The New Toyota bZ7: HarmonyOS, LiDAR, and Real Long Range

The new GAC Toyota bZ7 steps into the electric sedan world with a clear goal: to show how far Toyota’s Chinese engineering team has come in creating vehicles built specifically for local drivers. You immediately get a sense of that shift the moment you see the car. It has a long, confident stance, sharp character lines, and a front end designed to move air cleanly rather than just look stylish. The split-headlight setup and the roof-mounted LiDAR make it clear that this sedan is not just about design but about technology playing a major role in everyday driving.

Walking around the vehicle, you notice how stretched and balanced the profile looks. The three-dimensional waistline, the semi-hidden door handles, and the large wheels all work together to give it a sleek shape. With a length of 5130 mm and a wheelbase of 3020 mm, the bZ7 delivers the kind of proportions buyers expect from a proper mid-to-large electric sedan. The coupe-like rear finishes the look with a wide, smooth glass area that flows into a clean tail section with through-type taillights and a sporty spoiler.

Inside, the bZ7 introduces something completely new for GAC Toyota: Huawei’s HarmonyOS cockpit. The large central display becomes the heart of the cabin, putting smart features front and center. You also get facial recognition, a head-up display, and a premium speaker layout that makes the car feel modern and warm at the same time. It is the kind of interior that makes daily commuting feel more effortless.

For driving assistance, Toyota partnered with Momenta to bring high-level assisted driving to both city streets and highways. The sedan uses a LiDAR sensor on the roof and an advanced end-to-end model to make the system feel smooth and predictable, especially in busy traffic.

Under the body, Huawei’s DriveONE electric motor delivers up to 207 kilowatts, giving the bZ7 solid acceleration for its size. Customers can choose between two battery packs: 88.13 kilowatt hours and 71.35 kilowatt hours. Depending on configuration, the larger battery offers CLTC driving ranges of 680 km, 700 km, or 710 km, while the smaller pack provides 600 km. With a top speed of 180 km/h and a focus on efficiency, the bZ7 aims to satisfy drivers who want both comfort and a strong electric driving experience.

The model is set to go on sale later this year, and it feels like Toyota is using the bZ7 to mark a new era for its electric lineup in China.