Toyota Launches All-New bZ4X BEV
Toyota has introduced its all-new, all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV.
The bZ4X is the first Toyota vehicle to be launched under the global bZ series, with more bZ vehicles on planned to expand Toyota’s offerings in the BEV segment, the company said.
Offered in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the all-electric bZ4X produces a horsepower rating of 201 for FWD, a horsepower rating of 214 for AWD, and has an estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD.
The XLE FWD model has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 252 miles. The XLE AWD model has an EPA-estimated range of up to 228 miles. The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for XLE FWD is 131 MPGe city, 107 MPGe highway and 119 MPGe combined. The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for XLE AWD is 114 MPGe city, 94 MPGe highway and 104 MPGe combined.
Offered in two grades, XLE and Limited, in both Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the bZ4X sits in the middle of the compact SUV segment. It is 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, at 184.6 inches, with a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase at 112.2 inches. It is 2.0 inches lower than RAV4 at 69.0 inches high, and 0.2 inches wider, at 73.2 inches. The bZ4X offers 42.1 inches of legroom for the front seat and 35.3 inches for passengers in the rear seat. Cargo volume is 27.7 cubic feet behind the second row.
The 2023 bZ4X offers a variety of exterior color options, including both standard and two-tone with black roof (additional cost): Heavy Metal, Black, Elemental Silver Metallic, Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl.
Thanks to the BEV-dedicated platform, the engineering team achieved an extra wide interior cabin, Toyota said. Piano-black parts are featured throughout the vehicle, while a satin material is found on the higher Limited grade. A soft-touch material is also added to the dashboard. Soundproofing glass and wind-noise reduction are standard, while a fixed panoramic roof and power sunshade are available.
For interior color options, the 2023 bZ4X is offered in Softex/Fabric-trimmed in Black for the XLE grade, and options of Softex-trimmed in Black or Softex-trimmed in Light Gray for the Limited grade.
The hub of the cockpit is positioned around a shared center console that functions like a table with storage for a smartphone, with available wireless charging coupled with a transparent lid and USB ports (A and C).
The bZ4X comes standard with a 12.3-inch widescreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The system also provides Over-the-Air updates and features voice and touch controls. It also allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. With further connectivity, the bZ4X offers an available Wi-Fi Connect subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices. The bZ4X comes available with a JBL Premium Audio system with 9 speakers, including an 8-channel HiD 800-watt amplifier and 9-in. subwoofer.
With the Toyota App, users can stay connected to their bZ4X with Remote Connect service, included as a 3-year trial service. Users can activate headlights, a horn alert, buzzer and unlock the rear hatch. The remote climate features include the ability for in-cabin temperature controls, including remote activation of the available seat heaters/ventilators, steering wheel heater, defroster and the ability to schedule a timer to activate in a daily routine. For added convenience, the bZ4X is the first Toyota vehicle to also incorporate an enhanced remote vehicle start feature.
With the bZ4X Limited grade, drivers also have access to the available Digital Key, a feature of the Remote Connect service, allowing owners to share vehicle access lock, unlock and start the vehicle through the Toyota App. Remote Charging capabilities are also included with Remote Connect on the bZ4X, which includes the ability to check charging status, start/stop charging with a vehicle that is already plugged in and edit charging schedules. The Toyota App also provides a map to find charging station locations.
