The new bZ7 sedan built in partnership with GAC looks sleek and armed with impressive tech
Toyota has fallen behind many of its legacy rivals in Western EV markets, but in China, it has been unveiling far more compelling zero-emission models like the bZ5 and bZ3 sedan. Its latest is the bZ7, a sleek full-size flagship sedan developed with joint-venture partner GAC and sized to go up against the Tesla Model S.
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Previewed earlier this year in pre-production form and now shown in its final guise, the bZ7 is a low-slung sedan set to launch in China before the end of 2025. While we wouldn’t go as far as to call it beautiful, or even particularly attractive, its proportions and shape are way more appealing than the original bZ4X, which has since received a simpler name.
Sharp Lines, Long Body
Dominating the front fascia are lobster claw-shaped headlights and a light bar, positioned above a small blacked-out lower grille section. A flowing roofline stretches to a compact rear decklid, where interconnected taillights emphasize the car’s width. Curved door skins, flush handles, and plenty of surface sculpting finish off the look.
According to fresh data, the bZ7 measures 5,130 mm (201.9 in) long, 1,965 mm (77.3 in) wide, and 1,506 mm (59.2 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,020 mm (118.9 in). Those dimensions put it right in the crosshairs of the Tesla Model S, BYD Han L, and BMW i5.
The Powertrain
When previewed back in April at the Shanghai Auto Show, we didn’t know what would power the model. However, information from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed it will hit the market with a lithium-iron phosphate battery from CALB-Tech that powers a single electric motor with 278 hp. We’ll have to wait a little longer until we get the full technical details, including battery capacity and driving range.
A Tech Fest
The powertrain itself has been sourced from Huawei and combines the motor, MCU, and inverter into a single integrated unit. The bZ7 also uses Huawei’s HarmonyOS cockpit and infotainment system.
Not only has Toyota worked with Huawei, but the new EV will also feature Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem, connecting the car to personal devices and smart home products from the technology giant. As such, owners will be able to control Xiaomi devices like home A/C units from the car itself.
Read: Toyota’s Flagship EV Will Be Powered By Huawei And Xiaomi Tech
More details, including pricing, are expected to be announced shortly before the electric flagship’s debut in China’s competitive EV market toward the end of the year. Toyota hasn’t confirmed plans beyond China, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the bZ7 reached select markets where large sedans still have an audience.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

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