Toyota on Wednesday night unveiled a concept SUV that hints at a potential direction Toyota could take in a production electric vehicle soon.
The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept is a “nod to the near future,” Toyota announced on the eve of the Los Angeles auto show.
Toyota claims to have taken a conceptual approach that aims to “show off what’s so special about battery electric vehicles while delivering driving pleasure and exhilarating performance.”
Unlike the box, chisel Toyota Compact Cruiser concept, the bZ Compact SUV offers another edgy style, with sharp, slick styling and a strong stance with the wheels pushed to the corners. Toyota points out the low drag coefficient, and from the picture, it really looks like a high-performance hatchback.
Toyota bZ compact SUV concept
Toyota bZ compact SUV concept
Toyota bZ compact SUV concept
Toyota says it has extended the feel of the exterior to the cabin, while blending technological and eco-friendly materials to create a distinctive look. For example, plant-based seats, sound and light cues respond to commands from occupants through a “personal agent” in the car.
Specifications and dimensions of the concept have not been announced, but considering the use of the word compact, this SUV could be roughly the size of a car. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 37-mpg—despite some of the curves of the C-HR compact crossover.
Toyota bZ compact SUV concept
The name itself is an extension of bZ (Beyond Zero), Toyota’s electric sub-brand that focuses on sustainability and models that don’t have direct exhaust emissions. Toyota sold an American-market model from that lineup, bZ4Xbut it sells other types in the international market—like Model 3–size Toyota bZ3 for China.
Toyota said that it Will produce more electric vehicles if there is a need. And with development of EVs reportedly paused when the company considers a larger commitment, this particular change signal is most likely the idea to test that.
