Toyota BZ4X first drive | brand's first electric car was worth the wait

With its long-term commitment to using electrification in its hybrid powertrains to reduce emissions, it is something of a surprise that Toyota has not had an electric car – until now.

The first of many is its bZ4X SUV, and this is also the launch model in the company’s bZ (beyond zero) sub-brand of zero-emission models. The model name also references the size of the car – 4 for mid-size – and the vehicle type, in this case ‘x’ for crossover SUV.

The bZ4X is slightly longer and lower than a Rav4, and a similar size to the VW Group’s Škoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID4 and Audi Q4 e-tron models.

Inside, it certainly compares well with a roomy and airy cabin, with plenty of legroom for rear-seat passengers and a 452-litre boot with the 60/40 split rear seats in place.

There is plenty of space up front as well: legroom for the front seat passenger is increased through the omission of a glovebox, although there are plenty of storage cubbies and compartments to make up for this. These include an open area beneath the centre console, as well as a number of other spaces within it.

At the top of the centre console is, dependent on specification, either an eight- or 12.3-inch touchscreen used by the latest Toyota Smart Connect infotainment system, which includes all the familiar features such as navigation, air-conditioning and media.

The system interface works slickly, offering an attractive and straightforward layout and menu in keeping with the modern feel of the interior. The quality of the materials used in both the cabin and build are high, while Toyota has taken a similar approach to Peugeot’s i-Cockpit with the seven-inch TFT instrument panel and information display set back further than usual so the driver looks over the steering wheel to see it.
On the media launch we drove the high-specification Premiere Edition, which is available to mark the model’s debut, with all-wheel drive.

Like all models – the UK line-up will comprise of Pure, Motion and Vision equipment grades – this features a 71kWh battery which gives a WLTP range of up to 317 miles (efficiency: 4.4 miles/kWh) in front-wheel drive variants, falling to 286 miles (4.0 miles/kWh) for AWD models.
The two-wheel drive model is powered by a single 204PS motor, while the AWD versions have a motor on each axle to produce up to 218PS.

Both powertrains have a 150kW DC on-board charger, which means fast charging to 80% capacity can be accomplished in around 30 minutes at a suitable charge point.

At launch, bZ4X will be fitted with a 6.6kWh on-board AC charger, although this will be replaced by an 11kWh unit in cars produced from towards the end of 2022.

On the road, the bZ4X impressed. It is really smooth and quiet to drive, with a high level of refinement: measures implemented include the use of thicker glass in the side windows and a wider gap between the door mirror and front three-quarter panel to reduce the sound produced by wind turbulence.

It drives well too. The steering has a nice weight and directness, while the overall feel strikes a pleasing balance between sportiness and comfort.

There is also good news for those drivers who want some off-road ability. The AWD models have hill-descent control, low-speed crawl control and a 500mm wade depth.

Most bZ4X drivers will likely never use these features, but they do add further depth to the car’s broad appeal.

Toyota’s first BEV may have been a long time coming, but its debut model is a very good one.