Toyota bZ4X: the beginning of Toyota’s electric offensive

Toyota may appear to have arrived late to the electric-car ‘party’, but the bZ4X marks the start of its offensive

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You do not need a particularly sharp memory to recall Toyota’s commitment to electrified vehicles, and hybrids in particular. It is an effort that has now spanned more than 25 years.

Since the Prius arrived in 1997, this has been the brand’s central mission. Its move into fully electric cars, however, came only very recently. I remember that even adding a plug-in hybrid version to the Prius took quite some time.

For all these reasons, the appearance of a new, fully electric “Beyond Zero” model family and the arrival of its first member, the bZ4X, made me wonder: was Toyota’s decision driven by a sense that “we also need to be there”, or more by a “let’s do this!” attitude?

After all, the Toyota Group still holds the title of the world’s largest car manufacturer. What is more, the Japanese giant does not generally introduce new products merely to be present in a segment. When it does so, it aims to secure a leading position.

Design and styling for a new family

I have to admit that my first visual encounter with the Toyota bZ4X did not win me over. It is also larger than I had expected. It measures almost 4.7 m in length, although its height is no more than 1.6 m - lower than a RAV4, for example, despite occupying the same segment.

Returning to its styling, an inevitably subjective matter where tastes differ, the similarities with the brand’s newest models are clear.

I must say that the unpainted plastic treatments did not appeal to me. I also found the various smaller plastic elements ‘scattered’ around the bodywork rather odd. Examples include the trim piece above the front light clusters and the plastic section on the charging-port flap.

Even so, the longer I spent with the Toyota bZ4X, the more it grew on me.

Bolder lines, but the interior lacks colour

The cabin layout is also unlike what we would normally expect from Toyota. It is almost as though the bZ4X project was given permission simply to experiment.

The instrument display, for instance, is notably compact, presents only the essential information and sits further away from the driver.

Alongside it, the central dashboard design leads into a large rectangular touchscreen with good resolution. It offers wireless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has dedicated pages for the electric system, including a consumption-based usage history.

The climate-control functions on the centre console still have separate controls, rather than being buried in a ‘tangle’ of confusing menus. Some use touch-operated controls instead of conventional buttons, but they are positioned directly within view.

The rotary gear selector is the same as that in the Lexus RZ 450e I have already had the chance to test, although here it is mounted centrally.

It is one of the features that contributes, albeit modestly, to a good driving position, with enough adjustment range to suit drivers of different heights. On the other hand, it is not always easy to set the steering wheel at an ‘ideal’ height while retaining a clear view of the instruments.

Generous dimensions inside the Toyota bZ4X

As we are now approaching matters involving a measuring tape, this is also the right time to mention that there is no shortage of space inside the Toyota bZ4X. This is particularly evident in the rear row of seats.

Legroom is especially generous, even when the front-seat occupants require more room, while headroom is similarly impressive.

There are plenty of places for storing smaller items within the bZ4X, not least because Toyota has omitted a glovebox from this model. In its place, there is a huge ‘void’ below the centre console, enclosed compartments between the seats and generously sized door pockets.

A less positive point is a feature that, unfortunately, remains common among several manufacturers, not only Japanese ones. Inside the Toyota bZ4X, there is virtually no colour other than grey.

Build quality is solid, and every control gives the impression that it will outlast us. However, the cabin shades do not match the boldness of certain shapes and materials, such as the fabric trim applied across the dashboard.

Smooth progress

On the move, the Toyota bZ4X stands out for its refinement, acting rather like a ‘protective cocoon’ that shields passengers from much of the outside world, including noise.

Its well-insulated cabin is complemented by competent suspension performance, even when the road surface is less than helpful. With 18-inch wheels and generously profiled tyres, many imperfections also fail to reach the interior.

This softer, comfort-focused set-up has to contend with the vehicle’s more than two-tonne weight, ultimately reducing its more emotional appeal from behind the wheel.

To be fair, though, the Toyota bZ4X was not designed to devour corners, but rather to serve as an efficient family car. It is the sort of vehicle that actually prefers urban driving, where it can regenerate more energy and deliver more restrained average consumption.

Even so, the battery’s placement helps create a lower centre of gravity, which provides some assistance when the pace increases.

bZ4X energy consumption and range

For this Premium version of the bZ4X, fitted with a single 150 kW motor (or 204 hp), Toyota quotes average consumption of 16.9 kWh/100 km. With its 71.4 kWh battery, the claimed range stands between 444 km and 512 km.

During this test, covering a variety of journeys across town and motorway driving and with the air conditioning switched on throughout, the final figure was a very respectable 18.1 kWh/100 km. Even so, on the open road at a steady speed, I achieved figures closer to 17 kWh/100 km.

As I was above the official consumption figure, it was naturally not possible to reach the 442 km range shown by the trip computer at the beginning of the test. In real-world use, I came close to 400 km.

Toyota has nevertheless been working to improve these figures. Evidence of this could be seen in one of the latest software updates, which added a battery charge-percentage display to the instrument panel, alongside optimisation of the entire system’s operation.

Mid-range trim level

The Premium equipment grade, fitted to the test car, is the middle option of the three available and has a starting price of €56,190. To match the car shown in the photographs, only metallic paint needs to be added (€950), taking the total to €57,140.

If you want more equipment, there are no optional extras to choose from. You will need to opt for the Lounge version, which is far better equipped than this Premium. Its starting price, however, rises to €62,240.

Finally, and no less importantly, the bZ4X battery comes with a 10-year or one-million-kilometre warranty. That is a compelling argument among electric cars.

Verdict

Technical specifications