The new flagship sedan, an electric vehicle (EV) dubbed the bZ7, was created in China by a joint venture and an Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center. Since EVs account for a significant portion of sales in the Chinese domestic market, the company opted for a collaboration that blends, “…safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing and China’s advanced technology,” as the company said in a blog post. The outcome is a large sedan, five meters in length, packed with impressive features. In dimensions, it is marginally longer than a Tesla Model S. Its front-end appearance resembles other models such as the Prius, which shares the ‘hammerhead’ design language. While the brand is renowned for its excellent, fuel-efficient hybrid models, it has not exactly led the charge in full EVs.
Primary among the advanced elements are Huawei’s HarmonyCockpit, integrated with a smart ecosystem called “Human x Car x Home,” enabling control of smart home devices via your smartphone or the car’s infotainment screen. Huawei also supplies the bZ7’s electric motors. Another important feature is the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor mounted on the roof, which will make use of a smart driving system on higher trim levels. The bZ7 began as a concept, has moved into production, and is a clear example of how the manufacturer was slow to embrace full EVs but is now taking it seriously, a shift that aligns with a broader breakthrough in EV battery recycling and solid-state technology.
What else should you know about this flagship Chinese EV?
Inside, you’re welcomed by a refined and minimalist cabin design. A large touchscreen appears to float in the center of the dash, with an instrument cluster positioned in front of the driver. Subtle wood trim is scattered throughout, and ambient lighting is included. A two-tone steering wheel with integrated controls faces the driver. A small roof console, placed between the sun visors, houses additional switches. The exterior styling also conveys the sophistication of its design, with a sporty touch added via an aerodynamic fastback roofline, frameless doors, and a terminating ducktail spoiler. It rides on 21″ multi-spoke alloy wheels shod with 255/40R21 tires. It is a very appealing car that could easily join the roster of unexpectedly luxurious models.
Propulsion comes from a single Huawei motor producing 278 horsepower, which can propel it to a top speed of 180 km/h (111.8 mph). It draws its energy from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, but range and battery capacity numbers have not yet been disclosed.
This vehicle is an effort to build a car for China in China, one that can contend in that nation’s market and appeal to local buyers. While there are no plans to bring the bZ7 to other shores, this car should teach the manufacturer a great deal about selling EVs in the world’s largest, most competitive market, including lessons on why EV charging prices remain hidden from view.
Sustainability advocate with a keen eye on policies, trends, and real-world EV impact.
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