FAW‑Toyota has introduced the bZ3 Smart Home Edition in China, updating the mid‑size electric sedan with lidar, an advanced Momenta driving system and BYD Blade battery packs. The refreshed model arrives with two trims priced at 109,800 yuan (about US$15,700) for the Joy and 129,800 yuan (about US$18,600) for the Pro.
FAW-Toyota bZ3 features and specifications
The Smart Home Edition keeps the bZ3’s core dimensions — 4,725 mm long, 1,835 mm wide and between 1,475 mm and 1,480 mm tall, with a 2,880 mm wheelbase — while introducing subtle exterior tweaks. Toyota’s latest hammerhead shark front fascia is paired with a through‑type headlight cluster and a revised rear light signature. A new Dark Cloud Green paint option joins the palette and hidden door handles remain part of the design.
Most notable is the inclusion of a roof‑mounted lidar and the standard Momenta 5.0 advanced driver assistance system. Momenta 5.0 supports more than 30 functions, including urban and highway navigation on autopilot (NOA) and remote parking assist. The system relies on a 32‑sensor suite — one lidar, five millimetre‑wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 11 cameras — and a high‑performance compute chip rated at 544 TOPS.
Powertrain, battery and charging
The bZ3 maintains a front‑wheel‑drive single‑motor layout. The Joy trim uses a 135 kW (181 hp) motor paired with a 49.9 kWh BYD Blade lithium‑iron phosphate battery, offering a CLTC range of 517 km. The Pro boosts output to 180 kW (241 hp) and fits a 65.3 kWh Blade pack for a CLTC range of 616 km. Under DC fast charging, the battery can recharge from 30% to 80% in around 27 minutes.
BYD’s Blade cells are widely recognised for safety and cycle life, making them a common choice in Chinese EVs. The combination of competitive range figures, rapid charging and an affordable entry price places the bZ3 Smart Home Edition squarely in the increasingly crowded mid‑size EV market.
Interior and technology
Inside, FAW‑Toyota has upgraded the central display to a 15.6‑inch horizontal screen, replacing the previous 12.8‑inch vertical unit. The cabin also features a rectangular instrument cluster, ambient lighting and an AI voice assistant. The layout favours familiar controls, including a conventional steering wheel, signalling a focus on user comfort and everyday usability rather than radical cockpit redesign.
The arrival of Momenta 5.0 with lidar at this price point is significant. While the bZ3 received L2‑level assistance in a 2024 refresh, earlier variants lacked lidar. The new standardisation of the advanced system suggests FAW‑Toyota aims to raise the ADAS baseline for its mainstream models.
FAW‑Toyota reported sales of 2,118 bZ3 units in China in November, and the Smart Home Edition will compete on value, safety and automated driving capabilities. With competitive pricing, proven battery technology and an expanded feature set, the updated bZ3 is positioned to appeal to buyers seeking advanced driver assistance and strong range at a mainstream price.
Source: FAW‑Toyota
Key Takeaways:
- FAW‑Toyota launches the bZ3 Smart Home Edition in China, with prices from 109,800 yuan (US$15,700).
- The car debuts Momenta 5.0 ADAS and a roof‑mounted lidar, supported by 32 sensors and a 544 TOPS chip.
- Two trims use BYD Blade LFP batteries delivering up to 616 km CLTC range and fast DC charging.
- New interior upgrades include a 15.6‑inch central screen, ambient lighting and an AI voice assistant.
