A Look at toyota launches refreshed bZ5, betting on stronger driver assistance to retain Chinese buyers
- The 2027 bZ5 starts at a limited-time price of 109,800 yuan ($16,170), with its driver-assistance system upgraded to Momenta 6.0.
- The bZ5’s retail sales in China fell 64.59% year-on-year to 529 units in July.
FAW Toyota, Toyota’s joint venture in China, launched the 2027 bZ5 on Wednesday, marking the battery electric coupe SUV’s first annual refresh about 14 months after its market debut.
The updated model remains available in 6 variants, with official starting prices ranging from 129,800 yuan ($19,140) to 199,800 yuan, unchanged from its predecessor.
FAW Toyota is also offering limited-time prices ranging from 109,800 yuan ($16,170) to 179,800 yuan, representing a 20,000-yuan reduction across the lineup.
The discount comprises a 16,000-yuan cash incentive and a 4,000-yuan trade-in subsidy.
FAW Toyota is also offering benefits including interest-free financing, a lifetime warranty on the battery, motor and electric control system for the first owner, and a free home charger.
The main focus of the refresh is driver assistance. The 2027 bZ5’s Toyota Pilot system has been upgraded to Momenta 6.0, underpinned by the R6 reinforcement-learning foundation model from Chinese driving-technology provider Momenta (HKEX: 6880).
The system uses a chip with 544 TOPS of computing power and supports features including urban navigation-assisted driving. The previous model used Momenta 5.0.
FAW Toyota also unveiled its IT’S TiME 4.0 technology framework to support its electrified and intelligent products in China.
The updated bZ5 measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width and 1,510 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm. Its cabin features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, 10 JBL speakers and 50 W wireless fast charging.
It is powered by a front-mounted motor with a peak output of 200 kW (268 hp), unchanged from its predecessor.
The batteries are supplied by BYD (HKEX: 1211). The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery packs have capacities of 65.28 kWh and 73.98 kWh, delivering CLTC ranges of 550 kilometers and 630 kilometers, respectively.
The bZ5 was launched in June 2025 as a key model in Toyota‘s effort to counter pricing and technology competition from local EV makers in China.
However, the model has seen lackluster demand since its launch, with retail sales peaking at 3,019 units in September 2025, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
The bZ5’s retail sales in China fell 64.59% year-on-year to 529 units in July.
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($1 = 6.7829 yuan)
