Model bZ7 marks a new phase of the Japanese automaker, integrating traditional mechanics with autonomous driving systems and connectivity with Xiaomi cell phones
In a bid to regain ground in the world’s largest auto market, the GAC-Toyota joint venture is in a hurry to launch the new bZ7. The refined electric sedan with a confusing name arrives at Chinese dealerships with an estimated starting price of 200,000 yuan (about R$ 154 thousand), betting on a clear strategy: keep the Japanese mechanical base, but outsource the vehicle’s intelligence to local technology giants.
The bZ7 is a practical example of the “technological fusion” between Asian countries and giants. The cabin operating system is Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0, ensuring fluidity and deep integration with smartphones. The model also stands out for supporting connectivity with Xiaomi’s device ecosystem. Under the hood, Huawei’s influence continues: the electric motor uses the DriveONE platform, developed by the telecommunications company.
SEE ALSO:
For autonomous driving, Toyota turned to Momenta, one of the industry leaders in Asia. The ADAS (driver assistance) system is powered by a high-processing chip from Nvidia and an arsenal of sensors: a LiDAR on the roof, five millimeter-wave radars and 11 cameras. The set allows from semi-autonomous navigation on highways to fully automated parking.
The interior breaks with Toyota’s usual conservatism. The cabin is dominated by a 15.6-inch floating screen and digital dashboard, in addition to offering typical treats of the Chinese luxury segment, such as an integrated refrigerator, 50W wireless charging and a sound system with 23 speakers.
Visually, the bZ7 adopts the four-door coupe silhouette, with optimized aerodynamic coefficient and a “C” light signature that crosses the front. In terms of performance, the engine delivers 278 hp. According to the Chinese measurement cycle, the range can reach 710 km in versions with a larger capacity battery, with a maximum speed electronically limited to 180 km/h.
