Toyota Prepares New Electric Car to Rival BYD Sealion 7

KatadataOTO – Recently, Toyota has reportedly been preparing to introduce a new member to its BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) electrification lineup. Judging from the published silhouette, its posture resembles the bZ Compact SUV prototype, which debuted in 2022.

“This newest electric car is inspired by Toyota's history of creating products with a strong emotional side, providing many choices for consumers,” wrote Toyota Europe in an official statement, quoted Wednesday (26/2).

There is no more detailed information regarding Toyota's newest EV, but it is believed that its specifications will be similar to the bZ Compact SUV Concept.

It should be noted that the bZ Compact SUV is part of the bZ or Beyond Zero electric car series, like the bZ4X which is already marketed in Indonesia.

Photo : Toyota

This car was designed in Europe by Toyota European Design and Development in France. Its appearance is made minimalist yet elegant, maintaining the sleek characteristics of the bZ4X.

For perspective, this prospective new Toyota electric car has dimensions of L x W x H at 4,538 mm x 1,560 mm x 1,888 mm, slightly smaller than the bZ4X, which measures 4,690 mm x 1,860 mm x 1,600 mm.

If it enters Indonesia, the options for electric-powered SUVs will increase. One of the newest arrivals is a product from China, the BYD Sealion 7, which is touted as the SUV version of the Seal electric sedan.

However, the BYD Sealion 7 has larger dimensions than Toyota's newest electric car. Its measurements are 4,830 mm x 1,925 mm x 1,620 mm. Its ground clearance is 163 mm for the Performance type, while the Premium variant is at 157 mm.

Its price is also competitive, starting from IDR 629 million. If Toyota intends to introduce this new model, its price needs to be competitive, similar to what Chinese brands have done. 

Photo : Toyota

Toyota's Plan to Bring a New Electric Car to Indonesia

On the sidelines of the IIMS 2025 event, PT TAM (Toyota Astra Motor) revealed that they will continue to conduct studies to present electric cars that meet the needs of domestic consumers.

There are several candidates likely to hit the roads this year, one of which is the Urban Cruiser EV, a twin to the Suzuki e Vitara.

Suzuki has confirmed the arrival of the e Vitara for consumers in the country. But not in the near future, to be precise, early 2026.