At the start of the year, BYD launched a campaign to push smart driving features into the mainstream. In response, both electric vehicle startups and legacy automakers—including joint ventures (JV)—have begun positioning smart driving as a key selling point.
On March 6, GAC Toyota introduced its first smart EV, the bZ3X, unveiling seven variants priced from RMB 109,800–159,800 (USD 15,372–22,372). This marks the company’s entry into a new price range for smart electric SUVs, significantly lowering the barrier to ownership.
Notably, the bZ3X is also GAC Toyota’s first model equipped with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, reducing the cost of LiDAR-assisted advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to RMB 140,000 (USD 19,600).
In recent years, BYD’s aggressive pricing strategy—combined with the rise of Xiaomi, Nio, Xpeng, Li Auto, and Huawei-affiliated brands—has accelerated EV adoption, forcing JV automakers to cut prices to retain market share. Many have struggled to keep up.
But 2025 could mark a turning point. The biggest shift? JV automakers are now embracing intelligent technologies, moving beyond pricing battles to compete on innovation.
GAC Toyota’s decision to integrate LiDAR and high-level ADAS into the bZ3X underscores this shift.
On the hardware front, the bZ3X’s ADAS variant features Nvidia’s Orin X chip, a single LiDAR unit, and 27 onboard sensors—meeting industry benchmarks for advanced ADAS systems.
On the software side, GAC Toyota has partnered with leading Chinese autonomous driving firm Momenta, integrating its latest end-to-end AI model to enhance the bZ3X’s smart driving capabilities.
According to GAC Toyota, the system operates on a “data flywheel” mechanism, continuously improving by leveraging short- and long-term memory to recognize rare, long-tail driving scenarios. Unlike traditional systems that rely on high-definition maps, the bZ3X’s ADAS is designed to navigate like a human, anticipating hazards in complex conditions—such as pedestrians emerging from urban alleys or driving in heavy rain at night.
Inside, the bZ3X features an intelligent cockpit with a 14.6-inch multifunctional touchscreen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade chip, and four-zone voice interaction. Additional highlights include a panoramic sunroof and 50-watt ultrafast wireless charging. In terms of in-cabin experience, the bZ3X appears on par with offerings from China’s leading EV startups.
Beyond intelligence and affordability, GAC Toyota continues to emphasize safety, drawing on decades of automotive manufacturing expertise.
According to official specifications, more than 70% of the passive safety body structure is made from high-strength steel, with 30% composed of 1,500-megapascal thermoformed materials. The central body structure incorporates a full thermoformed “cross-brace structure” and a “five-floor beam design” for enhanced rigidity.
For battery safety, the bZ3X exceeds China’s national protection standards. It is engineered to prevent fires or explosions even in the event of a single battery cell thermal runaway, ensuring that thermal transmission won’t trigger failures in adjacent cells.
GAC Toyota said the bZ3X adheres to Toyota’s philosophy of safety redundancy, featuring a multi-layered safety architecture that includes dual brake assist systems, dual power brake assist sources, a cross-control electric parking brake ECU, and an emergency power-off button.
The cabin is also designed with comfort in mind. The front seats can recline fully to create a flat resting area, while the rear seatbacks offer a 20-degree adjustable recline for added flexibility.
The bZ3X is GAC Toyota’s first independently developed model in China, signaling a strategic pivot toward competing on ADAS, smart cockpits, and spacious design. By combining Toyota’s legacy of safety and quality with intelligent features, GAC Toyota aims to reignite consumer interest in JV-manufactured EVs.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Li Anqi for 36Kr.