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The bZ3X is the best-selling EV produced by a joint venture in China. A right-hand drive version was spotted testing overseas, suggesting Toyota will bring the popular electric SUV to global markets.
Is Toyota launching the bZ3X overseas?
After the bZ3X went on sale in March 2025, the electric SUV became an instant hit. Toyota’s joint venture, GAC-Toyota, which produces and sells it, claimed the bZ3X was “so popular that the server crashed,” securing over 10,000 orders in an hour.
The bZ3X is Toyota’s “first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV” in China, with prices typically starting at 109,800 yuan (15,500)
Although it was initially a “limited-time” promotion, GAC-Toyota has been discounting the bZ3X, with the base model starting at just 94,800 yuan, or just over $14,000.
Toyota’s joint venture announced that the bZ3X was again China’s top-selling new energy vehicle last month, holding the top spot through August.
After the bZ3X was spotted in Thailand testing as an RHD model, all signs point to a global launch soon.
New spy images from MZ Crazy Cars Thailand (via Autonetmagz) show a disguised bZ3X with a right-hand drive layout.
While Toyota’s joint venture currently builds the bZ3X in China, it could build the global or RHD version in Thailand.
If and when the RHD variant goes on sale remains up in the air. The bZ3X is available in nine configurations in China, with or without LiDAR, with CLTC ranges from 430 km (267 miles) to 610 km (379 miles).
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC Toyota)
The base bZ3X Air 410 is currently available, starting at 94,800 yuan ($14,000), while the range-topping 610 Max costs 144,800 yuan ($21,500).
Inside, the electric SUV provides “a mobile space that is comfortable as home,” Toyota said, with front and rear seats that can fold down to provide nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.
The interior is considerably more advanced than the Toyota vehicles we’re accustomed to thanks to Chinese tech and software. The setup includes a 14.6″ infotainment screen with voice recognition and an 8.8″ driver display.
Higher-priced trims with LiDAR feature an advanced smart driving system powered by Momenta’s end-to-end R6 reinforced learning model with high-speed navigation assistance and all-scenario intelligent parking.
Measuring 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, the bZ3X is about the same size as a Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen ID.4.
Electrek’s Take
Toyota, like most legacy automakers at this point, is increasingly relying on Chinese batteries, platforms, software, and other vehicle components to compete.
A Nikkei report last month claimed Toyota will begin production of a new Lexus electric SUV at its new manufacturing plant in Shanghai next fall, a shift from its traditional ways of developing and building vehicles in Japan first.
Most recently, it reported that Toyota will build its first extended-range EV in China, with production set to begin in Spring 2027.
According to some estimates, Toyota sources about 90% of the parts used to build the bZ3X from China, including batteries from BYD and autonomous driving software from Momenta.
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