Toyota unveils all-electric BZ SUV coupe and people mover concepts in China

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Toyota has revealed two new all-electric BZ (Beyond Zero) concepts at the 2023 Shanghai Motor show. 

Dubbed the BZ Sport Crossover Concept and BZ FlexSpace Concept, these concepts preview two new EVs that will be launched in the Chinese market in 2024. 

This unveiling comes just a couple of weeks after Toyota announced plans to bring ten new electric vehicles to the market by 2026.  

Of these ten new electric vehicles, two have been confirmed to be China-only, designed to fit the specific needs of the market. Considering that these two BZ concepts were unveiled in China, it’s possible that these are the vehicles in question. 

Though it looks likely that Australia will miss out on the cars shown here, the brand’s local arm previously confirmed that the BZ Compact SUV is under consideration for the market. 

“One of the EVs we expect to examine closely will be based on the stunning BZ Compact SUV concept revealed in November,” he said.

BYD partnership continues to spawn new models

Like the China-only BZ3 sedan that was unveiled last year, the bZ Sport Crossover Concept is produced in partnership with BYD. 

This means Sport Crossover Concept will likely make use of the same BYD-sourced lithium iron phosphate ‘blade’ battery that has been tipped to provide up to 600km of driving range in the sedan. 

According to Toyota, the Sport Crossover Concept is aimed at Gen Z buyers, with its “active” and “iconic styling”. The fact that it will benefit from over-the-air updates that will “continue to evolve after purchase” will also appeal to tech-savvy consumers. 

Like the Lexus RZ midsize SUV, the Sport Crossover makes use of a round steering yoke, and the interior is quite minimalistic, with just a pair of screens mounted on the dash. 

The second vehicle unveiled by Toyota in Shanghai is called the BZ FlexSpace Concept, which looks to be a cross between an SUV and a people mover. 

This FlexSpace Concept is aimed at families, and is designed to create a safe space that can be used comfortably, and freely with peace of mind.

Like the Sport Crossover, the Flexspace also makes use of a steering yoke, but the cabin displays look to be either glass-based or holographic – something that might make it to the final product.