The all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV not only seeks to continue Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-free future, but it also wants to do it with elegance. The bZ4X combines bold, contemporary aesthetics with tech-laden features in a highly capable platform, ready to create a new imprint on the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) category.
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X will hit showrooms this spring (2022) with a starting MSRP of $42,000 and an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles (for XLE front-wheel drive vehicles, based on EPA’s testing process criteria). According to the EPA, the 2023 bZ4X XLE FWD will save up to $5,000 in gasoline costs over five years when compared to the typical new car.
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The first in a new Toyota family of vehicles
The bZ4X is the first Toyota car to be released under the worldwide bZ series, and additional bZ vehicles are planned for the future, with the goal of elevating the BEV category for many years. “bZ,” which stands for “Beyond Zero,” was created with a human-centric approach in mind, with the goal of providing clients with more than just a mobility solution.
The bZ4X joins a long list of Toyota electric cars, which accounted for over a fifth of Toyota’s total sales volume in the United States last year. Hydrogen fuel cell electric cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and now battery electric vehicles are among them. Toyota sees a future where carbon neutrality is reached via a product range that includes sophisticated alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technology.
By 2025, Toyota wants to have roughly 70 electric vehicles on the market. This future fleet will include 15 specialized BEVs, seven of which will be branded as bZ (Beyond Zero).
Toyota’s diversified array of electrified goods will help it achieve its 2050 objective of carbon neutrality. Toyota has sold more than 20 million electric vehicles worldwide, reducing CO2 emissions by the equivalent of 5.5 million BEVs. Toyota plans to spend more than $70 billion on electric cars over the next nine years, with the goal of launching 3.5 million BEVs worldwide by 2030.
Toyota bZ4X range and powertrain performance
The bZ4X combines the off-road capability of a competent SUV with the smooth and enjoyable driving characteristics of an all-electric vehicle thanks to a larger wheelbase and an expanded profile.
Driving the bZ4X is enjoyable and exciting thanks to the e-TNGA specialized platform. Due to the greatest torque available at the initial RPM, in part. There’s no torque ramp-up, no power bands — simply back-of-the-seat power.
The all-electric bZ4X is available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with a horsepower rating of 201 for FWD and 214 for AWD. The bZ4X has immediate torque with a 0-60 acceleration time of 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD.
The EPA estimates a range of up to 252 miles for the XLE FWD variant. The EPA estimates a range of up to 228 miles for the XLE AWD variant. The EPA estimates that the XLE FWD will get 131 MPGe in the city, 107 MPGe on the highway, and 119 MPGe combined. XLE AWD gets 114 MPGe in the city, 94 MPGe on the highway, and 104 MPGe combined, according to the EPA.
The bZ4X’s impressive driving performance is owed in part to its construction on Toyota’s first BEV-specific e-TNGA platform. Because of the high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack installed flat beneath the floor, the bZ4X has a low center of gravity and increased stiffness.
The engineering team intended for the utility seen in compact SUVs, as well as the smooth and strong driving performance expected of an electric car. The battery cross-framing construction, which adds to total vehicle strength, also contributes to the impressive handling.
The bZ4X’s nimble response is enhanced by the use of lightweight body construction with parts of high tensile steel reinforced frame components surrounding the battery pack, as well as a dynamic suspension.
Balanced design for an active lifestyle
The bZ4X’s appearance is elegant and balanced, with dynamic character lines flowing from front to back. To produce a dynamically flowing profile that takes full use of the large wheelbase, the axis is dropped toward the tires.
When looking at the bZ4X from the front, the design emphasizes the corners for a futuristic look. The curved design of the front bumper expresses a distinctive look and feel, resulting in an aerodynamic appearance.
The headlights emphasize the curves of the bZ4X even more, with the primary lighting positioned precisely behind the trademark lamps for a sleek and aggressive appearance.
The “interlocked” trapezoidal shape between the rear lights, back door, and bumper gives the bZ4X a formidable attitude when seen from the rear. The curves and taillights catch the eye.
Aesthetics aside, the design of bZ4X is practical. The low hood height improves forward sight, while the ducktail spoiler and lower diffusers increase aerodynamic performance while also giving the car a distinctive aesthetic.
Roomy and textured on the inside
The inside has plenty of legroom in both the front and rear seats, as well as plenty of side-to-side space in the back, adding to the sensation of homey comfort.
Throughout the car, piano-black elements enhance the quality sensation, while the higher Limited grade uses a satin material to give a sense of luxury. The dashboard also has a soft-touch material for a quality feel.
The cockpit’s hub is centered on a common central console that serves as a table with storage for a smartphone and wireless charging, as well as a glass lid. The USB ports (A and C) are easily accessible and provide power and connecting options. The door handles have a unique form that makes them more ergonomic and simpler to hold.
Entertainment and connectivity at your fingertips
The bZ4X comes standard with a 12.3-inch widescreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system, designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. bZ4X drivers will be at the ready thanks to a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable.
Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With an included three-year trial, the latest Connected Service, Drive Connect, gives access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist.
With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures, and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic, and routing information.
To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.
The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the bZ4X offers an available Wi-Fi Connect subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the bZ4X into an AT&T Hotspot.
Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio, USB data, and a SiriusXM Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability to link separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.
For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the bZ4X comes available with a JBL Premium Audio system with 9 speakers, including an 8-channel HiD 800-watt amplifier and 9-in. subwoofer.
Each bZ4X comes with a host of additional standard Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Collision Assistance with a 1-year trial service.
