New Toyota bZ concepts preview future electric models

18 Apr 2023

Japanese car giant Toyota has previewed two future bZ electric cars at this year’s Shanghai motor show: the bZ Sport Crossover and bZ Flexspace.

The new concepts, which are close to production form, will be launched in China next year as two of ten new electric models which Toyota plans to release by 2026. Toyota is yet to confirm when the new EVs will arrive in the UK and Europe. 

The striking bZ Sport Crossover is a more sleek coupe-SUV that is set to sit alongside the inbound bZ3X, a car that was first showcased by the Compact Crossover concept. 

Although technical details are yet to be disclosed, the high-riding Sport Crossover is likely to sit on the same e-TNGA architecture as the bZ4X. 

Toyota's new crossover has been developed in partnership with Chinese start-up BYD, after the firm collaborated on the new Japanese brand’s new bZ3 saloon. 

BYD will likely provide the advanced battery technology for the Sport Crossover, having supplied Toyota for the bZ3 saloon. The Sport Crossover will be built and sold through FAW Toyota in China. 

Toyota says its new high-riding concept has been “designed with functions to provide a personal space for younger customers”. The car is also being developed with functions that will evolve after purchase, likely through over-the-air updates, including driver assistance and automatic parking. 

The bZ Flexspace Concept meanwhile is a mid-sized SUV that will sit above the bZ4X in the brand’s electric line-up. 

Toyota says the “family-orientated SUV” has a focus on utility, with the concept prioritising on creating a ‘cosy home’ for passengers so they feel safe and comfortable.

The Japanese brand added that its future SUV will offer a large cabin, advanced safety and a reliable cruising range. 

Both cars feature a highly futuristic cabin that is more minimalist in nature than that of the bZ4X, with the most distinctive feature being the unconventional steering wheel. 

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