The SUV will start from $56,217 with a new electric four-wheel-drive system available on selected trim levels.
Following the unveiling of 15 new electric vehicle concepts, Toyota has raised the price of its first production electric vehicle ahead of UK sales from 2022.
The bZ4X SUV will start at $56,217 with four specification levels: Pure, Motion, Vision and a limited first edition. A new electric four-wheel-drive system called X-mode has been introduced for the model and Toyota claims it gives the bZ4X "class-leading off-road capability".
Entry-level Pure models are front-wheel-drive only and fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7.0-inch digital driver's display as standard. Other basic features include a rear view camera, keyless entry and air conditioning with remote operation function.
Drivers can choose front- or four-wheel drive in the next-step Motion specification, which starts from $61,309 and gains a rear spoiler and rear privacy glass. Inside, the model comes with heated front seats, ambient lighting and a wireless charging tray for phones.
The Vision trim complements the regular bZ4X model range with 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats with leatherette upholstery and a power tailgate with a kick sensor. Safety is enhanced by rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and remote parking assistance is also standard. Prices start from $63,856.
Limited Premiere Edition models are available exclusively through Toyota's online retail service and are temporarily at the top of the model range. Prices start from $69,082 and the trim level includes all the Vision equipment but also benefits from a premium nine-speaker JBL sound system and a panoramic sunroof. Four-wheel drive is standard.
The bZ4X starred the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this year, showcasing a radical design that was virtually unchanged from the concept shown in April.
The 'bZ' element of its name refers to the Japanese brand's 'Beyond Zero' electrification strategy, through which it will launch at least 15 pure-electric vehicles by 2025, including seven using the bZ moniker.
Spearheading this launch, the bZ4X is the first model to use the new e-TNGA electric vehicle architecture developed in conjunction with Subaru, whose first e-TNGA-based electric vehicle is the Forester-sized Solterra SUV. Toyota's SUV debuted in Europe on December 2 and orders opened on December 15. Subaru is expected to launch the Solterra a few months later.
The defining characteristics of the platform include short overhangs and a long wheelbase, which is said to provide a "spacious and open cabin". In fact, Toyota claims rear legroom is comparable to the nearly 900mm offered by Lexus' flagship LS luxury saloon. Here, the platform is based on a four-wheel drive crossover (hence the “4X” suffix), renowned for its comfort, connectivity and openness.
Steeply raked styling cues, chunky black wheel arch trim, a familiar silhouette and contrasting roof suggest influence from the best-selling RAV4 SUV, which recently became available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, several features, including an entirely new front-end design, point to a different design language for bZ-badged EVs.
Instead of a conventional grille, a narrow black strip houses sensors for autonomous driving features, while sharply styled headlights and sculpted air channels are part of Toyota's new "hammerhead" look, which aims to generate "a new attitude and road presence".
The cabin was designed primarily to give the driver "a sense of direct connection to the road and important information". The instrument panel is mounted low to improve forward visibility and minimize distractions. The large central screen, the wide center console and the textured dashboard have been carried over from the concept.
Toyota Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima explained the philosophy behind the new cabin design: "Our target customer is someone who values time with family and friends. When they want to enjoy those moments, Toyota's bZ4X concept can serve as their hub."
The powertrains on offer draw on Toyota's more than 20 years of experience with electrified powertrains and are said to possess "leading-edge efficiency and highly competitive driving range".
Two variants are offered: the front-driven entry car with a single motor producing 201bhp and 195lb ft cracks the 0-62mph sprint in 8.4sec, while the twin-motor-range-topper, using the four-wheel drive technology developed by Subaru, boosts power to 214 bhp and torque to 248 bhp and cuts the 0-62 mph time to 7.7 seconds.
Power comes from a 71.4kWh battery pack, which promises a WLTP range of over 280 miles, with an "efficient and effective" heating system providing only a "modest" drop in range at lower temperatures to zero. It can be charged at speeds of up to 150 kW, which means it can be recharged to 80% in around 30 minutes.
The SUV's range is optimized with an on-board solar charging system that helps to ensure that cold weather has minimal impact on usability, a notable disadvantage of conventional battery technology.
Like the radical LF-Z concept presented recently by Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, the bZ4X uses an innovative steering-by-wire system, which eliminates the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front axle. Toyota claims this improves control while minimizing the directional influence of rough surfaces and braking.
Watch the Toyota bZ4X review made by an youtuber here:
As a result, Toyota will bring the concept's distinctive yoke-style steering box to production in select global markets because the driver has less reason to move their hands around the wheel. The bZ4X, Toyoshima said, will make "driving easier and more fun."
Another part of the Beyond Zero strategy is to achieve carbon neutrality for all vehicles throughout their entire life cycle, from supply chain to disposal. To date, Toyota has sold more than 17 million electric vehicles, which it says equates to 140 million tonnes of CO2 saved. Between 2010 and 2019 alone, Toyota reduced its fleet CO2 emissions by 22%.
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