Toyota bZ4X EV concept revealed, launch next year

KUALA LUMPUR: While Toyota has been slower than other auto giants embracing pure electrification on a mass level, it has now aimed at launching 15 BEVs by 2025. In line with that, the Japanese automaker recently pulled the wraps off the new bZ4X electric SUV concept at the ongoing Auto Shanghai Show in China. The bZ4X will be the first among seven Toyota BEVs to be rolled out under bZ (beyond zero) specific platform. 

Spearheading the BEV lineup, the bZ4X underpins the brand’s new e-TNGA electric vehicle architecture, which has been developed in association with fellow Japan automaker Subaru, whose Forester-sized SUV will be the first to use this platform.

The exterior design of the concept is reminiscent of the RAV4 having more angular and sharp creased lines. The angular front fascia features a fully enclosed grille residing above a metallic wide intake, edged by slender headlights. Included in the exterior highlights are a long hood, pronounced wheel arches, a rakish windscreen, angular rear window, and eye-catching tail light clusters.

Coming to the interior, which is described as an "open-concept" by Toyota; it emphasizes driver comfort with the placements like low-position instrument panel with gauges placed on the three-spoke steering wheel for better visibility. There is also a freestanding infotainment system having a widescreen display paired with a floating central console. Added to the interior designing are gloss black trimming, minimalist controls, a rotary shifter, and an upholstered dashboard.

Regarding the bZ4X powertrain options, Toyota has not revealed any info except mentioning that it will have an all-wheel-drive system.

“The Toyota bZ4X concept points to yet another option in our already robust electrified portfolio,” said Bob Carter, TMNA executive vice president of sales. “At Toyota, we are a human-centered company – the customer is our CEO and will ultimately decide which technologies will carry us toward a carbon-neutral future. With investments and product offerings across the spectrum of electrification, we intend to be there with products and technologies that meet the diverse needs of customers around the world.”

The production-spec version of the Toyota bZ4X will be manufactured in Japan and China with the schedule of commencing international sales by the middle of 2022.

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