The Toyota bZ4x is unveiled, the new electric model with a range of 450 kilometres

Toyota has just announced its first vehicle within its Beyond Zero programme. It is named bZ4x and is scheduled to launch on the European market in December. From that date it will be possible to place reservations, although deliveries will still take some time. This battery electric vehicle is designed to be an efficient crossover and is intended to offer quite interesting off-road capabilities.

The new model has been built on the e-TNGA platform, which is dedicated to this type of vehicle and will serve as the basis for other similar vehicles. As a result, a thinner battery has been achieved, which fits flush with the floor, facilitating its placement and improving driving.

A purely electric style

The image and design of the model feature all the visual elements typical of an electric vehicle, making it very easily identifiable. For example, it has a closed grille, as it does not need one given the absence of a combustion engine. The short overhangs and a fairly considerable wheelbase help convey the type of mobility it offers.

Compared with the Toyota RAV4, it has quite a few differences in terms of dimensions. It is 8.5 centimetres lower and, on the other hand, has a wheelbase 16 cm longer than this model. The bonnet is also shorter and the turning angle has been optimised for city use.

In the interior, a 7-inch multimedia screen can be seen, displaying the vehicle’s instrumentation. A large central screen controls part of the car’s functions, although several physical controls have been retained to make it easier to use. The use of the optimised platform allows for a very suitable interior space, with room for five occupants and a boot with a capacity of 452 litres.

Engine and drivetrain

The Toyota bZ4X will be available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. In the first case it will have a 150 kW motor, equivalent to a considerable 208 CV. Maximum torque is 265 Nm and it will reach a top speed of 160 km/h.

As for all-wheel drive, it will have two motors, one on each axle. Each of them delivers 80 kW of power, equivalent to 109 CV. Combined, they offer 160 kW of power, that is, 217.5 CV and a maximum torque of 336 Nm. The rest of the characteristics are similar to those of the front-wheel-drive version.

Batteries and range

The battery of the Toyota bZ4x will have a capacity of 71.4 kWh. With this capacity it will have a range of 450 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. Furthermore, the manufacturer assures that work has been done to make this battery pack last, and it is expected to retain 90% of its capacity after 10 years or 240,000 kilometres.

Charging can be carried out at up to 150 kW using a DC connection. This will be done with a CCS Combo 2 plug, with which up to 80% of the battery capacity can be recovered in just 30 minutes. Later on, an 11 kW three-phase charger will be added to make charging easier.

On-board technology

The model will feature several technological innovations. One of them is the steer-by-wire system One Motion Grip, which dispenses with the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, improving the driving feel by eliminating vibrations and other issues that can be transmitted through a conventional steering system.

Driver assistance features are grouped under the Toyota Safety System. Radar range has been improved and a monocular camera has been incorporated to warn of possible collisions. Software updates will be carried out over the air, making it easy to always have the most up-to-date version.