Toyota's $14,000 bZ3X EV spotted testing in right-hand drive
Toyota's best-selling Chinese electric SUV, the bZ3X, has been seen testing overseas in a right-hand-drive configuration.
Toyota's bZ3X electric SUV, a best-seller in China, has been spotted testing overseas in a right-hand-drive version. The sighting strongly suggests Toyota plans to launch the affordable EV in global markets.
First launched in March 2025, the bZ3X became an instant success for Toyota's joint venture, GAC-Toyota. The company claimed the model was "so popular that the server crashed," securing over 10,000 orders in its first hour on sale. It has since maintained its position as China's top-selling new energy vehicle.
Pricing and configurations
Positioned as Toyota's first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV in China, the bZ3X has seen aggressive pricing. Although it launched with a typical starting price of 109,800 yuan ($15,500), GAC-Toyota has since discounted it. The base model now starts at just 94,800 yuan, or just over $14,000. The vehicle is offered in nine different configurations in its home market.
| Model Variant | Starting Price (Yuan) | Approx. USD | CLTC Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| bZ3X Air 410 (Base) | 94,800 | $14,000 | 430 km (267 mi) |
| bZ3X 610 Max (Top) | 144,800 | $21,500 | 610 km (379 mi) |
Higher-priced trims are available with or without LiDAR sensor systems. The range-topping 610 Max model costs 144,800 yuan ($21,500).
Technology and interior space
The bZ3X's interior represents a significant technological leap for Toyota, heavily influenced by Chinese partners. The cabin features a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with voice recognition and an 8.8-inch driver display. Toyota describes the interior as "a mobile space that is comfortable as home," with front and rear seats that can fold down to create nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of continuous space.
Advanced trims equipped with LiDAR feature a sophisticated smart driving system. This system is powered by Momenta's end-to-end R6 reinforced learning model, which provides high-speed navigation assistance and all-scenario intelligent parking capabilities.
Global production plans
The right-hand-drive prototype was spotted testing in Thailand, a key manufacturing hub for Toyota in Asia. While the bZ3X is currently built exclusively in China by the GAC-Toyota joint venture, production of global or right-hand-drive versions could shift to Thailand. The timing for an overseas market launch remains unconfirmed.
Toyota is increasingly relying on Chinese technology for its electric vehicles. Some estimates suggest about 90% of the parts used to build the bZ3X are sourced from China, including batteries from BYD and autonomous driving software from Momenta. The vehicle measures 4,645 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, and 1,625 mm high, making it comparable in size to a Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen ID.4.
