Toyota has officially released the first images and information about the US spec version of its upcoming bZ4X electric vehicle, which is expected to hit dealerships in mid-2022.
Global Toyota bZ4X launched a few weeks ago includes a few standout features – like a fork instead of a steering wheel and a solar roof. Neither vehicle is coming to the US, but Toyota is planning to include some standout technology, including the industry’s first radiant floor heating system; an energy-saving heat pump; and a smartphone-based digital key system that can be transferred to other smartphones.
BZ4X, will likely compete with Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, will be offered in a range of trim levels and in single-engine front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. US power is 150 kW (201 hp) and 160 kW (215 hp) for single and dual engines, respectively. A 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds and 7.7 seconds has been listed for other markets, which makes the model a bit slower than the RAV4 Prime, but as fast as the RAV4. Hybrid or Volkswagen ID 4 engine. .
2023 Toyota bZ4X
2023 Toyota bZ4X
2023 Toyota bZ4X
A maximum driving range of 250 miles – according to EPA estimates – will come with the base XLE front-wheel drive version, with four-wheel drive and more luxurious versions possibly carrying lower ratings. It has a weight limit that ranges from 4,232 pounds in the base XLE single-engine form to 4,420 pounds in dual-engine all-wheel drive.
Toyota has yet to discuss why the capacity of the battery pack is listed at 71.4 kWh for the front-wheel drive version and 72.8 kWh for the all-wheel drive version. It says it aims to maintain a battery capacity of 90% after 10 years of ownership, and it says progress with hybrid battery life has helped it get there. Toyota hasn’t released any details on charging time for the US market, but it says that the bZ4X is capable of 80% charge “within an hour”.
During an event earlier this week, we had a chance to get a close look at the bZ4X. Up front, it looks both aggressive and aerodynamic. The front end is modeled after a hammerhead shark and forms a prominent ridge at the top of the sculptural hood, flanked by thin headlights. At the rear, the trapezoidal theme you can see in the RAV4 comes into play here, with the rear and corner lights having an extension that wraps around to the side.
2023 Toyota bZ4X
At first glance, the bZ4X looks longer and wider than the RAV4, but it shares some overall dimensions closely with that best-selling model, albeit with some rather different proportions. The BZ4X is a few inches lower than the RAV4; it rides on a 112.2-inch long wheelbase (7.5 inches longer than the RAV4); the windshield is even steeper; and its greenhouse (window space) looks a bit narrower.
A panoramic roof will brighten up the interior and from what we can tell from a quick glance inside, the bZ4X has a lot of legroom compared to the RAV4 although perhaps a bit less headroom in the rear. . The rear seats are split and fold forward into a long and continuous cargo floor, that floor and the lift height at the rear is quite low. Toyota says it has put more emphasis on interior noise, with soundproof glass and other wind noise reduction features.
2023 Toyota bZ4X
2023 Toyota bZ4X
2023 Toyota bZ4X
Toyota confirmed that the bZ4X will come with a heat pump system that supports both heating and air conditioning. Heated steering wheel and seats are included with some models, as well as radiant heat for the front feet and legs — Toyota first.
The infotainment system, developed in the US, supports over-the-air updates and will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In addition to a paid subscription, the Drive Connect service provides real-time traffic, parking space availability and more, as well as charging station information and assist with driving range and points. reference. A smartphone-based digital key system is available and allows the key to be passed on to friends or family.
Toyota bZ4X layout
The BZ4X is built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform but co-developed with Subaru — and incorporates Subaru suspension tuning and X-Mode off-road software control. It is closely related to Subaru Solterra. There’s a strut-type suspension at the front and a multi-link rear, and includes four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.
The battery pack is liquid-cooled and has its own frame and cross brace for safety. Toyota also says the bZ4X will be its first model to include the updated Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package, with further detection range for radar and camera sensors, improving the performance of the entire active safety suite — including active lane control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
With the bZ4X hitting dealerships in mid-2022, expect pricing information and feature details earlier in 2022.
