Toyota bZ4X: your questions answered

Toyota bZ4X

The all-new Toyota bZ4X is the first model in our beyond Zero family of zero-emission battery electric vehicles. Displayed here in production-ready form, this spacious and comfortable SUV will launch across Europe in 2022.

Its arrival will also introduce a new leasing programme designed to cover the principal aspects of ownership – a one-stop concept that is designed to provide peace of mind for people acquiring their first BEV.

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota bZ4X: What are its exterior design features?

The exterior design is sleek, powerful and uncluttered, led by a distinctive hammerhead frontal shape. When viewed in profile, the bZ4X has a low roof and slender A-pillars, while the combination of thick sills and large wheels (up to 20-inch in diameter) express the car’s authentic SUV character. At the rear, the design similarly emphasises the corners, with a distinctive tail light that spans the width of the vehicle.

The design also incorporates aerodynamic elements that manage airflow and contribute to the driving range. These include apertures in the front bumper corners that create smooth air curtains; a full underbody cover; a split roof spoiler and rear ducktail lip spoiler; rear diffuser; and a precisely angled rear screen. The slim lower grille has a shutter that adjusts to channel cooling airflow to the battery and helps reduce wind resistance.

Beneath the surface, the bZ4X is the first Toyota to be built on our new, dedicated BEV platform. Known as e-TNGA, it incorporates the battery as a structural member of the chassis – a feature that creates high body rigidity, a low centre of gravity, and excellent front/rear weight distribution.

Toyota bZ4X

What’s it like inside bZ4X?

The long wheelbase has helped us create a spacious, open and comfortable five-seat cabin that has the welcoming ambience of a living room. There is class-leading leg room for all, with a one-metre distance between the front and rear hip points, while the load area offers 452 litres of storage with the rear seats in place.

Adding to the sense of openness and outward visibility is the slim and low-set instrument panel, which allows the seven-inch instrument and information display to sit above the line of the steering wheel, directly in the driver’s forward eye line.

Passenger comfort is assured by an energy efficient heating system that maximises driving range. Rather than a standard air conditioning system, the bZ4X uses a heat pump to warm the car by drawing heat from the external air.

What will the multimedia system be like?

The centrally mounted multimedia platform is our latest and most powerful system, offering a 12-inch touchscreen that gives access to cloud-based navigation. It also provides BEV-specific features such as driving range, driving support and charging station details. The driver can interact with the vehicle by sight, touch and voice, while over-the-air updates provide seamless software upgrades and new services.

Toyota bZ4X: What are its performance credentials?

There are both front- and all-wheel drive versions of the bZ4X. The front-wheel drive model is powered by a 150kW electric motor which produces 201bhp and 265Nm of torque; it offers 0-62mph acceleration in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. The all-wheel drive model is powered by two 80kW electric motors – one for each axle – that produce a total of 214.5bhp and 336Nm of torque. Top speed is unchanged but the dash to 62mph is reduced to 6.9 seconds.

We have drawn on almost 25 years of experience in battery technology to ensure the new lithium-ion unit has world-leading quality, durability and reliability. Our confidence in the technology is reflected in an extended care programme that guarantees the battery will still operate to 70% of its original capacity after up to ten years of ownership or one million kilometres (620,000 miles) driven, subject to the customer taking their vehicle to an authorised Toyota service centre for an annual health check.

This is made possible because multiple systems have been put in place to monitor the voltage, current and temperature of each individual battery cell. In a Toyota first, the battery is water cooled, while there are safeguards in the manufacturing process to prevent foreign matter from entering the battery, and further countermeasures to mitigate any material degradation when in use.

What is the the driving range and how quickly will bZ4X charge?

Thanks to efficient motors and energy management, official WLTP data shows that the front-wheel drive Pure model can achieve a driving range of 317 miles (4.3 miles per kWh) from its 71.4kWh battery. For the all-wheel drive bZ4X Motion, the official range is 285 miles (3.9 miles per kWh).

An 80% charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes using a 150kW fast-charging system (CCS2), while an 11kW three-phase on-board charger will be available from the fourth quarter of 2022 to further improve charging performance.

