2027 Toyota bZ5 launched in China from RM 68k - Toyota's electric Camry?

When you think of Toyota in Malaysia, familiar names such as the Vios, Hilux and Corolla Cross probably come to mind first. In China, however, Toyota has been moving much faster with its EV line-up.

On 26 August, Toyota introduced its new IT'S TiME 4.0 technology brand and revealed the updated 2027 Toyota bZ5, an all-electric mid-size SUV.

The bZ5 is not currently offered in Malaysia, but the latest update gives a useful look at how Toyota is approaching EVs in one of the world's most competitive electric-car markets.

What is the Toyota bZ5?

The Toyota bZ5 is a mid-size electric crossover SUV that measures 4,780mm long, 1,866mm wide and 1,510mm tall, with a 2,880mm wheelbase.

The exterior carries over Toyota's fastback-style roofline, while the front end gets a closed-off grille, a full-width Star Ring LED light bar and distinctive C-shaped split headlights.

At the rear, the full-width tail lights are paired with a black lower bumper treatment, keeping the overall design in line with the sportier look of the front.

What's new for the 2027 bZ5?

The biggest changes for the 2027 model year centre on driver assistance, cabin technology and comfort equipment.

The new Toyota Pilot assisted-driving system was developed with Chinese autonomous-driving company Momenta, and uses Momenta's reinforcement-learning model. Higher-spec versions also get LiDAR as standard and support advanced functions such as urban navigation on autopilot (NOA).

Inside, the bZ5 gets a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a slim digital instrument display. The infotainment system supports voice commands, gesture control and smartphone connectivity.

Other available features include a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, a flat-folding "bed mode", an in-car fragrance system, 256-colour ambient lighting and a JBL sound system.

Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels, with outputs of up to 272hp and 330Nm.

Two LFP battery packs are available, with capacities of 65.28kWh and 73.98kWh. Their claimed CLTC ranges are 550km and 630km respectively.

Pricing

The 2027 Toyota bZ5 is offered in six variants in China, with list prices ranging from RMB 129,800 to RMB 199,800 (around RM 81k to RM 124k).

During the limited-time promotional period, prices are reduced to RMB 109,800 to RMB 179,800, or roughly RM 68k to RM 112k.

Against rivals such as BYD's electric SUVs, the bZ5 stands out for combining Toyota's brand with Momenta's assisted-driving technology at a relatively low price point in China.