Toyota has leaned on Chinese partner GAC to develop a production-ready version of the bZ7 sedan, rivalling the likes of the BYD Han.
Toyota has officially revealed a new addition to its burgeoning bZ electric vehicle range, with the electric bZ7 passenger car set to take on the likes of the Tesla Model S and Chinese rivals such as the BYD Han.
Making its debut at the 2025 Shanghai motor show, the showroom-ready 2025 Toyota bZ7 is the product of Toyota’s joint-venture with one of its Chinese partners, GAC, and is expected to utilise BYD’s ‘Blade’ lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology.
The new model is likely to go on sale in the Chinese market later this year alongside other Toyota bZ models such as the bZ3 and bZ5. Outside China, there is only one global bZ model, the bZ4X, which is sold in Australia. It is unlikely the Toyota bZ7 will come to Australia – at least for now.
Full details of the Toyota bZ7 are still to come, however, the production model is a large-sized sedan with a total length beyond five metres. This positions it larger than the Toyota Camry.
Toyota is ramping up its electric-car efforts in China to compete with rivals such as the BYD Han and Xiaomi SU7. Not only is the Toyota bZ7 a larger car than other Toyotas such as the Camry or Prius, the new nameplate focuses on luxury appointments inside its large cabin.
Compared to the Toyota bZ4X sold locally, the bZ7 shows larger screens inside the interior, leather-appointed upholstery, and woodgrain trims across the dash fascia. Toyota promises the latest in intelligent technology, including smart cockpit and driving support systems.
However, a family resemblance can be seen in the slimline, angular front headlights, upright intakes ahead of the wheels, and the high-set rear tail-light. It even pinches design elements from the new Toyota Prius (not sold in Australia), such as the full-width front light bar.
Sedans, particularly electric ones, have enjoyed strong popularity within the Chinese market. Alongside the concept that previewed the production 2025 Toyota bZ7 late last year, Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng also produced the Nissan N7 concept – a similar-sized premium electric vehicle.
These new electric cars, produced with Chinese partners, are intended to combat the popular home-grown electric vehicles that have enjoyed success in the Chinese market.
The Toyota bZ7 is said to go on sale in China within a year.
Tom started out in the automotive industry by exploiting his photographic skills but quickly learned journalists got the better end of the deal. With tenures at CarAdvice, Wheels Media, and now Drive, Tom's breadth of experience and industry knowledge informs a strong opinion on all things automotive. At Drive, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.
