Toyota‘s plan included the reveal of more than a dozen concept cars representing the brand’s intended models, including the likes of the bZ4X, other bZ models since confirmed for China, and several yet-to-be revisited models.
One of the latter, the largest SUV in the series, now looks to be the focus for the brand as a matching patent design has been published by Chinese car news site Autohome.
It comes as no surprise, after Toyota last week announced it would begin production of an «all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV» in its Kentucky, USA plant from 2025 onwards.
Officially known only as the bZ Large SUV for now – though referred to as bZ5X by those anticipating its likely name – the model remains relatively mysterious aside from its design apparently being close to production intention.
But its size and three-row layout lead us to suspect this is what might eventually replace (or become the next version of) the Kluger large SUV – or the Highlander as it’s known overseas.
Its patent designs, which were likely published quietly by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, show camera rear mirror mounts like the concept instead of traditional glass wing mirrors, while its wheels and trim all match up too.
The only key difference is the patent drawing showing none of the interior, though its body is still long enough to include the third row as seen in the preview bZ Large SUV, all but confirming its connection to the upcoming 2025 SUV.
It’s yet to be confirmed if the SUV will be built elsewhere, which would greatly increase the likelihood of it being available in right-hand drive for markets like Australia.
