Toyota bZ7: Luxury EVs in China

The National Times - Toyota bZ7: Luxury EVs in China

The Toyota bZ7 is shaking up China’s electric luxury car segment. Developed jointly by Toyota and GAC, the five‑meter sedan is built exclusively for the Chinese market and measures roughly 5,130 mm long and 1,965 mm wide, similar to a Tesla Model S. Pricing starts at about 147,800 yuan (approximately US$21,500) and runs up to 199,800 yuan across five trim levels.

The bZ7 showcases cutting‑edge technology. Its cockpit features Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 interface on a 15.6‑inch touchscreen, complemented by an 8.8‑inch digital cluster and a 27‑inch head‑up display. Voice control recognizes multiple zones and commands, yet physical buttons remain for key functions. Momenta provides the R6 ADAS suite, combining LiDAR and 26 other sensors to deliver highway and urban navigation on autopilot plus automated parking without subscription fees.

Passengers enjoy ventilated, heated and massaging seats, while the front seats use a zero‑gravity design for comfort. Dual‑chamber air suspension and a road‑preview system give a refined ride.

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Power comes from lithium iron phosphate battery packs of 71 kWh or 88 kWh. Ranges under China’s CLTC cycle vary from 600 km to 710 km (373 ‑ 441 mi). Thanks to 3C fast‑charging, up to 300 km of range can be added in 10 minutes. The electric drive unit delivers up to 207 kW (278 hp) and the car supports a 6.6 kW external power supply for appliances.

The launch on March 30, 2026 proved a hit: over 3,100 orders were placed within the first hour. Western media highlighted the price equivalent to less than €20,000, although this includes limited‑time incentives. Commenters online praise the sleek design and tech‑laden interior; many lament that such an affordable electric flagship isn’t available in Europe or North America. Some question whether the low sticker price is sustainable without subsidies and raise concerns about after‑sales support for a highly complex vehicle. Others note that the fastback design limits trunk access compared with liftback sedans, which may deter buyers accustomed to more practical cargo openings.

Toyota states that the bZ7 is intended solely for the Chinese market. In Europe, the company focuses on other models like the bZ4X and Urban Cruiser. Nevertheless, the bZ7 signals how global carmakers are leveraging Chinese partnerships to offer high‑tech EVs at aggressive prices, putting pressure on rivals worldwide.

Dubai Police Unveil Next Generation of ‘Ghiath’ Smart Patrols Powered by BYD

In line with Dubai’s vision to lead in security, sustainability and smart mobility, Dubai Police, in partnership with Al-Futtaim, the exclusive distributor of BYD in the UAE, has launched the second generation of its ‘Ghiath’ smart patrol vehicles.The launch ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD Company, Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Al-Futtaim, Major General Hareb Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, Major General Rashid Al Falasi, Director of the General Department of Transport and Rescue, along with senior officers and representatives from both organisations.The launch coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai Police and Al-Futtaim, the exclusive distributor of BYD in the UAE. The agreement was signed by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei on behalf of Dubai Police and Yousuf AlRaeesi, Director of Government Affairs at Al-Futtaim, on behalf of the company. The partnership aims to develop the second generation of ‘Ghiath’ smart patrol vehicles using the plug in hybrid DENZA B8, combining advanced security technologies, high performance and environmental sustainability. The new patrols will support police operations with more advanced smart vehicles that improve response times, enhance field operations and meet the evolving demands of future policing.Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri said Dubai Police remains committed to maintaining its position among the world’s leading police organisations by equipping its operations with the latest technologies and advanced equipment to enhance community safety and security. He noted that the partnership with Al-Futtaim and BYD represents an important step in developing the second generation of ‘Ghiath’ smart patrols and expanding Dubai Police’s fleet with highly advanced vehicles designed to deliver optimal performance across policing and security operations.

Leggett Dynamics Launches Mid-Class Massage System & Makes Luxury Comfort Accessible on High-Volume Programs

DETROIT, MI / ACCESS Newswire / June 22, 2026 / Leggett Dynamics today launched its Mid-Class Massage System (MCM), a breakthrough non-electronic innovation that makes premium massage more accessible beyond the luxury vehicle segment. Now in production with a global OEM, MCM was also shortlisted for the 2026 Auto Tech Partnership Award for industry-leading innovation and collaboration.

Small, efficient and revolutionary: The IPOP electric car from Alsace

In early May 2026, the French start‑up IPOP Automobiles unveiled a prototype of its mini electric car at the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse. Nicknamed IPOP, the vehicle breaks with conventions: instead of a central motor, each wheel houses its own electric motor. The company promises that nearly all components are manufactured in France, with battery cells from China being the only exception.Visually, the IPOP resembles a hybrid of a beach buggy and a golf cart. It can be configured as a two‑ or four‑seat vehicle, with open or enclosed bodywork, and with either two‑ or four‑wheel drive. Inventor Christophe Winkelmuller believes that wheel‑hub motors are the next big leap in vehicle electrification, comparable to the battery revolution of the past decade. By eliminating bulky drivetrains, the wheel motors are intended to save space and increase efficiency.

The National Times - Toyota bZ7: Luxury EVs in China