Toyota Showcases Its New Electric Sedan For The Chinese Market

Toyota is expanding its electric vehicle lineup globally, with a particular focus on China, where it plans to unveil exclusive models. At the recent 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, the collaboration between Toyota and China's state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) presented two concept models, including a sleek sedan.

Dubbed "Comfortable Space" in Chinese, the model was revealed in prototype form, offering a glimpse of an upcoming production model expected to hit the market in 2025. The EV will be produced locally through the GAC Toyota joint venture and is set to be exclusively available in China.

The exterior design of the "Comfortable Space" shares similarities with the bZ Sport Crossover Concept, revealed earlier this year. However, it's essential to note that the bZ Sport Crossover will be produced through a separate joint venture between FAW and Toyota in China. The latest concept showcases a distinctive hammerhead front fascia, slim LEDs, and a sharp profile. The roofline extends nearly to the tailgate's edge, contributing to a streamlined appearance.

The use of air curtain intakes on the front and rear bumpers, along with the absence of conventional door handles, improves its aerodynamics. According to Tycho de Feijter on X, the electric sedan boasts a length of approximately 5 meters (196.8 inches) and a wheelbase of 3 meters (118.1 inches). If accurate, these measurements position it to compete with EVs like the Nio ET7, Geely Galaxy E8, to name a few.

Alongside the sedan, GAC Toyota also presented an electric SUV at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, named "Enjoyable Space." Resembling the bZ FlexSpace Concept unveiled in April 2023, this family-oriented SUV is expected to enter production in 2024. It reportedly has a length of 4.8 meters (189 inches) and a wheelbase of 2.9 meters (114.2 inches), slightly longer than a Tesla Model Y.

Chinese sources indicate that it will be available in both single and dual electric motor configurations, with prices starting at ¥250,000 ($35,000). The production versions of the "Comfortable Space" sedan and the "Enjoyable Space" SUV will be part of GAC Toyota's new "Bozhi" sub-brand lineup, alongside the locally-produced version of the bZ4X.