Toyota bZ3X EV SUV Sees RHD On Sale In HK & Macau At A Premium

It appears that right-hand-drive (RHD) versions of the China-made Toyota bZ3X EV SUV have gone on sale in both Hong Kong and Macau.

Revealed back in March this year and touted as the brand’s ‘smartest EV’ yet, the China-made Toyata bZ3X finally sees right-hand-drive (RHD) versions going on sale for the first time in neighbouring Hong Kong and Macau.

According to CarNewsChina, the model is priced at some HK$259,000 (approx. RM 140,033) in Macau, whereas prices in Hong Kong remaining undisclosed still for now.

This indeed marks a sizeable increase versus the left-hand-drive (LHD) version that’s sold  China priced from a far lower figure of RMB139,800 (approx. RM82,589). In other words, this RHD version is commanding quite a stiff premium versus said LHD original.

Left-hand-drive (LHD) Chinese market version pictured. Reports also indicate Toyota is poised to export RHD bZ3X to key markets like Japan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Nonetheless, the fact that Toyota made the bZ3X available in RHD form is a significant step. In fact, the same report further adds the automaker will export said China-built RHD model, developed jointly by Toyota with Chinese automaker GAC, to key RHD markets like Japan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

No timeline was reportedly stated for those additional markets, but orders are now opened in both Macau and Hong Kong.

Revealed back in March this year, the Toyota bZ3X was developed jointly with GAC.

As a refresher, the Toyota bZ3X bowed earlier this year primed with a 70 kWh battery pack juicing a single e-motor rated at 204 PS (150 kW) and 210 Nm. The setup yields a claimed NEDC-rated 565 KM maximum range, supports 6.6 kW AC and 90 kW DC charging speeds, as well as vehicle-to-load (V2L) ability.

As for dimensions, the Toyota bZ3X sits some 4,600 mm long with a 2,765 mm wheelbase, 1,850 mm wide and 1645 mm tall. It also rides on 19-inch wheels and the chassis boasts front MacPherson struts plus rear torsion beam suspension assemblies. CarNewsChina adds it offers up to 427 litres of luggage space too.

The 70 kWh battery pack primed promises up to 565 KM (NEDC) range, and it also offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability to boot.

Typical of any ‘premium’ Chinese EVs, the Toyota bZ3X also packs a sleuth of features and amenities. Key highlights sees a massive 14.6-inch central infotainment unit paired with an 11-speaker Yamaha audio suite, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and more.

Critically, the Toyota bZ3X packs a myriad of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) features. However, the RHD export model makes do WITHOUT the Chinese market version’s LiDAR sensor.

Still, with RHD versions available, do you reckon this Toyota BEV could fare well if introduced here in Malaysia? Hit the comments below with your take on which…