question remains: Will bZ3X come to Europe? Toyota is not considering this at the moment, as the model was developed specifically for the Chinese market. However, success in China could encourage the company to offer a similar affordable electric SUV to European customers.
If Toyota managed to maintain such a low price and decent specifications even in Europe, the bZ3X could become a serious threat to the competition, especially to Chinese brands such as BYD and MG, which are currently conquering the market with affordable electric models.
For now, it remains The bZ3X electric SUV offers the Chinese what we Europeans can only dream of (for now).
