GAC-Toyota Motor Company Limited, a joint venture (JV) between Japanese automobile giant Toyota and Chinese state-owned automaker GAC Group, has announced the launch of its new electric SUV, the Bozhi 4X, in China – the world’s leading car market. Priced at 179,800 Yuan (approximately $25,000), the upgraded bZ4X model aims to cater to a broader consumer base with pocket-friendly pricing and high-tech features.

Launched under GAC-Toyota JV’s Bozhi sub-brand, the Bozhi 4X e-SUV boasts a distinctive design, featuring a hammer shark-style front face with multi-eye LED lights. As already mentioned above, the new e-SUV aligns quite closely with the dimensions of the Toyota bZ4X model. To be more specific, it measures 4,690 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height.

Built on the EV-dedicated e-TNGA platform, the Bozhi 4X e-SUV ensures a solid foundation for optimal performance. It comes equipped with a 66.7-kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, which promises an impressive CLTC range of up to 615 km (equivalent to 382 miles) on a single charge. The e-SUV showcases a 12.3-inch navigation system (depending on the trim selected by the buyer) with high-tech features like facial recognition, and supporting connectivity platforms like Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife+, and HUAWEI HiCar. When it comes to the interior, it is available in three color options, viz. Gray, black, and red.

In terms of features and trims, the new e-SUV boasts "X-MODE," a four-wheel drive off-road model developed in collaboration with Subaru to enhance grip in adverse weather conditions with its smart creep mode. Additionally, the vehicle incorporates Toyota's newest safety technologies, including predictive driving mode and intelligent lane tracking.

Available in in four trims, the 615 Air model starts at 179,800 Yuan and includes features like 8-inch display, Toyota smart cockpit, driving assist features, and connectivity. The 615 Pro model, which is available for 199,800 Yuan ($28,000), offers high-grade leather seats, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a panoramic monitoring system, and additional upgrades.

The top-tier AWD 560Max model features a grip-controlled crawling mode, X-Mode AWD, smart wireless charging, and intelligent park assist. Front-wheel drive versions come with a 150-kW e-motor and up to 615 km (382 miles) CLTC range, while the AWD model comes equipped with dual 80-kW motors and achieves up to 560 km (348 miles) CLTC range.

Toyota's move to introduce an affordable e-SUV in China comes at a time when the automaker is facing several challenges in the rapidly evolving EV market. With competitors like BYD and Tesla driving down prices, the Bozhi 4X could be Toyota’s strategic move to enhance the brand’s presence and competitiveness in the Chinese market.