Toyota wants to be carbon neutral by 2050. In order to achieve this, the previous course with hydrogen and hybridization seems like it is just not enough. That's why the Japanese want to bring 15 new electric cars onto the market by 2025, seven of them from the newly launched "bZ" electric series, and the bZ4 marks the beginning of it.
The abbreviation stands for "beyond zero", which is intended to express the pursuit of zero emissions. The bZ4X is the first in practice. The SUV in the RAV4 format was developed together with Subaru and is scheduled to be launched in June 2022.
Therefore, Toyota starts its electric offensive in late 2022 with the bZ4 and its all-wheel-drive version bZ4X. Steering and battery technology have interesting features. The E-SUV can be reserved now.
The bZ4X Concept, which debuted as a concept study at the Shanghai Auto Show in spring 2021, is the first Toyota to use the new platform. Now the Japanese have presented the optically very similar series versions; the bZ4 with front-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive bZ4X.
The Design
The bZ4X is based on Toyota's new e-TNGA platform for electric vehicles, which Subaru will also use. The crossover continues the angular design language of the Toyota SUVs. Due to the black contrasting paintwork on the roof and fenders, however, it looks much beefier.
The rear window falls flatter than other models, and the bZ4X is a total of 3.3 inches lower than the RAV4. With similar body dimensions, it will have a wheelbase that is 6.2 inches longer and offers noticeably more space than the RAV4, which is also thanks to the short overhangs.
The similarities between the emphatically angular SUV models are no coincidence. For example at the front, the BZ4X does without the giant grille that characterizes the RAV4. But the drawn-down front section creates a shadow play that makes the area around the license plate look like a radiator grille.
There are also a number of parallels when viewed from the side; there are many light-refracting edges and beads here. Contrasting protective elements are located around the slightly flared, angular wheel housings, in which wheel rims measuring up to 20 inches rotate.
The loading flap sits between the front wheel housing and the driver's door. The roofline culminates in an extending roof spoiler that tapers in the middle and towers over a sloping rear window that doesn't drop as steeply as the RAV4.
The rear lights on the BZ4 and BZ4X have a triangular shape and are connected to each other by a light strip. There is a large plastic insert in the rear apron. The headlights of the electric SUV are even narrower than those of the conventionally powered brother.
The Interior
First of all, thanks to the long wheelbase and short overhangs, the interior is particularly spacious. Inside, the bZ4X comes up with some interesting solutions. The most striking thing is probably the steering wheel reminiscent of Tesla, which will be standard in connection with the "steer-by-wire" technology. Its rectangular shape is intended to underline the airy feeling of space and improve the view of the digital instrument display.
Otherwise, the interior of the concept study comes very close to that of the commercially available Toyotas. The steering wheel sits very deep in the instrument panel; the seven-inch monitor for the digital instruments is located above it.
In addition, there is a large digital display in the middle of the dashboard with a touch screen for operating the air conditioning underneath. On the towering center console is a rotary wheel that commands the transmission, around which a few buttons for driver assistance systems are grouped.
The Toyota BZ4 and its X version pull navigation information and the like from the cloud. Software updates are available wirelessly over the air, and windscreen wipers and air conditioning can also be operated by voice command.
The third generation of "Toyota Safety Sense" also makes its debut with the all-electric bZ4X. A close-meshed network of assistance and safety systems should offer even more protection thanks to new functions.
An extended "pre-collision system" recognizes oncoming or cutting-in vehicles more quickly, adjusts the speed accordingly and, if necessary, initiates a braking maneuver. In order to always remain up to date, the software can also be continuously updated and improved using "over-the-air" updates.
When it came to the choice of materials, the Japanese opted for sustainably produced surfaces for the upholstered dashboard and the five seats. An optional panoramic glass roof further improves the sense of space.
There is a large storage compartment underneath the floating center tunnel. The boot, which is equipped with a height-adjustable floor, has a capacity of up to 452 liters with the rear seat upright, depending on equipment.
The Power
Toyota offers its new electric SUV with two drive variants. In the BZ4, an electric motor drives the front wheels. The BZ4X has a second motor on the rear axle, which acts on the wheels there. The battery sits flat in the underbody.
In terms of performance, however, the two models are not far apart: the BZ4 has an output of 150 kW / 204 hp, while the two e-machines in the BZ4X each have an output of 80 kW and thus add up to 160 kW / 218 hp.
Both variants draw their power from a 71.4 kWh battery. Depending on the engine, a range of up to 250 miles is possible, which, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, can be extended with optional solar panels instead of a panorama roof.
The front-wheel-drive vehicle, which weighs 4232 lbs when empty, accelerates from zero to sixty in 8.4 seconds. The 187 lbs heavier all-wheel-drive vehicle is seven-tenths of a second faster in this exercise. The top speed of both variants is limited to 99 mph.
The electric SUV can be charged with up to 150 kW via a CCS2 plug using direct current fast charging, which means that the battery can be 80 percent full again within 30 minutes.
In principle, the BZ4 and BZ4X can also supply electricity. In the event of a power failure, for example, a house can be temporarily supplied with energy. However, Toyota is only offering this function in Japan for the time being.
In collaboration with all-wheel drive specialists Subaru (where the SUV is called Solterra), the bZ4X has been tuned to outperform all other e-SUVs in the mud. In the second stage of X-Mode, the bZ4X bravely digs through despite finely profiled 20-inch street tires.
Conclusion
Some people might be thinking that it is already too late for Toyota to get into the electric game completely. However, Toyota is getting electric serious and will be launching the first of six electric cars from 2022 with the BZ4 and its all-wheel-drive offshoot BZ4X.
In cooperation with Subaru, the Japanese are developing the new e-TNGA platform, which can be used flexibly in a similar way to the modular electrical construction kit from VW. When it comes to battery life, the hybrid pioneer makes a promise that surpasses all its competitors.
We will be seeing all the vulnerabilities this car might have in the future but like all cars, Toyota bZ4X can be protected well and serve for a long time comfortably. If you are planning on buying one, you are going to need protective equipment and it is not always easy to find them for a new model on the market.
We recommend you check out Coverking’s catalog for custom covers and accessories, they will be the first ones to carry the equipment for Toyota bZ4 & Toyota bZ4X. Also, they can custom create anything and everything you can think of as far as protective equipment goes. So, regardless of the car you own, check them out and see it for yourself!
Resources
- https://www.toyota.com/bz4x/
- https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/bz4x/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/bz4x
- https://www.toyota-europe.com/new-cars/bz4x/
- https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/15/the-toyota-bz4x-ev-solidly-middling/
- https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/37135919.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_bZ4X
- https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/bz4x/hatchback/review/n24187
- https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/12/23022385/toyota-bz4x-ev-suv-pricing-availability-announcement
- https://www.kbb.com/toyota/bz4x/
- https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/2023-toyota-bz4x-electric-car-revealed-detailed
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
