Toyota bZ3X with Right-Hand Drive Debuts in Hong Kong & Macau at $33,100

The bZ3X represents Toyota's first battery-electric vehicle specifically designed for Hong Kong and Macau, where right-hand drive vehicles are the norm due to historical colonial ties. Priced at 259,000 Hong Kong dollars ($33,100), the SUV is significantly more expensive than its Mainland China counterpart, reflecting regional market dynamics and import taxation. Despite the price difference, the bZ3X offers a compelling package with its premium features and longer range.

The electric SUV is powered by a 150 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor and a 70.0 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, offering a range of up to 565 km under the NEDC testing cycle. This setup provides an experience tailored to the demands of urban environments in Hong Kong and Macau. The model supports both AC and DC fast charging, with capacities of 6.6 kW and 90 kW, respectively, and includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities for external power supply.

Inside, the bZ3X is equipped with Toyota’s Intelligent Driving Assistant, accessible via a mobile app, along with an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central display. The vehicle features wireless Apple CarPlay, voice control, and a premium 11-speaker audio system by YAMAHA. Comfort is prioritized with electrically adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and cooling, as well as reclining rear seats.

The SUV's exterior dimensions are 4,600 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. It features 19-inch alloy wheels and a suspension system comprising a MacPherson strut with an anti-roll bar at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam at the rear. The bZ3X also incorporates advanced safety features, including a 360-degree panoramic parking camera and an emergency power cut-off button.

The bZ3X's launch in Hong Kong and Macau comes after its initial introduction in Mainland China through the GAC-Toyota joint venture. There, the model was offered at a starting price of 109,800 yuan (approximately $15,100), indicating a substantial price gap compared to its RHD version. This discrepancy underscores the challenges and costs associated with adapting vehicles for right-hand drive markets, which include smaller production scales and additional regulatory requirements.

Looking ahead, Toyota plans to expand the reach of the bZ3X to other right-hand drive markets, such as Japan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. This strategic move aligns with Toyota's broader vision of establishing a strong global presence in the electric vehicle sector, particularly in regions with varying automotive system requirements.