Toyota will operate a programme of rebuilding, reusing and recycling for the battery, ensuring the lifecycle of its components and materials is maximised.

What will the all-electric Toyota bZ4X be like to drive?

The bZ4X is the first production Toyota to offer a steer-by-wire system, though this will be introduced in Europe at a later date. Known as One Motion Grip, it dispenses with the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and front wheels, instead using electronic means to adjust the front wheel angle according to the driver’s intention.

With no physical connection in the system, not only is legroom improved but unwanted vibration from the tyres is not transmitted through the steering. However, the driver still experiences valuable feedback through independent control of the steering torque, with different drive modes programmed with unique steering characteristics to suit prevailing conditions.

Similarly, the throttle is controlled through a wired rather than mechanical connection. It offers the option of single pedal driving using boosted braking energy recuperation to let the driver accelerate and slow the vehicle using only the throttle pedal.

How capable will the Toyota bZ4X be off-road?

Toyota worked with its development partner Subaru in engineering a new, class-leading BEV all-wheel drive system that draws on the great AWD heritage of both companies. The system uses separate 80kW motors to drive the front and rear axles. X MODE allows the driver to select a drive mode to suit the conditions, with settings for snow/mud; deep snow and mud (below 13mph); and Grip Control for tougher off-road driving (below 6mph). These segment-leading capabilities will help the bZ4X tackle the route ahead with confidence, irrespective of where it leads.

How safe is the new Toyota bZ4X?

The bZ4X is equipped with advanced Toyota T-Mate systems for active safety and driver assistance.
The third generation of Toyota Safety Sense brings new and improved functions to help guard against an even wider range of accident risks. The latest developments strengthen its capabilities as a partner to the driver, progressing closer to the ultimate mobility society goal of zero fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents.

Thanks to upgraded front camera and radar, as well front side radars, the detection range has been expanded and the car’s ability to recognise hazards and obstacles in even more driving scenarios is further improved.

  • The Pre-Collision System can detect oncoming vehicles and motorcycles.
  • The Intersection Turn Assistance can now identify approaching traffic across two neighbouring lanes instead of just one, as well as detect traffic approaching from the side at an intersection.
  • The Emergency Steering Assist system provides additional mild braking to help keep the car within its traffic lane when the driver moves to avoid a hazard such as a pedestrian, cyclist or parked car.
  • The Front Cross Traffic Alert system warns of vehicles approaching from either side at a junction.
  • The new Safe Exit Assist can help to avoid a collision between an opened door or exiting occupants with vehicles or cyclists approaching from the rear.

Toyota Safety Sense also checks the driver’s well-being with an internal monitor that records their usual driving position and triggers a warning if it detects any deviation that might signal dangerous distraction or the driver being unwell or falling asleep.

What is this new vehicle leasing programme?

Our all-new BEV will be introduced with a completely new approach to vehicle purchasing and the customer’s ownership experience. It is our hope the majority of European sales will be via a new, all-inclusive leasing contract that covers the vehicle, maintenance, wall box charger and access to connected services, including one of Europe’s largest vehicle charging networks.

If customers wish, Toyota insurance can also be included, along with roadside assistance and vehicle accessories.

Charging and roadside assistance 

In order to ensure that bZ4X ownership is as stress-free as possible, Toyota is providing all new customers with a complimentary package of benefits.

The first round of benefits cover charging needs. These include a British Gas Centrica EV home charger with standard installation and six months of access to the Toyota Public Charging Network. This network consists of more than 12,000 charging points, all of which are accessible through the MyToyota app.

The second primary benefit is three years of AA Roadside Assistance. This is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the UK and across 44 European countries.

