Toyota bZ4X electric SUV appears in Thailand as RHD – sold at the end of 2022, for less than RM250k
Shown as a concept coming to production last year, Toyota bZ4X is finally filtering out to worldwide markets, with deliveries starting in the spring in Japan, Europe and the United States. The company is also gearing up to launch its first dedicated electric vehicle further afield, presenting it in Thailand in celebration of its 60th anniversary in the country.
These photos are from Headlight Magazine shows a driving model on the right, probably Japanese specs, and according to the portal, the bZ4X will debut in the Land of Smiles at the end of the year. It is also reported that Toyota has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government agencies on supporting electric vehicles, allowing the vehicle to be sold for less than 2 million baht (RM253,500).
This would put it on par with the UK, where the bZ4X retails from £41,950 (RM228,400). It should be noted, however, that this car is still cheaper in the US at $42,000 USD (RM183,200) and Japan at JPY 6 million (RM3,200), although it is only offered for rental to the latter.
As a new version, the bZ4X builds on the dedicated electric version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (e-TNGA), developed in conjunction with Subaru. The Pleiades brand will sell a set of twins as Solterra and has also lent X-Mode technology with Grip Control to the AWD version of the car, which increases traction on slippery surfaces.
Measuring 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall – with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm – the bZ4X is 90 mm longer than the RAV4 and has a 160 mm longer wheelbase. Two variants are available globally – the front-wheel drive model has a single electric motor that produces 150 kW (204 PS) and 265 Nm of torque, while the all-wheel drive version The wheel boasts two motors and total system output of 160 kW (218 PS) and 336 Nm.
The 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery offers a range of 516 km on the WLTP cycle with a single engine and 470 km with a dual-motor setup. The vehicle supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, making the battery 80% full in just 30 minutes; it can also accept AC charging up to 6.6 kW, with an integrated 11 kW charger to be provided later.
Other unique features include the more advanced Toyota Safety Sense system with oncoming and cross-traffic detection, a digital instrument display mounted above the steering wheel, and a stylish new fork design. Tesla way for wheels. This is linked to a steering system that will be offered at a later date and allows full locking to be achieved with a single 150-degree turn.
Closer to home, bZ4X is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia next year to take advantage of existing exempt from import tax, excise tax and road tax for CBU electric vehicle. What do you think – can bZ4X come to Malaysia for under RM 200,000?
GALLERY: Toyota bZ4X in Japan
