Toyota Refreshes bZ5 With New Driver Assistance Tech in China

FAW Toyota has launched the 2027 bZ5 in China with an upgraded driver-assistance system and temporary price reductions, as the joint venture looks to revive demand for its battery-electric coupe SUV.

The refreshed bZ5 is offered in six variants, with official prices unchanged at between 129,800 yuan ($19,140) and 199,800 yuan. For a limited time, however, buyers can purchase the vehicle for between 109,800 yuan and 179,800 yuan after a combination of cash incentives and trade-in subsidies.

The update arrives as the bZ5 faces weak demand in China. Retail sales fell 64.59% year over year to just 529 units in July, according to data compiled by CNEV Post.

Driver assistance gets a major upgrade

The biggest change for the 2027 model is the bZ5’s driver-assistance system.

Toyota Pilot has been upgraded from Momenta 5.0 to Momenta 6.0, using the R6 reinforcement-learning foundation model developed by Chinese driving technology company Momenta.

The system is powered by a chip capable of 544 TOPS of computing performance and supports features including urban navigation-assisted driving.

FAW Toyota has also introduced its IT’S TiME 4.0 technology framework, which is designed to support the development of electrified and intelligent vehicles in China.

Temporary price cuts bring bZ5 below 110,000 yuan

While the bZ5’s official pricing remains unchanged, FAW Toyota is offering a temporary 20,000-yuan discount across the lineup.

The promotion consists of a 16,000-yuan cash incentive and a 4,000-yuan trade-in subsidy.

The company is also offering interest-free financing, a lifetime warranty covering the battery, motor and electric control system for the first owner, and a free home charger.

The incentives bring the starting price down to 109,800 yuan, or about $16,170.

Range reaches 630 km

The refreshed bZ5 retains a front-mounted electric motor producing up to 200 kW (268 horsepower).

Its LFP Blade Battery packs, supplied by BYD, are available with capacities of 65.28 kWh and 73.98 kWh. The two versions provide CLTC-rated ranges of 550 km and 630 km, respectively.

The bZ5 measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width and 1,510 mm in height, with a 2,880-mm wheelbase.

Inside, the vehicle features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, 10 JBL speakers and 50-watt wireless charging.

Toyota looks to revive weak bZ5 sales

Toyota launched the bZ5 in June 2025 as part of its effort to compete with China’s increasingly aggressive EV market.

The model initially reached a monthly sales peak of 3,019 units in September 2025. Demand has since weakened considerably, with July retail sales dropping to 529 units.

The latest refresh therefore gives FAW Toyota a combination of lower temporary pricing and upgraded driver-assistance technology as it attempts to make the bZ5 more competitive with China’s increasingly technology-focused EV market.

For Toyota, the challenge will be turning those upgrades and incentives into sustained demand for an EV that has struggled to gain traction since its launch.

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