We test the new Toyota bZ4X, more powerful and comfortable, with a range of 569 km

It took a while to find its cruising pace, but Toyota’s first 100% electric model has established itself as one of the most significant battery-powered models on the market, climbing to third place in sales among electric vehicles in its segment in the European market.

Although it was initially launched as a model that could only be accessed through renting in Spain, a strategy of price reductions and equipment changes positioned it very advantageously in the market; moreover, the warranty of 70% battery capacity retention for one million kilometres or 10 years of use (subject to an annual battery health check) was a decisive factor in its successful entry into the passenger transport and fleet sector.

Inside, it now features a new horizontal dashboard, incorporating a 14-inch multimedia screen and a more practical and functional centre console.

Faster charging

Although this is not a new generation of the model but a thorough update, it now comes with a battery with more cells (104 compared with 96 previously), with a gross capacity of 73.1 kWh (69 kWh net), promising a range of up to 569 km WLTP. It achieves a faster charging system (up to 150 kW), allowing it to go from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 28 minutes at temperatures between -10 and 25ºC.

The driver has up-to-date battery information, such as real-time charging power, the time remaining to reach 80% charge and the battery status, with the remaining capacity.

For some markets a battery of lower capacity, 57.7 kWh, will also be offered, although it will not be available in Spain.

The battery features a liquid cooling circuit and a preconditioning system to optimise high-power charging. This operation can be carried out automatically via the multimedia system’s navigator or manually at the driver’s discretion, before charging. As the new battery is 170 mm wider than the previous one, the platform has been updated with aluminium reinforcements that provide greater protection in the event of a side impact.

In addition to offering greater battery capacity, charging is faster both on direct current at 150 kW and on alternating current, as the top-of-the-range Spirit version allows charging at 22 kW on three-phase domestic chargers. Furthermore, the transmission equipment of the electric motors has been optimised and is now lighter.

As a result, consumption has improved by 23%, allowing range to increase by 14% compared with the previous edition. The front motor, common to both versions (front-wheel and all-wheel drive), now offers 11% more power, now reaching 167 kW. It features silicon carbide semiconductors, which consume less energy, while the mechanical oil pump has been eliminated.

In the case of the rear axle and motor, available for the 4WD versions, power rises from 80 to 87 kW, with energy consumption 15% lower. The all-wheel drive (AWD) model offers a towing capacity of 1,500 kg.

Aesthetic update

One has to look closely to spot the aesthetic differences from the previous edition, although the front light clusters, bumpers and wheel arches have been updated with a finer finish in “piano black”, and it features a central light signature, more aerodynamic alloy wheels of 18 or 20 inches in diameter.

Another area that has improved considerably is the heat pump air-conditioning system, which consumes 30 per cent less energy and improves total range.

The aerodynamics have also been improved, including undertrays and a rear spoiler that help reduce the drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.27. In 4WD configuration, it can tow braked trailers of up to 1,500 kg.

The new edition has also received some improvements in sound insulation, with thicker glass, and in vibration control, along with a suspension adjustment for greater ride comfort.

It has a more modern cabin, with higher-quality upholstery, a new horizontal dashboard, a 14-inch multimedia screen and an improved centre console, which helps create a greater sense of space. The ambient lighting now offers up to 64 shades of light.

Two smartphone chargers have been integrated into the centre console as standard across the range, and a panoramic glass roof without a central bar has been fitted, enhancing the sense of space and brightness.

Dynamic behaviour

The handling of the all-wheel-drive versions provides steering control that anticipates the line the driver will follow through a bend, based on factors such as vehicle speed and steering angle.

The front and rear motor torque is controlled automatically to achieve better performance depending on driving conditions. When the driver begins to turn the steering wheel, the front-wheel motor torque increases to facilitate the manoeuvre.

When cornering, the torque to the rear wheels increases so that the resulting trajectory is more precise, while, on exiting the bend, rear motor torque increases even further to improve traction and convey a greater sense of acceleration.

If the system detects even the slightest wheel slip or identifies snow on the road, it prioritises stability by controlling the torque split between the front and rear axles.

The system offers selectable settings that allow performance to be adapted when driving through mud or snow at speeds below 20 km/h and in more demanding off-road conditions. As in the previous edition, the bZ4X offers a wading depth of 500 mm and truly exceptional off-road capability.

It features paddle shifters on the steering wheel to select brake regeneration, with four levels available; the highest regeneration level practically acts as a “one-pedal” system.

During our first drive in the Cádiz mountains we had the opportunity to check the improvements in sound insulation, composure, responsiveness and dynamic behaviour, which are even more refined than in the previous edition, but we did not have enough time to verify consumption, range and charging figures, which we will do once test units are available.

Range and prices

The new bZ4X will be available at the end of December or early January in two trim levels: Advance and Spirit with a 73.1 kWh battery, the first with front-wheel drive, priced at 39,500 euros, and the Spirit versions, with all-wheel drive, will be on sale for 47,500 euros. These prices include a promotion from Toyota, but not financing incentives, scrappage schemes, IRPF or CAE discounts.

Metallic paint carries a surcharge of 650 euros and 950 for two-coat paint, while the installation of a single-phase Trydan V2C domestic charger with load balancer, protections and up to 80 metres of cable costs 1,995 euros; 200 more if the installation is three-phase.