The 2027 Toyota bZ5, which is set to launch in China on August 26. Credit: FAW Toyota
- The 2027 bZ5 is expected to retain the current design, with upgrades potentially focusing on driver assistance and range.
- The current bZ5 uses BYD Blade Battery and starts at 129,800 yuan ($19,130).
FAW Toyota, Toyota’s joint venture in China, will launch the 2027 bZ5 on Wednesday, giving the all-electric coupe SUV (sport utility vehicle) its first annual refresh.
FAW Toyota announced the launch date on Weibo on Tuesday, without disclosing pricing or full specifications.
An official image show that the new model largely retains the current design, with the changes expected to focus mainly on feature upgrades.
The 2027 bZ5 retains the closed-off grille, boomerang-shaped lighting elements, and full-width front and rear light bars. Its dimensions are also expected to remain largely unchanged.
The current model measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width and 1,510 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm.
Its cabin features a 15.6-inch center screen and a slim digital instrument cluster, a layout the updated model is expected to retain.
Driver assistance could be a key focus of the upgrade. The current bZ5 features the Toyota Pilot system, which combines Momenta 5.0 from Momenta (HKEX: 6880) with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
The system supports more than 30 functions, including navigation-assisted driving in cities and on highways, as well as parking assistance. The 2027 model could offer enhanced driver-assistance capabilities.
Potential powertrain and range changes are also in focus. The current bZ5 uses a front-mounted single motor with a peak output of 200 kW and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade batteries supplied by BYD (HKEX: 1211).
The 65.28-kWh and 73.98-kWh battery packs provide CLTC ranges of 550 km and 630 km, respectively.
The bZ5 was launched in China in June 2025 and is a key model in Toyota’s effort to compete with local EV makers on price and technology.
The current lineup comprises 6 variants, with prices starting at 129,800 yuan ($19,130) and reaching 199,800 yuan.
The Toyota bZ7, the second model developed primarily by a local Chinese team, starts at 147,800 yuan ($21,380) after limited-time incentives.
($1 = 6.7852 yuan)
