Toyota has expanded its local electrified line-up with the introduction of the all-wheel drive bZ4X and the new bZ4X Touring, signifying the brand's first full BEV in the country.
Image: Supplied
Toyota has expanded its local electrified line-up with the launch of the all wheel drive bZ4X and the new bZ4X Touring, marking the brand's first dedicated battery electric passenger vehicles in South Africa.
We recently got behind the wheel of both models during a drive experience through Mpumalanga.
While Toyota has built up considerable experience locally with hybrid models such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, these two represent the brand's first vehicles developed from the ground up as electric SUVs, with the “bZ” prefix standing for beyond zero.
The two models share Toyota's dedicated e-TNGA electric vehicle architecture.
The standard bZ4X is positioned as a premium family SUV for everyday driving, while the larger Touring version targets buyers who require additional luggage space and stronger performance for longer trips and outdoor activities.
Both ride on the same 2,850mm wheelbase, but the Touring is 140mm longer and 70mm taller than the standard model. It also has increased ground clearance of 216mm compared with 200mm for the bZ4X, while the longer rear overhang creates a larger luggage compartment.
The bZ4X adopts Toyota's latest "Hammerhead" front-end design, featuring slim LED headlights, smooth body surfaces and a full-width rear light bar.
The Touring receives a tougher-looking exterior with redesigned bumpers, more pronounced lower body cladding, raised roof rails and a thicker rear light bar to reinforce its more adventurous character.
We did feel, however, that while the front of the car was rather eye-catching, the rear didn’t elicit the same response.
Both versions ride on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard.
The range comprises two all wheel drive variants: the bZ4X and the larger bZ4X Touring, pictured here.
Image: Supplied
Toyota has designed the cabin around what it calls an "Activity Hub" concept, with a clean dashboard layout and a spacious interior made possible by the dedicated EV platform.
A new 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with crisp graphics dominates the dashboard, while a 7-inch digital instrument display sits high in the driver's line of sight.
I did find, however, that at a certain steering wheel height, it prevented a direct line of sight to the instrument cluster.
Other standard features include a shift-by-wire gear selector, wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, panoramic glass roof, power-operated tailgate and a JBL premium audio system.
The interior materials, finishings and fittings we found to be absolutely premium with a top-notch look and feel.
Both models use Toyota's latest lithium-ion battery technology but with slightly different capacities.
The bZ4X is fitted with a 73.11kWh battery pack, while the Touring receives a larger 74.69kWh battery. Both batteries feature water cooling and battery pre-conditioning to improve charging performance and long-term durability.
The bZ4X produces 255kW through its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds.
The Touring increases output to 334kW, with a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h.
Toyota quotes an estimated driving range of between 456km and 481km for the bZ4X, while the Touring is capable of between 462km and 487km.
A lot of that will depend on how much regeneration is applied, but with long-distance driving it’s likely to be in the region of 400-440 kilometers.
Both vehicles support AC charging of up to 22kW and DC fast charging, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. Charging cables for home and public AC charging are supplied as standard.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, along with integrated navigation and Toyota's latest connected multimedia system.
Android Auto is, however, not wireless, and it needs a cable to be plugged in on the driver’s side of the console. It’s not a complete train smash; we have been doing it for years after all, but there are a number of Toyota’s products that have a similar issue. If most of the opposition’s technology allows it, as well as far less premium priced brands, I feel it’s something that they need to address.
Drivers can also use the "Hey Toyota" voice assistant to operate selected vehicle functions.
Both models also feature Toyota's X-Mode traction management system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, Grip Control for low-speed off-road driving and Downhill Assist Control for steeper descents.
Toyota has designed the cabin around what it calls an "Activity Hub" concept, with a clean dashboard layout and a spacious interior made possible by the dedicated EV platform.
Image: Supplied
It’s an electric car with power going to all four corners, so you know it will pull away like a stabbed rat, which it certainly does.
We did it more just to test it, and it will easily push you back into your seat and frighten the passengers if you don’t warn them, slightly more so in the Touring.
It also comes in handy when passing the many heavily loaded trucks around Mbombela, White River and Hazyview.
It passes them in a flash, and while slowing down, the battery will regenerate, depending on what level setting you have.
On more grainy tar roads, there is some tyre noise that filters into the cabin but on the smooth parts it’s eerily quiet.
Steering is light with decent feedback and because of its low centre of gravity will scythe through corners and bends with consummate ease.
The seats are extremely comfortable with decent lumbar support, and they cocoon you well when playing around in the corners.
There’s a well balanced feel to the car with all the elements combining perfectly to provide a lovely ride quality and an equally comfortably planted drive.
On a short gravel stretch, the bZ4X made short work of the ruts and washaways thanks to the all-wheel drive system and raised ride height.
At the recent Toyota Matsuri event at Kyalami, this was well illustrated with a tough axle-twister, steep gravel incline and an even steeper decline.
Both models use Toyota's latest lithium ion battery technology, with the bZ4X powered by a 73.11kWh battery pack and the Touring featuring a slightly larger 74.69kWh battery.
Image: Supplied
Both are equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package.
The system includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Emergency Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, Parking Support Brake, Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist, Adaptive High Beam headlights and Advanced Park, which can automatically steer the vehicle into parking spaces.
Toyota was unfairly chastised for not drinking all of the BEV cool-aid when everyone claimed it was going to be the only way forward.
They patiently stuck to their guns with a full complement of drivetrains that included all internal combustion engine options, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, BEV and even hydrogen.
The result is that the bZ4X (with more BEVs on the cards) is a well-crafted and accomplished SUV with an extra bow to its quiver that will get you far from the madding crowd that many cars won’t.
Toyota bZ4X: R1 182 800
Toyota bZ4X Touring: R1 317 700
Both models are sold with a six-year/90,000km service plan, a three-year/100,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km warranty on the high-voltage battery.