Toyota reveals production bZ4X - the company's first purpose-built electric vehicle
The bZ4X is the first model in Toyota’s bZ — Beyond Zero — sub-brand
The e-TNGA dedicated EV architecture underpins the bZ4X
A 71.4 kWh Lithium ion battery delivers a 450 km (280 mile) WLTP driving range
The bZ4X will be able to replenish 80 percent battery capacity in 30 minutes thanks to 150 kW DC charging
The single 150 kW front-motor front wheel drive setup produces 150 kW and 265 Nm; an all wheel drive variant will produce 162 kW and 336 Nm
Toyota expects European deliveries to commence in Q1 2022
Here it is. The first all-electric vehicle from Toyota, the company that pioneered hybrid vehicle technology, yet also publicly spread anti-EV sentiments via corporate communications, and the company’s CEO.
But I digress.
The Toyota bZ4X is the company’s first real shot at producing a global battery electric vehicle on a new platform dubbed e-TNGA, which will also underpin future models from Subaru, Daihatsu and Suzuki. Subaru was also heavily involved in the all wheel drive development according to the media release.
Available in a single 71.4 kWh battery variant, customers will have a choice of a front wheel drive, front-mounted motor setup with 150 kW of power and 265 Nm or torque, or an all wheel drive variant producing 162 kW of power and 336 Nm of torque.
Toyota claims a maximum WLTP combined range of 450 km (280 miles); expect an EPA rating of around 10 percent less.
Toyota bZ4X Image Gallery
Toyota bZ4X exterior design
Two dimensional images never provide justice to a vehicle’s design, however the bZ4X — while certainly contemporary — somehow manages to be a little underwhelming on the outside in my view. There’s certainly a lot going on; a contrasting paint colour on the roof, and plenty of black plastic around the wheel arches, as well as some heavy surface sculpting all over (Chris Bangle eat your heart out). It is reminiscent of the chunky Polestar 2, without the elegance or purposefulness. There are some familiar Toyota design tropes, with the front end being particularly “on-brand”, and the rear design being reminiscent of other Toyota SUVs but overall, it isn’t a design that excites us.
Toyota bZ4X Interior features
Wait…what happened to the steering wheel? In a nod to Tesla’s Model S Plaid, it appears an aircraft-style yoke will be optionally available on the bZ4X, to complement a steer-by-wire system. Unlike Tesla, Toyota claims there will be no need for hand-over-hand turning, with full-lock achieved with a 150-degree turn of the wheel.
Toyota is taking inspiration for the interior design from the Scandinavians, stating that the Swedish word to express that something is “just right — “lagom” – forms the basis for the bZ4X’s cockpit design. The interior does seem to be a bit of a busy button-fest though, with the steering wheel covered in too many to count. Perhaps Toyota could have taken inspiration from the Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, or even Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 when it comes to interior minimalism.
Toyota states that the long wheelbase provided by the e-TNGA platform allows for class leading legroom, as well as a one-metre distance between front and rear passenger hip points. Rear cargo capacity is a useful 452 litres, but no word on whether there is practical underfloor storage like in Tesla’s Model 3, or a frunk.
With the Lexus UX300e launching in Australia this month, its great to see Toyota Motor Corporation getting on the BEV bandwagon. While the Lexus is hampered by older battery technology without liquid cooling and slow charging, the 150 kW maximum speed of charging for the bZ4X should appeal to customers, replenishing 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.
The bZ4X will make its European debut on December 2 ahead of Q1 2022 customer deliveries.