The new Toyota bZ7 electric sedan is based on the GAC platform
By ForGeeks
Toyota has unveiled a new full-size electric-powered sedan — bZ7 designed specifically for the Chinese market. The model is the result of the Japanese automaker’s collaboration with GAC, which took over a key part of the engineering.
The model is the result of a collaboration between the Japanese automaker and GAC, which took over a key part of the engineering.
Partnership project
From a technical point of view, the Toyota bZ7 is a GAC product. The car is built on the ChineseGAC AEP 3 platform and will be produced at the joint venture in Guangzhou. Thus, Toyota has decided not to develop its own platform for electric cars, but to maximize the use of the local partner’s work.
In addition to design and manufacturing from GAC, the sedan received transmission, on-board electronics and software from Huawei, as well as integration with the smart home ecosystem Xiaomi. Toyota’s role was limited to final fitment and branded design.
Dimensions and design
Toyota bZ7 — a large electric sedan with a length of 5130 mm with a wheelbase of 3020 mm. Externally, the novelty resembles the premium electric car GAC Hyptec GT, with which it shares a platform, but is characterized by a more restrained design.
In contrast to the donor, the bZ7 lacks exotic solutions like «butterfly wing» doors, decorative inserts on the rear pillars or retractable handles. Lighting is in the style of the new Toyota Camry XV80.
Technical specifications and sales launch
According to the national technical regulations, the Toyota bZ7 will get rear-wheel drive and an electric motor with an output of278 hp. Sales of the new car in China will start at the end of 2025.
