Toyota bZ4X: how the new electric all-wheel drive SUV of the Japanese brand works

Content

What features does bZ4X have?
Unique and exciting design

Based on the new e-TNGA platform developed jointly with Subaru, the Toytota bZ4X promises good interior space, an all-wheel drive system that will stand out in its segment, and solar charging.

The automotive world is aiming to replace all combustion engine vehicles with all-electric vehicles. So far, no matter how you feel about it, it is clear that there will be more electric vehicles, and Toyota has unveiled a new electric SUV concept called the Toyota bZ4X.

The automaker says the vehicle is part of its global commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

By the year 70, Toyota plans to expand its product portfolio to around 2025 models worldwide. This number will include 15 new battery electric vehicles, seven of which will be bZ models. Toyota says "bZ" means "beyond zero".

Toyota has also confirmed that it intends to electrify its truck lineup, including hybrid and all-electric powertrains.

What features does bZ4X have?

The Toyota bZ4X was co-developed with Subaru and built on the new dedicated e-TNGA BEV platform. Toyota promises the concept will combine legendary quality, durability and reliability with all-wheel drive that Subaru is known for.

The car has a long wheelbase with short overhangs, which creates a distinctive design with plenty of interior space.

Unique and exciting design

The interior is an open design concept designed to enhance driver comfort and confidence on the road. Toyota says every detail of the car has been specially designed, including the placement of sensors above the steering wheel, to give the car a sense of space, helping to improve visibility for safe driving.

However, Toyota's new electric SUV has been unveiled as a concept model, although based on its traditional design, it can be said that the changes the model will face ahead of its foray into production lines will be numerous. .

The new bZ4X shows off a much more elongated front volume than hinted at in the branding images and teaser. This is an electric D-segment SUV, and as such, it exhibits relatively bulky dimensions, although Toyota did not restrict them.

The Toyota bZ4X lines are futuristic yet familiar as they continue to represent a leap forward in line with the Japanese firm's latest models. While its front looks more innovative, the rear is very reminiscent of the firm's other SUV, the .

In profile view, two elements stand out in particular. One of them is that they have resorted to a floating roof type, finished in black, which gives it a certain dynamism. The second element that draws attention is the front wheel arches, which are finished in high-gloss black and extend from the very front, where they act as an aerodynamic air intake, wrapping a group of front lamps at the bottom of it, and the same wheel step.

And the interior, judging by the images provided by Toyota, seems to be extremely functional, in the purest Japanese style. The center console integrates most of the controls, including a roulette-like joystick for the gear selector and a touchpad to control the huge central screen. Under the latter are the climate and comfort controls.

The most controversial novelty is found in her steering wheel. Toyota, at least this is the concept model they showed, eschewed the conventionality of a full-rim steering wheel and resorted to what could very well be an aircraft rudder.

Toyota bZ4X will be produced in Japan and China. Toyota plans to start global sales of the model in mid-2022, with US production details to be released at a later date.

In terms of design, the car is certainly very attractive inside and out, but big mysteries remain around the electric car. That is, Toyota has not yet indicated range, charging time, price or performance.

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