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
My current car is a 2018 Lexus NX 300h returning 33 to 35 mpg very disappointing not as good as my last 2 2.2 diesel RAV4’s which returned around 35 to 37 mpg not brilliant, I must say that my last two Rav’s were sold with less than 15,000 miles may be not reach there Ultimate performance in miles per gallon with So little miles on the clock the Lexus has 10,000 so maybe the same applies to the Lexus, toyed with the idea of going all Electric and definitely like the look of the bZ4X
Hi Don,
Thank you for your kind words about the bZ4X.
However, it is important to consider that on cold days, your car will use more fuel as it warms up, but once it’s reached its optimum temperature, the MPG figures will increase.
Also, during the winter, you’re more likely to be using the air-conditioning, lights and wipers, all of which will use some electrical power from the battery.
If you regularly travel the same route, don’t be surprised if you get better MPG figures during the summer than in the winter!
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
What will be the base price in the US? will it have the same towing capacity?
Hi David, thanks for your comment.
We are Toyota UK and cannot advise on offerings in the US. Please contact Toyota in your area directly.
Thanks.
Hybrids have been the biggest con of all time.
Love Toyota’s, but fuel economy of hybrid nowhere near a diesel.
I have a 1.6 Honda CRV and get 70 mpg traveling to work.
On the motorway get 55 mpg at 70mph.
My choice would be hydrogen fuel cells, but infrastructure will take years. I am considering full electric, If and when I change car’s
Can’t use a fork to eat soup
Hi, An excellent start Toyota.
Will this have any V2G or V2L features like the Leaf and the EV6 respectively.
Hopefully you will see sense and include all the safety kit as standard, none of this pay extra for blind spot detection, etc, etc. Also why is a reversing camera not standard kit across the range? It is this ‘forced upgrades’ that makes your pricing look seriously uncompetitive.
Having said that I still don’t understand why cars aren’t fully built to order now – where you just start with a base model and add only the exact spec that you want.
Hi Ted,
Thank you for your feedback.
Firstly, we do not have any information on V2G or V2L features.
For your other points, we will pass on this feedback to our Wider Product Team.
Thanks.
Can you help please? I have been following the release of information about the bZ and a week or so ago I found a link that had, I think, four what were called ‘deep dive’ videos presented by Toyota management. One was about the Corolla Cross. Another about analogising toyota product evolution with natural evolution. But I cannot find them at all now. I’ve searched the blog, Europe, Global.Gone back through the big bZ launch presentation by Mr Toyoda but to no avail. Any idea what I’m looking for?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comment.
We believe what your are referring to is the Kenshiki Forum 2021.
More information on this can be found here – https://newsroom.toyota.eu/kenshiki/
Thanks.
that’s it, great. Thank you
I want a copy of this car
Hi Toufik,
More here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/bz4x/
Thanks.
hi
what are the tow weight limits for braked trailers such as caravans.
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your patience.
More technical data will be available in the coming weeks.
Thanks.
Now you are close to revealing full specs for bZ models, can you confirm, or otherwise the following;
1) Despite every single image I’ve seen of the bZ showing a grey optional interior, I have been told UK spec is only black. Why is grey not a no cost option in the UK? And can you tell me what markets will get it and why UK Marketing chooses we don’t?
2) Can you now confirm that the adaptive triple beam headlights are in fact the same functionality as AHB systems as on Lexus grades?
3) The bZ is 9cm longer and with a longer wheel base than the RAV 4, which provides extra interior space, leg room etc. Therefore I am expecting the rear seats to have a sliding mechanism to allow flexible prioritisation of passenger/boot space. If it doesn’t, It would seem a missed opportunity and a poor omission given some competitors have it.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comment.
1) We are now offering a grey interior for the bZ4X!
2) We don’t have information on whether the Adaptive High Beam are the same as Lexus I’m afraid. However there are 12 independent LED chips in the headlamps on one side are enabled/disabled for precise control of the illuminated and non-illuminated areas.
3) May you clarify what you mean please? Would you like to know what the adjustments are for the rear seats/or if they can be removed for more boot space?
Thanks.
Thank you,
Regarding 2) that sounds like the LED’s function like Lexus.
