Today, we’re diving into Toyota’s first all-electric vehicle in Australia, the bZ4X. This exciting new SUV combines modern design with advanced electric technology, marking Toyota’s serious entry into the EV market. Join us as we explore its features, performance, and what makes it stand out in the crowded field of electric vehicles.
Exterior Design
The Toyota bZ4X features a modern SUV design with Toyota’s new “hammerhead” front theme, giving it a distinctive and aerodynamic look. The sleek bonnet line extends to the corners, offering a poised yet traditionally grilleless EV appearance. The vehicle has 20-inch alloys on both trims and a clean, uncluttered rear with rear LEDs running across the back.
- Front Design: Sleek bonnet line, traditional grilleless EV look
- Side Design: Cladding similar to the Rav4, 20-inch alloys
- Rear Design: Clean with rear LEDs running across
Drivetrain
Under the bonnet, the bZ4X is equipped with a front-mounted e-Axle that combines the motor and inverter for a smooth ride. It produces up to 150kW of power and 266Nm of torque in the FWD model. The higher trim features two motors at 80kW each, offering a combined output of 160kW. The battery is 71.4kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 436 km for the FWD model.
- FWD Model: 150kW power, 266Nm torque
- AWD Model: 160kW combined power (80kW per motor)
- Battery Capacity: 71.4kWh
- Range: Up to 436 km (WLTP)
Charging
The bZ4X supports standard and fast charging options. A standard 7kW home charger will take about 9.5 hours to fully charge the vehicle, while a DC fast charger can boost the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The fastest available charge speed on this architecture is 150kW.
- Home Charging: 7kW charger, ~9.5 hours to full
- Fast Charging: DC fast charger, 10-80% in 30 minutes
- Max Charge Speed: 150kW
Driving Dynamics
The bZ4X offers a smooth and quiet ride typical of an EV. The regenerative braking system, which must be manually activated each time, is mild and does not support one-pedal driving. The FWD model accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD model does it in 6.9 seconds. The top speed is 160 km/h. The AWD model also adds off-road capability.
- Acceleration (FWD): 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds
- Acceleration (AWD): 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 160 km/h
Interior & Comfort
The interior of the bZ4X is spacious and comfortable, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. While it includes many practical storage solutions, the overall design is quite basic, consistent with Toyota’s usual interior aesthetics. The steering column is notably long, and the rear seats and boot space offer ample room, with the boot providing 421 litres of space.
- Touchscreen: 12.3-inch with wireless connectivity
- Boot Space: 421 litres
Safety Features
The bZ4X is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like all-speed active cruise control with curve speed reduction, lane departure alert with steering assist, and lane change assist. The FWD model lacks a surround-view camera, offering only a reversing camera.
- Key Safety Features: All-speed active cruise control, lane departure alert, lane change assist, reversing camera (FWD)
PRICING
The Toyota bZ4X starts at $71,160 for the FWD model and $80,417 for the AWD version. While the pricing is on the higher side, it reflects the blend of Toyota reliability and electric vehicle technology.
- FWD Model: $71,160 drive-away
- AWD Model: $80,417 drive-away
Conclusion
The Toyota bZ4X marks a solid entry into the electric SUV market. It’s reliable, practical, and offers a decent range for most needs. While it doesn’t stand out significantly among other EVs in terms of innovation or features, it combines Toyota’s renowned reliability with electric vehicle technology. This model serves as a promising introduction to Toyota’s future in the electric vehicle market, leaving room for more exciting developments in the future.
- Pros: Reliable, practical, good range, advanced safety features
- Cons: Higher price, unpolished powertrain layout, basic interior, mild regenerative braking
Thank you for watching! What do you think of the bZ4X? Does it live up to your expectations as Toyota’s first full electric offering? Let us know in the comments below.
