Toyota bZ4X receives its first major update

Toyota has announced the first update for the bZ4X, a model the Japanese manufacturer introduced in 2022. The changes arriving this year include substantial advances in battery capacity, output and driving range.

This mid-life revision comes for a model that has become Norway’s best-selling electric car - in a market where EVs already account for more than 90% of all sales - as well as the segment’s fourth best-selling electric vehicle.

Larger battery packs and more powerful motors are the headline changes, although the cabin has also been revised. Alongside this fully electric model, the Japanese brand unveiled another EV: the new Toyota C-HR+.

New batteries and improved efficiency

The Toyota bZ4X will be offered with two battery choices. The entry-level front-wheel-drive model receives a 57.7 kWh unit, producing 123 kW (167 hp) and offering a claimed range of up to 445 km on the WLTP cycle. A larger 73.1 kWh battery will be fitted to the more powerful versions.

The all-wheel-drive variant, which uses two electric motors, now delivers 252 kW (343 hp) and has an estimated range of 520 km. However, this version will not be sold in Portugal.

What has changed in the batteries

Toyota has improved the overall efficiency of the electric system through higher cell energy density and the introduction of silicon carbide semiconductors.

Despite the performance gains, Toyota says battery durability and reliability have not been compromised. The warranty remains unchanged: 10 years or one million kilometres, whichever comes first.

Should degradation exceed 30% during that period, the manufacturer will replace the component. However, according to Toyota, “it is not expected that degradation will even come close to this figure”, one of the brand’s engineers told us. “We have worked with batteries and electric systems for more than 25 years and have a deep understanding of how our components behave,” he concluded.

Improved performance and capabilities

These revisions make the Toyota bZ4X more energy-efficient as well as quicker. The most powerful version reaches 100 km/h from rest in just 5.1 seconds, placing it among the brand’s fastest models.

Towing capacity has also doubled to 1500 kg, making this SUV more adaptable for drivers who need to haul heavier loads.

Charging has been further enhanced on the updated bZ4X. Toyota has introduced a battery pre-conditioning system intended to improve rapid-charging efficiency in cold conditions.

On higher-spec models, the onboard AC charger has been upgraded to 22 kW, shortening charging times when connected to a compatible wallbox. DC rapid charging remains at 150 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Updated interior and refined aerodynamics

While the exterior design receives only modest aerodynamic revisions at the front, the interior has undergone more notable changes.

Toyota has streamlined the digital instrument panel and fitted the bZ4X with a new 14-inch central display, which now incorporates the climate-control functions.

Market availability

Toyota has not yet disclosed precise launch dates, but has confirmed that the new bZ4X will reach several European markets after this summer. There is also no indication yet of pricing for Portugal.