Toyota has now also introduced the electric bZ4X for the European market. The electric SUV is the first of a whole armada of electric bZ models from the brand. The first copies will be delivered in the Netherlands at the end of 2022, although the electric SUV can already be admired at dealers from the middle of next year.
Toyota has a whole range of Stellaantis borrowed electric commercial vehicles in its range and the brand already has a fully electric car in its range with the fuel cell Mirai. However, with the introduction of the bZ4X, Toyota’s EV plans are getting a lot more serious. The bZ4X is the first of a whole series of models developed primarily as an electric car that Toyota attaches to its intended bZ label. It makes the electric SUV perhaps the most important new model from Toyota in ages. In October, the Toyota bZ4X made its international debut and the car also sets foot on European soil. By the way, you can expect no fewer than seven electric bZ models up to and including 2025.
The arrival of the Toyota bZ4X in Europe goes hand in hand with interesting information for the Dutch market. Although the first copies will come to Europe in the middle of next year, Toyota reports that the first copies of the bZ4X will be delivered to customers in the Netherlands at the end of 2022. You can, however, come and sniff the electric SUV extensively at the Dutch dealers from mid-2022.
Toyota bZ4X
Specifications
The bZ4X is the first Toyota to feature on the modular e-TNGA platform developed especially for EVs. The SUV is 8.5 centimeters longer than the RAV4, which means it stretches for a distance of just under 4.7 meters. At 2.85 meters, the wheelbase of the bZ4X is identical to that of the almost 5 meters long Highlander and exceeds that of competitor Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyaq iV by no less than 9 centimeters. That promises a lot for the interior space.
Toyota does not share new technical specifications, so we have to make do with the same figures for the version that has not yet been definitively homologated for the European market. The Toyota bZ4X will be available with a 204 hp and 265 Nm strong front-wheel drive version with a single electric motor and as a 218 hp and 336 Nm strong four-wheel drive version with two electric motors. With the latter powertrain, the bZ4X accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. With the less strong version you have to settle for an acceptable 8.4 count for the 0-100 sprint. Regardless of the variant chosen, the top speed is 160 km/h. The battery pack is 71.4 kWh in all cases.
Then the question of questions: how far does the bZ4X get on a full battery? Those figures are also not final yet, but Toyota previously communicated that the electric SUV can reach a range of more than 450 kilometers. On a 150 kW charger, the battery pack can be charged up to 80 percent of its capacity with electricity in about 30 minutes. Also interesting: Toyota indicates that after 10 years or about 240,000 kilometers, the battery still has 90 percent of its original capacity.
Toyota bZ4X
Interior and gadgets
Toyota gives the bZ4X a low dashboard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and brings a very strikingly shaped steering wheel to the SUV. It is an almost rectangular copy that is reminiscent of that of the Tesla Model S. The steering wheel belongs to the Toyota bZ4X with the optional One Motion Grip christened steer-by-wire technology. Thanks to the fully variable responses to input from the steering wheel, it is no longer necessary to repack the steering wheel when cornering, according to Toyota. This system will only be available in Europe at a later stage. Also interesting is the infrared radiant heating that Toyota installs in the bZ4X. If you check the Solar Roof when ordering your bZ4X, you will receive solar panels on the roof of your car. With this you can – under the most ideal conditions – pick up to 1,800 free and green kilometers from the sky.
Under the name T-Mate, Toyota is introducing the new generation of its package of passive and active safety systems, which it has brought under the name Toyota Safety Sense. It includes Pre-Collision System, Emergency Steering Assist, Intersection Turn Assitance, Front Cross Traffic alert and Safe Exit Assist. In addition, you can stuff the bZ4X with 4 cameras and 12 sensors with which the car can park itself in and out without someone behind the steering wheel.
Dutch prices are not yet available. Read more about the new Toyota bZ4X here.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl