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: 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.
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
RE: bz4x What is the function of the “OFF” button?
Hi Terry, thanks for your question.
You may be referring to the Toyota Parking Assist Sensor. More information on this can be found on Page 333 in your Owner’s Manual. This can be accessed here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/customer/manuals.
Thanks.
My BZ4X Vision had an unexplained failure of its 12 volt battery meaning the car would not start. The breakdown service man from the AA came and “jump started” the car and I was able to drive it to the service dealer. The dealer couldn’t find any reason why the 12 volt battery had failed. The breakdown driver from the AA said the battery had died. The dealer carried out some software updates but they did not replace the 12 volt battery.
I am now worried that the vehicle will suddenly not start again as no one has been able to explain why the 12 volt battery failed. Is the experience common? I lost out on taxi fares etc.
Hi Gordon, thanks for your comment.
We are sorry to hear about this experience.
The 12 volt battery in our hybrids are smaller than most as they are only needed to run small systems in the car. Once the hybrid system is on (as indicated by the READY light), the 12 volt battery will be charged by the high voltage battery, which in turn is powered by the engine. In some cases, infrequent usage and short journeys can mean that the 12 volt battery doesn’t fully charge.
If you feel comfortable doing so, we would recommend using a solar powered intelligent charger or a trcickle charger if your vehicle is unattended for a long period of time.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
How can we have Wireless Android Auto with bZ4X? Will dealer be able to isntall it like your other cars?
Hi, thanks for your question.
Wireless Android Auto is not available on the bZ4X.
Thanks.
Will this be available in the future with a charge to be installed? Or bz4x will never receive Wireless Android Auto?
Hi, thanks for your question.
We have no information on this at the moment. We would recommend keeping an eye on our Mag channel for any updates.
Thanks.
There are various Youtube videos that show you how to do this on the BZ4X. I think you have to connect to install but once installed it is available wirelessly.
Or is it not on UK models? I find that difficult to believe as it is on the other half’s Yaris.
Hi Stephen, thanks for your question.
We can confirm that there is no wireless Android Auto available on this vehicle.
Thanks.
Rather makes the wireless charging pointless for Android users. Even worse as most phones won’t fit in the phone box with a cable plugged in. Is this a basic design error or a case of BZ4X, as sponsored by Apple?
Hi Stephen,
We appreciate your feedback and apologise for the inconvenience.
Currently, the systems are incompatible. However, please keep an eye on our mag channels for any updates to this.
Thanks.
What do you mean? Can we activate it by ourself?
How do I make sure that headlights are adjusted correctly if I am travelling in Europe where driving is on the right hand side of the road? Will the car auto headlight systems dip correctly to avoid blinding drivers in Europe or do I need to add a deflector to the headlights?
Hi Dave, thanks for your comment.
To drive abroad on the right side of the road you’re not allowed to have the kick-up on the left of the beam.
Your nearest Toyota Centre will be able to tell you if the left of your beam has kick-up. If there is a kick-up, you’ll need to apply stickers to remove this.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Hi, I just took delivery of my BZ4X FWD yesterday. Had to wait over a year. Last night I put it in charge. It had some charge when I took delivery and I wanted to have full charge. It took around 2hrs to have a full charge until it stopped. After the full charge I noticed it was only giving me 202 miles. My expectation was to get around 280miles.
Please advise on the discrepancy between the 2 numbers
Hi Raj, congratulations on your bZ4X.
At Toyota, we highly value any customer feedback and are paying our utmost attention to voice of the customer. Based on this and in the spirit of Kaizen, we will soon make a software update including several product enhancements available for the all-electric bZ4X.
The enhancements will be available via software update and include improvements of the DC-charging performance and the visualisation of the remaining range, current state of charge (SOC) and real-life energy consumption.
Currently, bZ4X has a range buffer providing customers a safety margin in case no charger can be immediately found when the meter-displayed range is 0 km. This to avoid that the vehicle immediately stops when remaining range reaches 0 km. Following customer feedback, we will decrease the range buffer by making a bigger part of the range (around 10 to 15km depending on conditions) visible for the driver and optimize the hidden safety buffer.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
When is expected software update?
Hi, thanks for your question.
This software update should be available in May 2023.
Thanks.
Hi Raj, Picked my AWD up this morning. Is your air con on or off? Not had time to play yet but having driven 12 miles home I have 173 miles with air con on and 224 with air con off. I am surprised at this much difference. I’m not sure what the charge level was when I picked it up. I think your FWD at 100% should certainly be higher than my AWD.
Hi everybody I’ve owned a BZ4x since 20 jan 23 tday was the first time I’ve took it to clean it jet wash drove from my house 1/2 mile to garage
Washed it got in the car (which has only dun 200 mile) tried starting it nothing left it 5 min nothing remot wouldn’t work nothing I tried worked had to call Toyota assistant who sent AA who came after a houfor him to open bonnet test the 12 v battery and found there was only 5v in it he charged it up n started he said he would follow me to Toyota garage he explained what was wrong only for the garage manager to say to me can’t find ewt wrong if it happens again bring it back I’m disabled and now I’m thinking ov changing the car bcus I don’t trust it anymore it was 100 fully charged by the way so can’t trust it anymore
Hi Dave, thanks for your comment.
We are very sorry to hear about this issue. We apologise for the distress and inconvenience this has caused.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us. Alternatively, if you would like us to set up a Customer Relations case for you, please email your full name, contact details, Toyota Centre and details of your case to toyota.blog@tgb.toyota.co.uk.
Thanks.
Hello there. Last January I purchased a bz4x premiere awd. As already mentioned by other owners in the previous post, the car can only get closer to the tested range when the air flow is off. Surprisingly, even in Eco mode, the car loose 30 miles if the airflow is on. Much worst if the aircon is turned on (not eco mode). There is something really strange with the software intelligence as any other electric car (and i owned 2 previuosly) won’t loose that much just turning the aircon.
Question: are we going to get the May update via OTA or the dealer will call us to bring the car in ? I For a rattling rear window issue I had to get the car to the dealer and only then they applied 2 recalls. Should not be the dealer to call the customer for such service ? This car has premium price and I expect premium service. Thanks Luca
Hi Luca, thanks for your question.
The bZ4X update will be an OTA update.
Thanks.
Hi there and thanks. I brought the bz4x awd to the dealership for the May update. Despite the update, the range hasn’t really improved. With outside mild temperature of 20 degreases, a battery charged 100% and a drive style 4.5 miles/kwh I only managed to drive 194.1 miles. This without the aircon on, otherwise it would have hit only 170. I then recharged with 8% battery left and it took 1.20 minutes to charge to 100%. Then again the maximum range achieved was 194.4 at 4.5 miles/kwh. This is far below the 247 miles I have been sold by Toyota dealership. I have to say quite disappointed, considering the premium price and the premium finance repayment. Waiting Toyota dealership and Toyota GB to take an action as I reject officially this car.
Hi Luca, thanks for your comment.
We are very sorry to hear about this issue. We understand the frustration that this has caused and apologise for the inconvenience.
We can see that you have a case set up with our Customer Relations Team, who are currently looking into this issue. Please let us know if you need any further support.
We hope this gets resolved and once again, apologise for the situation.
Thanks.
Good day
Can Toyota UK supply and fit Towbar on Bz4x?
I need one to mount bicycle racks.
Thanks
Hi Musallam, thanks for your question.
A tow bar harness adaptor is available for this vehicle. We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to discuss this further.
Thanks.
Is the bZ4X software upgrade released? If not which date you will be releasing?
Hi, thanks for your question.
Toyota-retailers in Europe should receive the new software by the end of May 2023.
Thanks.
Thank you for the reply.
Can you please advise what is the process? Will dealers contact customers, considering that customers may not be aware of the major software upgrade release?
Hi,
We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to see if they have the update available.
Thanks.
Hi
Contacted dealer ref the May software update but no info on the update . Dealer has not had any communication from Toyota.
Can you advise who to contact do get the update completed?
Hi, thanks for your question.
Is your vehicle a MY22 bZ4X?
Thanks.
Yes, AWD Vision MY22
Hi David,
This software update will be available as a retrofit to existing MY22 vehicles later in the year.
Thanks.