WeeklySA_AdminSUSTAINABLE MOBILITY: The bZ4X and the bZ4X Touring heralds the automaker’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle with an estimated driving range of between 456 and 487 km
By Ali Mphaki
When Toyota says “Yes” it would seem car buyers can’t say “No”.
And now that Toyota is taking another significant step in its electrification journey with the introduction of the bZ4X and the bZ4X Touring, indications are that this new model will be well received especially considering its pricing of just a tad over R1-million and Toyota’s renowned quality, durability and reliability.
The Toyota bZ4X starts from R1 182 800 and the Toyota bZ4X Touring will set you back at R1 317 700.
Likely to sweeten the deal and bring further peace of mind is that the EV battery is covered by an 8-year/160 00 km warranty sold with a 6 years/90 000 km service plan.
Whereas the bZ4X and the bZ4X Touring is Toyota’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and although both vehicles share same battery-electric e-TNGA platform, the manufacturer says have been developed to appeal to different lifestyles.The bZ4X is offered as an SUV that balances comfort and everyday practicality with all-wheel-drive capability.
On the other hand, the bZ4X Touring introduces a more adventurous personality, greater luggage capacity, a more rugged design, increased versatility and substantially higher performance, making it Toyota’s flagship battery-electric SUV.
In a nutshell, the bZ4X may be defined as refined and urban, while the bz4X Touring is purpose-built for customers whose journeys regularly extend beyond the city. Visually, the standard bZ4X flowing character lines and Toyota’s signature Hammerhead front-end design, slim LED headlamps, integrated front styling and a full-width rear light bar contribute to a futuristic appearance that even in these days where most vehicles look similar is unmistakably Toyota.
While both models share the same 2,850 mm wheelbase, the Touring stretches 140 mm longer and stands 70 mm taller than the standard bZ4X.
Ground clearance also increases to 216 mm (200 mm in the bZ4X). Both models ride on 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels featuring resin detailing At the heart of both models is Toyota’s latest-generation lithium-ion battery technology. The bZ4X features a high-capacity 73.11 kWh battery, while the flagship Touring employs an even larger 74.69 kWh battery.
The battery system supports up to 22 kW AC charging and provides an estimated driving range of between 456 and 481 km (462 to 487 km for the Touring), making long-distance travel increasingly practical but not radically different from other EV competitors.
Every vehicle is supplied with charging cables suitable for home charging as well as public AC charging stations, while compatibility with DC fast chargers allows charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The bZ4X delivers 255 kW of power, while its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 268.6 Nm of torque from the front motor and 169.8 Nm from the rear, propelling it from 0–100 km/h in Toyota’s claimed 5.1 seconds.
The bZ4X Touring takes performance to the next level with a commanding 334 kW output, while its front and rear electric motors each generate 268.6 Nm of torque for effortless all-wheel-drive performance. Toyota says the Touring accelerates from 0–100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 180 km/h.
While both models share the same 2,850 mm wheelbase, the Touring stretches 140 mm longer and stands 70 mm taller than the standard bZ4X.
Ground clearance also increases to 216 mm (200 mm in the bZ4X). The cabin can is a welcoming space with heated front seats and steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, generous storage solutions and a spacious luggage compartment.
For added measure, the newcomer is offered with natural voice recognition, activated by the “Hey Toyota” command, which enables occupants to control selected vehicle functions without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
You also get Advanced Park which automatically steer the vehicle into suitable parking spaces with minimal driver input.
From introducing the Prius in 2005 and pioneering locally produced hybrid technology with the Corolla Cross Hybrid, to the arrival of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and now Toyota’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV, Toyota’s electrification journey is lit!
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