2026 Toyota bZ5

• The 2026 Toyota bZ5 is an affordable midsize coupe‑SUV EV in China, starting from around $18,000 and built on the e‑TNGA platform.

• It packs BYD Blade LFP batteries (65–74 kWh), offering a CLTC range of 550–630 km (342–391 mi), with 200 kW (268 hp) front‑motor performance.

• Stylish and sleek—fastback silhouette, hammerhead front, full-width light bar—competes directly with Tesla Model Y in size and price.

Value Meets Size and Style

The 2026 Toyota bZ5 isn’t playing small. Measuring roughly 4,780 mm (188 in) in length and 1,866 mm (73.5 in) in width, it confidently steps into midsize sedan territory. But it’s the price that grabs headlines—starting at approximately ¥129,800 (around $18,000). That’s not just aggressive, it’s disruptive. Especially when you consider how it compares to something like the Tesla Model Y, which carries a much steeper tag. For anyone watching the EV market from a budget-conscious perch, the bZ5 looks both roomy and realistic.

Powertrain That Hits the Sweet Spot

This isn’t a spec sheet hero—and it doesn’t need to be. Toyota’s gone with a single front-mounted motor that outputs a healthy 200 kW (268 hp) and 330 Nm of torque. It’s more than enough for urban cruising and confident highway merges. Buyers can choose between two Blade LFP battery options, both courtesy of BYD: a 65.3 kWh unit that delivers 550 km CLTC range, or a 74 kWh version stretching up to 630 km (391 mi). That range puts it right in line with mainstream expectations—and quick charging isn’t bad either. With 90 kW DC fast charging, 30–80% takes just under 30 minutes.

Design That’s Surprisingly Refined

Toyota didn’t just lift and stretch a hatchback here. The bZ5 leans into a fastback silhouette—clean roofline, minimal frills. It skips the faux-aggression that plagues many EV crossovers. Up front, there’s that “hammerhead” nose we’ve started to see across the bZ lineup, and out back, a full-width LED strip adds a modern finish. It stands 1,510 mm (59.4 in) tall—low enough to suggest some sportiness, but still with enough roof to keep passengers comfortable.

Inside: Clean but Connected

The cabin doesn’t scream luxury, but it doesn’t need to. It’s tidy. A 15.6-inch touchscreen floats in the center, while the driver gets a slim display to manage essentials. Ambient lighting and soft-touch materials are here, but the real story is functionality. Some trims in China even add AI facial recognition and OTA software updates. Not gimmicks—just smart tech in a calm layout.

How It Stacks Up

Sure, comparisons to the Tesla Model Y are inevitable, especially on size and price. But the bZ5 plays a different game. It’s not aiming to be provocative. It’s practical, affordable, and—most importantly—accessible. No subscription drama, no supercomputer steering claims. Just a roomy, clean-looking EV with solid range and a price that makes sense. In a segment often bloated with hype, that’s a refreshing formula.

Technical Specification

Performance

• Power: 200 kW (268 hp)

• Torque: 330 Nm (243 lb‑ft)

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Body Measurements

• Length: 4,780 mm (188.2 in)

• Width: 1,866 mm (73.5 in)

• Height: 1,510 mm (59.4 in)

• Wheelbase: 2,880 mm (113.4 in)

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Powertrain

• Motor: Front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor (BYD-sourced TZ200-XS003)

• Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive (single-motor)

• Battery Options: Blade LFP packs — 65.28 kWh (550 km CLTC) or 73.98 kWh (630 km CLTC)

• Fast-Charging Capability: 90 kW DC (30–80% in ~27 minutes)

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Capacities & Features

• Platform: Toyota e‑TNGA architecture shared with bZ4X

• Wheels: 21‑inch alloys

• Infotainment: 15.6″ floating touchscreen, digital driver display, rotary selector

• Safety & Driver Assistance: 9 airbags, LiDAR (on higher trims), over 30 ADAS functions (urban NOA), gesture/voice control

• Additional Tech: JBL 10‑speaker audio, panoramic roof, ambient lighting, "Nap Mode" reclining seats

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Price

• Trim Pricing (China):

  • 550 Joy: ¥129,800 (~US $18,000)

  • 550 Pro: ¥139,800 (~US $19,400)

  • 550 Pro Smart & 630 Pro: ¥159,800 (~US $22,200)

• Estimated China MSRP Range: $18,000 – $22,200

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