The Toyota bZ3X (see specs) is a compact electric SUV jointly developed with GAC and built on the same platform as the GAC Aion V. Unlike its more conservative-looking bZ series siblings, the bZ3X leans toward a more upright SUV profile while incorporating a mature interpretation of Toyota’s latest EV design language. For the bZ3X, Toyota seems determined to prove that well-calibrated driver assistance systems can make more of an impact than flashy tech gimmicks.
Exterior
Styling-wise, the bZ3X doesn’t try to stand out, but it’s not bland. The proportions borrow from the GAC Aion V but with sharper, more angular headlamps and a simplified front fascia. The tall ride height and clean sides give it a functional presence rather than one that aims to impress. It’s a Toyota first—form follows function here. The rear design remains subdued, with wraparound tail lamps that slightly lift the visual mass but don’t aim to create drama. The overall silhouette says “urban electric SUV” without trying too hard to define a new segment.
Interior
Inside the bZ3X, the cabin feels open and well-segmented. Rear seat comfort is notable. Materials and layout are consistent with Toyota’s latest bZ design language: clean, minimal, and utilitarian.
The Interior features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a Snapdragon 8155 chip, a panoramic glass roof. The infotainment screen is reasonably responsive, and the driver’s cluster is legible even under bright summer glare. The automatic climate control keeps the cabin cool, though it sometimes felt slightly underpowered in the midday heat.
Behind the wheel
The bZ3X behaves predictably but conservatively. Steering is light, with moderate feedback—sufficient for confident inputs without feeling overly assisted. The suspension tuning emphasises comfort, absorbing uneven surfaces without excessive body roll. The accelerator response is muted and likely tuned for efficiency rather than performance. Off the line, the vehicle feels adequately quick for daily use, but spirited driving reveals its limitations in throttle responsiveness and mid-speed acceleration. This makes the bZ3X more suited to calm, urban cruising rather than dynamic cornering or high-speed manoeuvres.
Noise insulation is decent. Though tyre noise crept in on rougher surfaces, it remains within acceptable limits. Visibility is excellent thanks to the upright seating and large glass areas, which enhance confidence in tight urban streets or during parking. Overall, the bZ3X delivers a composed and accessible driving experience that aligns with its intended role as a practical, family-friendly compact EV SUV.
Switching to assisted driving mode, L2+ assisted driving supported by Momenta, the bZ3X demonstrates cautious and deliberate logic, especially in urban environments. It handles complex intersections and roundabouts with a conservative approach, slowing early and avoiding sudden steering or throttle adjustments. The system prioritises comfort and predictability—overtakes are planned well in advance, and lane changes are executed with wide margins. Pedestrian and vehicle detection is generally reliable, though, in bright summer conditions, the front camera’s recognition lagged slightly, affecting system confidence in overtaking or merging decisions.
There were occasional inconsistencies—during a sequence of three sharp turns, the system misjudged its line and briefly drifted into an adjacent lane before correcting itself. Similar hesitation was noted when transitioning between old and newly repaved road sections, likely due to outdated map data or lane marking discrepancies. However, braking, especially on slopes, remained progressive and comfortable for all occupants, and the system generally handled urban congestion with a smooth, measured rhythm.
Verdict
The Toyota bZ3X doesn’t aim to wow with raw power or flashy self-driving features. Instead, it nails a smooth, confident defensive driving assistant that keeps jerky moves to a minimum and comforts the front and centre. Sharing its platform with the GAC Aion V gives it a familiar chassis balance and interior space. Still, Toyota injects its signature subtle style and precision into every detail, making the bZ3X feel reliable and refreshingly composed.
The assisted driving mode isn’t perfect—bright sunlight can sometimes throw it off in tight corners, and the mapping could be more intelligent. But for city drivers who want a calm, safety-first EV SUV that plays it steady and reliable, the bZ3X hits the mark exactly where it matters most.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
Follow us for ev updates