Information correct at time of publishing

Toyota bZ4X: technical specifications

POWERTRAIN FWD AWD 
Type AC synchronous electric motor-generator 
Total output (bhp/DIN hp/kW) 201/204/150 214.5/217.5/160 
Front motor output (bhp/DIN hp/kW) 201/204/150 108/109/80 
Rear motor output (bhp/DIN hp/Kw) – 108/109/80 
Torque (Nm)265 336 
EV SYSTEM FWD AWD 
Hybrid battery Lithium-ion 
Number of cells 96 
Rated voltage 355 
Battery capacity (kWh) 71.4 
PERFORMANCE FWD AWD 
Max. speed (mph 100 100 
0-62mph acceleration (sec) 7.5 6.9 
ENERGY CONSUMPTION FWD AWD 
WTLP combined cycle (miles/kWh) 4.3 miles/kWh 3.9 miles/kWh 
Driving range (miles) 317 (Pure) 285 (Motion) 
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS  
Overall length (mm) 4,690 
Overall width (mm) 1,860 
Overall height (mm, inc. antenna) 1,650 
Wheelbase (mm) 2,850 
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS  
Interior length (mm) 1,940 
Interior width (mm) 1,515 
Interior height (mm) 1,160 (1,145 with panoramic roof) 
Load space volume, including beneath deckboard (l, VDA) 452 
WEIGHTS  
Towing capacity- unbraked (kg) 750 

NB: Details were correct at the time and date of publication

674 comments

  1. I can’t wait to see this in person, I think it looks fabulous!

    As RAV4 owner, currently on my 7th one (!), this will be my next vehicle for sure 🙂

    I just hope you price it in a similar bracket as the Ioniq 5 (I realise that prices will be next year) as this will keep the monthly costs down.

    1. Hi Bryan,
      Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your loyalty over the years.
      Pricing will be available closer to the on-sale date, which is scheduled for mid-2022.
      Online reservations will open soon. Please register for updates here – https://fal.cn/3jnUP
      Please let us know if you have any further questions.
      Thanks.

    2. What car, today announcement that the price is expected to start at around £34500, does in come with a head up display?

      1. Hello Brent, thanks for your comment.

        This is a rumour, no pricing has been announced for the bZ4X yet and specification is still to be confirmed.

        Thanks.

      2. Would have been a great buy at £35k but starting at £42k seems a bit ambitious when compared with Korean rivals and the ID4/Enyaq.

  2. I have a RAV4 Black Edition and I am 100% with Bryan, (although I had no knowledge of the Ioniq5 until I looked today.)

    Regarding pre booking, will I have to make the decision blind to any model specs and will I have to commit to a specific dealer?

    I assume a deposit will be required.

    1. Hi Rob,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Pricing and further information will be available closer to the on-sale date, which is scheduled for mid-2022.
      Online reservations will open soon. Please register for updates here: https://fal.cn/3jnUP
      A deposit is required for pre-ordering. However, this is fully refundable.
      Thanks.

  3. I’m hoping that the next challenge that you set yourselves is to produce a BZ Prius with a 400 mile range and a sleek look like the Mirai 2. Within the next few years, it would be great to transition from my Prius Plug-in to an all electric vehicle.

    1. Hi John,
      Thanks for your comment.
      We would recommend keeping an eye on our social channels for all the latest information.
      Thanks.

  4. Really looking forward to THE new Bz4x.Currently enjoying the new Rav4 Dynamic PHEV,Great for my daily commute of 24 miles each way is giving me Approx 1250miles per tank at present,filling up about once a month compared to 2-3 fill ups a month.Will probably wait till the new Bz4x comes out in Q4,with the 22kw charger.Will be checking in with my local dealer for a test drive…

    1. Hi Jason,
      Thank you for your kind words, we are pleased to hear that your RAV4 Plug-in is serving you well.
      Have you signed up to our bZ4X newsletter?
      Thanks.

    2. Jason’s good experience with his RAV 4 plug-in is interesting to read. I drove an 80 mile round trip to a dealer to test drive a demonstrator. It had absolutely no charge, thus rendering it pointless. I did drive it though, for 25 miles, managed to recover 1 electric mile and returned 41 mpg. The experience totally killed any idea of swapping my (excellent) Rav 4 Black Edition which has been averaging low 50’s mpg through the summer.
      If dealers do not acquire, or respect the plug in tech they won’t get many sales. My experience is exactly why plug in hybrids get a bad reputation because of those who never plug them in. I didn’t expect it from a dealer.

