A series of images have leaked online of the production-spec 2023 Toyota bZ3, an all-electric sedan that will join the bZ4X in the automaker’s family of EVs. The bZ3 was previewed last year by the Toyota bZ SDN concept and these images from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveal that the production model looks almost identical to the concept.
There are obvious design similarities to
the bZ4X at the front end thanks to similar headlights and a pronounced LED
light bar. These images show that the bZ3 also has quite large side windows, no
doubt adding a lot of light to the cabin and making it feel all the more
spacious and airy.
The side profile of the sedan is quite
unique from other Toyota models thanks to the steeply raked windscreen and the
short, crossover-esque rear decklid. Select images show the bZ3 with a two-tone
white and black paint scheme, incorporating black pillars and window surrounds.
Much like the front, the rear of the electric sedan looks similar to the bZ4X
and also has shades of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, in particular due to the
shape of the taillights and light bar.
Official images of the car’s interior have
not surfaced online but Drive notes that it will feature a portrait-oriented
infotainment screen and a similar steering wheel to what is found on the bZ4X.
A digital gauge cluster will also be featured. It remains unclear if the
optional yoke of the bZ4X will also be offered for the bZ3.
Underpinning the vehicle is Toyota’s
e-TNGA architecture and it is understood that the bZ3 will be offered
exclusively in rear-wheel drive configuration, available with either a 181 hp or 240 hp electric motor. The sedan’s lithium iron
phosphate batteries will be the blade-style cells developed and pioneered by
BYD. While it is not yet known which markets the bZ3 will be available in, it
is expected to be unveiled to the world at November’s Guangzhou Auto Show.
