Toyota Reveals bZ Sport Crossover, bZ Flexspace EVs at Shanghai Motor Show

At the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show, Toyota unveiled two bZ-born EV concepts as a sneak peek at an approaching expansion of its global bZ EV roster, which already includes well-known vehicles like the bZ4X crossover and the bZ3 sedan. Toyota intends on marketing 10 electric vehicles in China by 2026, and the pair are the first of those to arrive. For those unaware, the manufacturer did debut the bZ4X in India at the recent edition of the Auto Expo, but as of now, the company has kept quiet about its EV plans. However, the production version of the Maruti Suzuki eVX concept, which debuted earlier this year, will also give rise to a Toyota derivative. Both EV SUVs will be manufactured in Gujarat and will have a wheelbase of 2,700mm. The made-in-India Toyota EV SUV and its Maruti counterpart are expected to hit the market in 2025. Here's all we know about the brand-new EVs so far.

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Toyota bZ Sport Crossover: Platform, Design 

The more notable of the two is the garishly painted bZ Sports Crossover, a svelte, high-riding four-door coupe that appears to be developing into a performance-oriented sibling of the upcoming bZ3X crossover, which was earlier glimpsed as the bZ compact crossover. The automaker has not provided any information regarding what is housed beneath the "active and distinctive" bodyshell, but given that it is being developed in collaboration with the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), which manufactures the Toyota bZ4X for China, it is very likely to share the same e-TNGA architecture. For its new bZ3 sedan, Toyota has used battery technology from BYD, a different Chinese manufacturer, but it hasn't yet revealed what other vehicles will result from this partnership.

Toyota bZ Sport Crossover: Interior Details

The interior of the bZ Sports Crossover concept car suggests that it will feature Toyota's new steer-by-wire technology, which is operated by a yoke-style device. It also features a large digital instrument cluster and a curved central infotainment display. According to Toyota, it was created "with functions to provide a personal space for younger customers" and will be updated over-the-air after purchase.

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Toyota bZ Flexspace: Key Details

The bZ Flexspace concept, on the other hand, gives a sneak peek at a brand-new midsize SUV that will be positioned above the bZ4X. It is focused on families who want an EV SUV with a "reliable cruising range" and is big and upright. There are few details, but it has the new Toyota hammerhead front end and a cockpit that resembles the most recent bZ production cars, complete with an unusual steering wheel. Toyota has not confirmed whether there is space for a third row of seats in the back but claims that the Flexspace's top priority is to create a "cosy home" environment that is simple to live in on a daily basis.