      1. Hi Rob,
        Thank you for your feedback.
        If you would be happy to provide some further details, we can pass this onto our Customer Relations Team to investigate.
        Please let us know if you would like to continue with this.
        Thanks.

      2. Yes, I would be prepared to provide more information on this, on the understanding it is intended to raise customer relations standards at dealers to the same high level as Toyota/Lexus.
        Also because my decision made at the time has lead to a further dilemma for me.

        Thank you

  5. Much like when the RAV4 PHEV was launched, I think you’ve overestimated what you can charge!

    You’ve put the car smack bang in the middle of the ID4, Ioniq 5 and EV6 which all have bigger batteries and more range. Indeed, the mid spec Ioniq 5 AWD is around £3200 cheaper than the mid spec AWD bZ4X – it has more range, better acceleration and faster charging!

    I also don’t understand the price structure either, there is only £1900 between top spec and mid spec, but £3800 between mid spec and base spec?!

    If the range was £5k cheaper it would fit nicely between the base battery and big battery models from VW, Hyundai and Kia. As it is, it’s in no mans land and will need some seriously good offers on leases to keep me within brand…. (you did knock circa £5k off the RAV PHEV RRP earlier in the year!)

    EVs will end up like mobile phones, you’ll get the one with the best features for the price you can afford – unlike ICE vehicles there is no “emotive connection” and no reason to stay brand loyal.

    Sorry to sound so negative, I realise that the Social Media team don’t set the prices!

    1. I disagree with Bryan saying he is negative, I think his comments are valid and objective. I support his comments;

      Para 1; “what you can charge”, I won’t use the term ‘ripped off in the UK’ but we are seriously overcharged. For example a top spec RAV plug-in, built down the same production line in Japan converts to around £37k, we pay £47k. I know there’s shipping and logistics etc additionally our version has less tech, e.g. no PVM.

      Para 2; yes the bZ4x now looks mediocre against Toyota’s own revealed competition. I have been really excited this past month in anticipation of ordering one but it has lost its appeal. I expected it to be a no brainer against the competition both on range and price, but a let down. Also have you noticed that marketing seems to underspec our UK models. Here’s another example. I watched a video from a U.S. guy speculating on bZ pricing. He had a link to a guy in Cyprus, so I had a look at Toyota Cyprus. There, it appears you can order grey leather interior as a no-cost option. In UK I think we are going to be confined to black. Note that all the lovely images of the bZ show grey leather interior. Also our price is the same as their’s in Euros, meaning we are charged around 17% more by conversion.

      I am equally disappointed and also say ‘sorry’ Toyota.

      1. I wish to correct my statement in the above post where I said UK prices are the same as in Euros. This is incorrect and misleading. I have now done a direct price comparison with the example Cyprus converted prices and on average UK prices are 6.1% higher. The Vision spec represents the closest difference at 4.2% and highest is Design at 7.9%. I am not claiming this is proof that UK customers are charged more as many factors must be involved. With the benefit of the internet it is easy to make global comparisons and differences. The most notable of course is the U.S where on a RAV 4 plug-in I believe customers receive a $7,500 government incentive. Just last week in the UK our government cut the already low incentives. No help at all though for the bZ.

  6. Hello.
    This is nice to hear. I drive a 2011 CT200H. For the past 10 years I was in heaven. Hope this new BZ4X will be up to the chalenge of replacing my CT with honors.

    1. Hi Jean-Claude,
      Thank you for your kind words.
      We are glad to hear that your CT 200h is serving you well.
      If you require any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to drop us another message.
      Thanks.

      1. Hi,
        Our product team have advised that the braked towing capacity is 750kg.
        Thanks.

  7. Looks brilliant really impressed with the look of the car & what a great idea with the new leasing plan I really do think that’s the way forward lease a Electric car at the min and love it . Will definitely have a look at this when I am finished the lease thanks for the information

    1. Hi Michael,
      Thank you for your kind words.
      If there is anything we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
      Thanks.

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