Toyota bZ4X
A new world
Toyota bZ4X
© press-inform – the press office
Toyota took its time to jump on the electric train. But now the world’s largest automaker is starting its big electric offensive with a car without a real model name, the Toyota bZ4X.
One can only hope that Toyota’s marketing and sales will come up with something else when it comes to the nomenclature of the new electric crossover. Because which customer goes to the dealer and asks for a bZ4X? The 4.69 meter long crossover is set to usher in a new era for the mass Japanese. The abbreviation bZ stands for beyong zero, 4X for the model, because the front-wheel drive version also has the X in its name. The technology and design of the bZ4X largely correspond to the study that Toyota first presented to the public a few months ago in China. The front without a radiator grille with the deliberately narrow LED eyes, flared wheel arches and the 2.85 meter long wheelbase and tight overhangs are striking. Made possible by the new platform, on which a large number of new electric models for the global markets will roll off the assembly line in the future.
A variable-sized battery pack between the two axles is mandatory; the platform optionally offers mono-axle or all-wheel drive as with the bZ4X. Thanks to a particularly flat 71.4 kWh battery pack, the new electric SUV is over eight centimeters flatter than the current Toyota RAV4, which also has a 16 centimeter shorter wheelbase. The maximum range of the two bZ4X models is 460 and 500 kilometers, respectively. The front-wheel drive car has an output of 150 kW / 204 hp, while the all-wheel drive version has hardly any more power. An electric motor with only 80 kW / 109 PS is installed on the front and rear axles, which means that the all-wheel drive has an output of 160 kW / 218 PS. We can assume that a sportier version with significantly more power will follow in order not to lag behind the international competition. From a standing start, the two models accelerate to 100 km / h in 8.4 and 7.7 seconds. Upon request, the Toyota bZ4X is on the move on wheels up to 20 inches in size. The complete underbody cover, a two-part roof spoiler and rear diffuser and spoiler ensure low air resistance.
Apart from the noticeably open steering wheel, the interior is deliberately reserved; almost puristic. The driver looks at a low instrument panel, which emphasizes the open character of the cab and at the same time improves the forward view. The optional panorama roof brings a lot of light into the interior. The steering wheel is unusually low, so the driver looks at a seven-inch information display above it and has a large central screen in the middle of the dashboard for other functions. Otherwise, the Japanese offers space for up to five people, seat heating front and rear a load volume of up to 452 liters. The four-wheel drive was developed in collaboration with Subaru. Various driving modes can be selected for maximum traction: snow / mud, deep snow and mud (under 20 km / h). For particularly demanding terrain there is the Grip Control starting aid and in everyday life the Toyota can be moved almost completely with the accelerator, since the brake is only needed for strong braking. The Toyota bZ4X can refuel with a maximum of 150 kilowatts at a fast charging station, whereby the battery of the electric SUV is also fed from the solar roof when the vehicle is stationary. The market launch is in mid-2022 – until then it can still be something with a real name.