Toyota bZ4X (2023)

Compared to the Toyota RAV4, the exterior dimensions illustrate the design benefits inherent in the e-TNGA platform. For example, the bZ4X has an overall height that's lower by 85 mm, shorter overhangs and a wheelbase that that's 160 mm longer than the RAV4. The bonnet line is also reduced in height by 50 mm. Overall agility is reflected in a class-leading 5.7 m turning radius.

The design incorporates aerodynamic elements that contribute to the generous driving range, including apertures set deep in the front bumper corners to create smooth air curtains; a full underbody cover; a split roof spoiler and rear duck-tail lip spoiler; rear diffuser; and a precisely angled rear screen. The slim lower grille has a shutter that adjusts to channel cooling air flow to the battery and helps reduce wind resistance.

Design - interior

The theme for the interior is "lagom" - the Swedish word that expresses something that is "just right." Here it is reflected in comfort and spaciousness that give the cabin the ambience of a living room, a feeling that's enhanced by using soft, woven trim textures, satin-finish detailing and the option of a panoramic roof.

The instrument panel is slim and low set, adding to the sense of openness and the driver's forward visibility. The "hands on the wheel, eyes on the road" principle is supported by the human-centred cockpit in which the seven-inch TFT instrument and information display sits directly in the driver's forward eyeline, above the line of the steering wheel, so the meters can be viewed with minimal eye movement.

The long wheelbase delivers class-leading legroom for all occupants and a one-metre couple distance between front and rear passenger hip points. There is also generous load space with an adjustable deckboard; with the rear seats in place, there is up to 452 l.

Performance

The front-wheel drive bZ4X is powered by a high-response 150 kW electric motor. It produces 204 DIN hp and 265 Nm of torque, enabling 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. The all-wheel drive model (further details below) has maximum power of 217.5 DIN hp with 336 Nm of torque; top speed is unchanged, while acceleration to 100 km/h is reduced to 7.7 seconds. All performance figures remain provisional prior to homologation.

The system offers the option of "single pedal drive" with a boost in the braking energy regeneration that lets the driver accelerate and slow the vehicle using only the throttle pedal.

Driving range and battery technology

Driving range is a critical consideration for EV customers and Toyota has brought to bear almost 25 years' experience in high-capacity battery development to ensure that not only does the bZ4X offer peace of mind of in terms of the distance it can cover, but also reassurance that that capability can be maintained year after year. In line with development targets for the battery, only a marginal reduction in battery performance is expected - around just 10% - in 10 years of driving, or 240 000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

The high-density lithium-ion battery has a 71.4 kWh capacity that is expected to deliver a driving range of more than 450 km (applying to WLTP metrics). Figures depend on version and remain provisional at this stage, prior to homologation.

Thanks to an efficient and effective heating system, including a heat pump, reliability is also maintained in sub-zero temperatures, with only a modest reduction in range compared to competitor models. Similarly, the battery can be fast-charged without compromising safety or service life: an 80% charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes with a 150 kW fast-charging system (CCS2). From Q4 2022, a new 11 kW three-phase on-board charger will be available.

Key to the battery's quality and durability is multiple monitoring of the voltage, current and temperature, from individual cell level. If any abnormal heat generation is detected, controls are automatically triggered. Countermeasures have been put place to mitigate any material degradation, and there are safeguards in the manufacturing process to prevent foreign matter from entering the battery. In a Toyota first, the battery is water-cooled.

All-wheel drive

Toyota worked with its development partner Subaru in engineering a new BEV all-wheel drive system, that draws on the great AWD heritage of both companies. This provides added safety when driving in difficult conditions and gives the bZ4X genuine, class-leading SUV off-road driving ability.

The AWD model features separate 80 kW motors driving the front and rear axles. XMODE with its different drive modes can also be selected to suit the conditions with settings for snow/mud; deep snow and mud (below 20 km/h); and Grip Control for tougher off-road driving (below 10 km/h).

Steer-by-wire system

The bZ4X will be the first production Toyota to offer a steer-by-wire system - One Motion Grip - due for introduction in Europe at a later date. Dispensing with the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels, this electronic system adjusts the tyre angle precisely according to the driver's intention, and provides more legroom, improving driving position freedom and ease of entry and exit. The traditional steering wheel is replaced with the One Motion Grip-control, making operation smoother and easier, with no need for hand-over-hand turning. Full-lock can be achieved with just a 150-degree turn.

With no physical connection in the system, unnecessary vibration from the tyres is blocked, but the driver still experiences valuable feedback, such as from the road surface. The steering feeling is improved through independent control of the steering torque; steering characteristics can be changed according to the drive mode selected.

Solar panel roof

The bZ4X's driving range can be maximised with the use of an optional solar panel roof. This captures solar energy with zero emissions and zero cost to generate electricity to charge the car's drive battery. It can be used when the car's ignition is on or off and Toyota calculates that it can harness enough power in the course of a year to enable 1,800 km of driving.

New generation Toyota Safety Sense

The bZ4X will benefit from the third generation Toyota Safety Sense with new and improved functions to provide protection against an even wider range of common accident risks. It can operate as a partner to the driver to realise the ultimate mobility society goal: "zero fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents".

By expanding the detection range of the millimetre wave radar and monocular camera, the performance of each function has been enhanced. New features will include expansion of the Pre-Collision System to recognise vehicles that are oncoming and cutting in; low-speed acceleration suppression; and emergency stopping assistance.

Additionally, a new multimedia system with over-the-air (OTA) software updates will be available.

Introducing Toyota Beyond Zero

The bZ4X is the first model in Toyota's new bZ sub-brand - the name standing for "beyond Zero," expressing the environmental leadership the company has pursued since pioneering electrified mobility with the original Prius, the world's first hybrid electric production car, in 1997.

The introduction of the bZ4X strengthens Toyota's multi-technology approach to meet different mobility requirements by offering customers a full line-up of electrified vehicles, including HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs. Toyota aims to reduce CO2 with products that are easy to use and have strong customer appeal, and these technologies will together help deliver the goal of carbon neutrality.

Zero emissions are only part of Toyota's ambition - as the "beyond" element in bZ makes clear. It is committed to delivering ever-better mobility for all, with products and services that enhance the pleasure of driving, keeping all road-users safe and helping build better societies around the world.

The Toyota bZ4X is a wholly human-centred vehicle, designed to help customers make the change to a BEV with no compromise or inconvenience and maximising opportunities in design, performance and the ownership experience that are specific to pure electric vehicles - going beyond customer's expectations.