Regarding 3) Rear Seats, I was hoping the whole rear seat could slide fore and aft a limited amount to give more boot space and less leg room if required, or fully back to give maximum leg room.
I hope that is clear
Hi Rob,
The rear seats are 60:40 folding, meaning that they can be folded forward to make the boot room bigger.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Regarding 1) will grey interior be NO COST option?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comment.
The grey interior is a no cost option, but is only available for the Vision and Premiere Edition grades.
Thanks.
Order books and offers should have been available Jan 7th. Why did this not happen and when will it now happen?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comment.
This was the initial schedule date, however due to unprecedented circumstances, this has been pushed back slightly.
Please sign up for updates here – https://fal.cn/3leaY.
Thanks.
Thank you for answering all my question. If I end up lucky enough to be able to place an order, Vision will be my choice, so will be able to order Grey Interior.
A small point, I did try to sign again for updates but the link https://fal.cn/3leaY is dead
Hi Rob,
If you click this link – https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/bz4x/
After doing so, there is a ‘Keep Me Informed’ button which will take you to the sign-up page.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
The following is a report in Sunday Times today 23rd January. The release of bZ4x offers and open orders was scheduled for January 6th. I was told in a previous post there is a “slight” delay. So when are we going to be able to order please?
SUNDAY TIMES January 23rd;
“If you want to take advantage of the £350 government grant, cutting the cost of installing an EV charger at homes by about a third, you’d better get your skates on because it closes on March 31.
Smart Home Energy, a supply and installation company, says its cut-off date for applications under the grant scheme is February 18. And British Gas, which installs domestic charging points in partnership with the RAC and Hive, says: “Anyone requiring electrical upgrades [for a home charging point] will face an uphill battle to get the installation completed before the end of March deadline. This requires consent from the DNOs [district network operators supplying electricity] and other utilities and this process is taking six weeks or more.”
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comment.
The website currently states that you will be able to confirm your order in late February.
We apologise for the delays and the inconvenience this has caused.
Thanks.
My affordability to order a bZ is dependent on the finance deals. Is it possible for you to state what interest rates and GFV’s will apply to the models?
Hi Rob,
Unfortunately, we do not have this information available just yet.
Thanks.
Can you help please? If the delay in opening the order book for bZ is to do with global production constraints, that is understandable but why can’t you release illustrative finance information now?
A) This would enable me and perhaps others to determine affordability and make the right decision whether to reserve or not. I have reserved but totally unsure whether I can actually commit to the finance as there is no information. (you released it with the Aygo, why not bZ?)
B) The longer the delay the higher the risk of not receiving the government grant (£350) which expires March 31st. To not have a formal order in place to instigate a charger installation by the end of February will be too late.
Hi Rob,
We apologise for the inconvenience of the delays.
Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on the release of the finance information.
Once again, we apologise that we cannot assist you further at this time.
Thanks.
Hi Rob,
I too have placed a tentative order, but will be subject to finance. My understanding is they are still to determine the ‘interest rates’ and that may well be (part of if not the whole) delay. I am told the finance information should be out in two to three weeks time.
Hi, all the photos i have seen show the charging flap on the left hand side of the car (these have all been left hand drive photos however.
Are you able to confirm which side of the vehicle, the uk (right hand drive) vehicles the charging port will be on?
Regards
Hi Craig,
More information on the UK specification bZ4X will be available soon.
Thanks.
I understand that the BZ4X has a ground clearance under 8.3 inches. Can you please identify the ground clearances for an AWD BZ4X first with 18 inch wheels and then with 20 inch wheels? Thank you.
Hi Neil,
The ground clearance for all bZ4X models is 177mm.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Hi. I’m interested in getting a bz4x. What are the scheduled maintenances on this vehicle and how often should they be scheduled? Thx
Hi Plamen,
Thanks for your comment.
The service schedule for the bZ4X is 1 year / 10,000 miles, whichever is first.
Thanks.
Thank you. Can you charge the bz4x from home ? Using a 3 pin wall socket
Hi Plamen,
Yes. You can charge the bZ4X using a 3 pin wall socket.
Thanks.