Toyota BZ3 electric sedan is a Tesla challenger

The Japanese multinational automotive giant Toyota Motor Corporation has not been the most active automaker in the electric mobility front. But that does not mean that it will not try to dominate the segment. Recently, a few images of the company’s Tesla rivalling all-electric sedan 2023 Toyota bZ3 found their way to the internet. Toyota’s bZ SDN concept previewed the bZ3 last year, and these photographs from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show that the actual vehicle appears virtually identical to the concept.

This new model will be joining the bZ4X in the Toyota electric vehicle lineup and will feature some design similarities to the bZ4X. The new bZ3 will come with a set of comparable headlamps and a prominent LED light bar at the front and will have very wide side windows. The sedan’s side aspect is distinct from previous Toyota cars due to the sharply slanted windshield and the short, crossover-esque rear boot. According to the information uploaded with the photographs, the BZ3 will be roughly 186 inches long.

The bZ3 is seen in a two-tone white and black paint scheme, with black pillars and window surrounds. The rear of the electric car, like the front, resembles the bZ4X and also contains hints of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, owing to the design of the taillights and light bar. As of yet, there have been no sightings of the interior of this upcoming vehicle but it is likely to be similar to the BZ4X, with a digital instrument cluster and a large, landscape-oriented infotainment screen. In China, like with the BZ4X, a yoke-style steering wheel may be available as an alternative to the regular steering wheel.

Also read: Toyota Innova Crysta base variant modified to look & feel like a higher variant (Video)

In terms of powertrain, a single 181 or 240-hp electric motor at the back axle will power the vehicle. Furthermore, it is believed that it will have a peak speed of approximately 100 mph. Specifications for other markets are likely to differ. Toyota’s first electric vehicle platform e-TNGA platform will be the basis of this forthcoming vehicle. As for the launch date of the new bZ3, it will become available in China in 2023. The bZ3’s availability in other regions has yet to be announced, although if it will be launched in other parts of the world it will most likely arrive in 2024.

In other Toyota news, recently Toyota dealers throughout India have stopped taking new bookings for the diesel-powered Innova Crysta. It is believed that the company will be soon discontinuing its infamous model and will be replacing it with a hybrid-powered model.

The company in an official statement addressing the pause of reservations said, “The Toyota Innova, TKM’s flagship offering in India has come a long way ever since its introduction in 2005. Having created a niche of its own, the versatile segment leading Innova has always remained a notch above when compared to other models in the segment. Over the years, the vehicle has undergone several enhancements be it luxury, comfort or performance features, in order to meet the ever-changing needs of the Indian customers. Similarly, the second generation Innova Crysta, continues to win customer hearts, being a segment leader itself.”

It further added, “Having found its home in close to 1 million households in India the brand Innova has become synonymous to Quality, Durability & Reliability and is widely preferred by customers from both personal & commercial segments. However, due to very high demand pattern which has resulted in an increased waiting period for the diesel variant of Innova Crysta, TKM has decided to temporarily stop taking orders for the diesel variant. As a customer centric company, we are making efforts to supply the vehicles to customers who have already made bookings with our dealers. However, we will continue to take order for Petrol variant of Innova Crysta.”

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