Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota FT-3e concept teases future flagship electric SUV

Production version of new FT-3e concept could serve as a Polestar 3 rival and big brother to the mid-size Toyota bZ4X

The new Toyota FT-3e concept has been unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show and could pave the way for a flagship electric SUV to rival the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and the forthcoming Polestar 3

The FT-3e concept measures 4,860mm long, 1,955mm wide and 1,595mm tall, and has a wheelbase of exactly 3,000mm. If those dimensions are anything to go by, a road-going descendant would be roughly the same size as those potential rivals we listed, not to mention longer and wider than the existing Toyota bZ4X mid-size electric SUV.

The front end of the FT-3e is an evolution of the bZ4X’s design, although to our eyes the show car bares a closer resemblance to the Jaguar I-Pace from a few angles. The Toyota has a fairly muscular stance and short overhangs to maximise interior space, plus a split roof spoiler like the one of the Lotus Eletre. Of course, this wouldn’t be a flagship EV concept car without some full-width light bars, which can be at the front and rear. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The FT-3e’s interior is fairly restrained by concept car standards, but there’s enough screens dotted around to make your eyes go square. In addition to the typical digital driver’s display and large central touchscreen, there are two smartphone-style screens on either side of the steering wheel, plus two more at the base of the windscreen to relay the feed from the digital side mirrors. It looks like the FT-3e also gets a head-up display, and even more information projected onto the dashboard.

Other than the dimensions, no technical details have been released about what lies behind the bold angular bodywork of the FT-3e. All Toyota has said is that the FT-3e shares some major competents with the FT-Se two-seat sports car concept also unveiled in Tokyo.

We suspect the two, or the production versions that they’re teasing, will use the new modular electric-car architecture Toyota is sharing with its premium sister brand Lexus. They could also utilise the next-generation of Toyota’s battery technology, with the brand currently developing three new types of battery, including ‘performance’ and ‘high-performance’ lithium-ion packs that it claims could offer up to 497 and 621 miles of range respectively in the right EV.

Toyota is planning to launch 30 new all-electric vehicles by 2030, with the first featuring its next-generation batteries due to arrive in 2026. 

Looking for a higher driving position? There are the best SUVs on sale right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Toyota Celica (Mk7, 1999-2006) buyer’s guide: a great modern classic
Used Toyota Celica - front

Used Toyota Celica (Mk7, 1999-2006) buyer’s guide: a great modern classic

A full used buyer’s guide on the Toyota Celica Mk7 that was on sale between 1999 and 2006
Used car tests
19 Jun 2025
The best ever popemobiles
Best ever popemobiles

The best ever popemobiles

For nearly 100 years Popes have had bespoke transport – here we chart the astonishing history of the popemobile
Best cars & vans
8 May 2025
New Toyota bZ7 is a £17,000 electric saloon, but it’s not coming here
Toyota bZ7 - front 3/4 static

New Toyota bZ7 is a £17,000 electric saloon, but it’s not coming here

Toyota is looking to expand its bZ-branded EV range
News
23 Apr 2025
Best Toyota cars: Our top Toyotas present and past
Best Toyota Cars - header

Best Toyota cars: Our top Toyotas present and past

Want to know which are the best Toyotas to buy? Here is our guide to the brand’s best cars, present and past
Best cars & vans
22 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025