2023 Toyota BZ SDN patent images hint at electric sedan

Toyota is gearing up to launch its second ground-up electric vehicle, but there’s a caveat.

Patent images published on Chinese social media have uncovered the 2023 Toyota BZ sedan, first previewed by the BZ SDN concept in late 2021.

Rumours suggest the electric vehicle could adopt the BZ5 nameplate; however, it will likely remain exclusive to the Chinese market to battle countless homegrown competitors.

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While sedans remain a core market in China, the BZ sedan isn’t likely to make a global appearance due to declining sales.

This is because SUVs and commercial vehicles, such as the BZ4X crossover, are now the preferred vehicle type in most other markets.

The medium-sized electric sedan has been developed in collaboration with Chinese vehicle manufacturer BYD, bringing lithium-ion-phosphate ‘Blade’ battery technology underneath.

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In comparison to the BZ SDN concept revealed at Toyota’s electric vehicle showcase back in December 2021, the renderings for the production version expose minor design changes.

For instance, the aerodynamic wheel covers are replaced with multi-spoke alloy wheels, while the front bumper design is slightly revised.

The remainder of the design is carried over from the concept, including; the liftback shape, full-width LED lighting units and a floating roof design.

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Toyota BZ SDN concept

Interestingly, while both are present in the BZ SDN concept, the model shown in the patent images does not feature black-painted side mirrors or flush door handles.

It is currently unknown if the BZ sedan will be underpinned by the modular Toyota New Global Architecture for electric vehicles (e-TNGA) or the platform used for the BYD Qin Plus electric mid-size sedan.

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Toyota’s electric New Global Architecture currently features in the BZ4X medium SUV, its identical Subaru Solterra twin, and the Lexus RZ.

A leaked specification sheet, published by Car News China, states the BZ sedan will be roughly the same size as a Tesla Model 3 at 4725 millimetres long. This is longer than a Corolla sedan, but shorter than a Camry.

The 2023 Toyota BZ5 is expected to go on sale in the Chinese market before the end of 2022, with further information likely in the coming months.