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Toyota’s first fully electric SUV, the all-new bZ4X has arrived in Australian showrooms, bringing with it a new BEV (battery electric vehicle)-specific platform utilising the latest motor generator and battery technology.
Jointly developed with Subaru, the bZ4X is based on a new platform that integrates the battery and motor generator into the vehicle’s structure, providing extra rigidity and a low centre of gravity. This approach allows the wheels to be pushed further outward to the front and rear, leaving more room for passengers within the vehicle’s footprint.
The bZ4X is offered in front or all-wheel-drive format. The front-wheel-drive version is equipped with LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with auto power folding, power tailgate and privacy glass for rear side, quarter and back windows.
The interior features fabric and synthetic leather trim, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leather-accented steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, four cupholders and eight bottle holders.
The latest Toyota multimedia technology is housed within a 12.3-inch touchscreen and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Enhanced voice recognition using the “Hey, Toyota” command can control several functions such as “Open all windows”.
The SUV comes with BEV specific connected features such as charge station locators and charge management functionality within the myToyota Connect smartphone app. Over-the-air updates, cloud navigation and live traffic information are included.
The latest Toyota Safety Sense suite integrates a pre-collision safety system that can detect vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists (in daylight only) and pedestrians, including at intersections. Other features include emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, emergency driving stop system, road-sign assist (speed signs only) and parking support brake. The bZ4X is also equipped with active cruise control and seven airbags.
The AWD bZ4X brings a higher level of standard features, including a roof spoiler, fixed panoramic roof, roof rails and a gloss black bonnet accent.
AWD interiors gain a JBL premium sound system, premium synthetic leather seat trim, Qi-compatible 10W wireless charger8, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory function and a kick sensor for the power tailgate.
Safety enhancements for the AWD include driver monitor, blind-spot monitor, safe exit assist, intelligent parking assist and panoramic view monitor.
The AWD’s 212mm ground clearance and all-wheel drivetrain are leveraged by X-Mode off-road drive modes to enable off-road ability. X-Mode optimises traction for “Snow/Dirt” or “Deep Snow/Mud” conditions and incorporates Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control.
The FWD model features a front-mounted e-Axle that combines the transaxle, motor, and inverter into an integrated, compact unit that produces outputs of up to 150kW and 266Nm. The AWD model uses front and rear 80kW e-Axles with maximum combined outputs of 160kW and 337Nm.
Providing the electrical energy is a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery that is rigorously tested for 20 days before being fitted to a car.
FWD driving range is 535km at 128Wh/km, while the more powerful AWD’s drive range is 485km at 141Wh/km.
European versions of the bZ4X which are tested on the WLTP cycle return a range of 436km at 168.9Wh/km for the FWD and 411km at 181.1Wh/km for the AWD.
Six exterior colours are available: Ebony Black, Frosted White, Liquid Metal, Silver Rush, Feverish Red and Dynamic Blue. A two-tone treatment is available for the AWD with gloss black for the roof and A-pillars complementing the body colour.
The FWD bZ4X is priced from $66,000 with the AWD bZ4X available from $74,900.
The bZ4X is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers up to five-year unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on motor and driveline with log-book services.
Toyota also offers capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km with each 12-month/15,000km service costing $180.
Toyota bZ4X pricing (excluding on-road costs)
FWD: $66,000
AWD: $74,900
Options:
Premium paint: $575
Two-tone roof (AWD): $1,350
