Toyota bZ4X EV

• 2026 Toyota bZ4X facelift – EV updated in Thailand with larger battery, up to 525 km WLTP; from RM198k

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Mick Chan / 7 November 2025 6:33 pm / 11 comments

  

  Toyota has launched the bZ4X facelift for Thailand, where the electric crossover is on sale in two variants, three years on from when the model first arrived in the market.

  According to Autolife Thailand, the updated bZ4X as the the Long Range FWD is priced at 1,529,000 baht (RM197,507), and the Long Range AWD is priced at 1,649,000 baht (RM213,008), the latter priced slightly less than the dual-motor AWD that was the sole variant at the model’s 2022 market launch in the kingdom.

  Starting with the Long Range FWD, this gets a single-motor powertrain producing 224 PS and 269 Nm driving the front wheels, powered by a 73.1 kWh lithium-ion battery providing up to 600 km of range on the NEDC cycle (525 km WLTP). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is attained in a claimed 7.4 seconds.

  The Long Range AWD, as the name indicates, drives all four wheels through a dual-motor powertrain that outputs 343 PS and 338 Nm, powered by the same 73.1 kWh battery that yields up to 570 km of range on the NEDC cycle (481 km WLTP). The 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark is elapsed in a claimed 5.1 seconds.

  

  

  

  Charging for the updated bZ4X is up to 150 kW DC, enabling a 10-80% recharge in 28 minutes. Meanwhile, the bZ4X can take up to 22 kW of AC charging.

  Equipment in the 2026 bZ4X includes synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats (with memory for the driver’s seat), automatic power windows with anti-pinch on all four windows, smart entry and push-button start, paddles for brake regeneration control, a seven-inch driver’s instrument display, and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.

  Also on are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio (nine speakers for the AWD), one USB-A and three USB-C ports, one 12-volt outlet, two wireless phone charging pads, dual-zone air-conditioning with rear air-conditioning vents, and 64-colour cabin ambient lighting.

  

  

  

  

  Safety and driving assistance systems in the 2026 bZ4X include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, parking assist with automatic braking, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense suite of functions including pre-collision system with automatic braking, all-speed ​​dynamic radar cruise control, Adaptive cruise control with cornering speed reduction system, automatic high beam control, lane departure warning, and lane tracing assist.

  Also on are ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and eight airbags (dual front, centre front, side front, driver’s knee and curtain airbags).

  In Thailand, the 2026 Toyota bZ4X is offered in a choice of exterior colours comprised of Precious Metal (grey), Platinum White Pearl, Emotional Red, and Attitude Black Mica, with the first three colours paired with a black roof finish and a black interior scheme, while the latter gets light grey upholstery.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X facelift previewed in Indonesia: now CKD, FWD only, 224 PS, 573 km range, will be much cheaper

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 28 July 2025 1:34 pm / 6 comments

  

  Revealed back in March, the facelifted Toyota bZ4X is now being previewed at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) ahead of a local launch at the end of the year. Another prohibitively expensive EV for the archipelago? Not so fast, because this one will actually be CKD locally assembled.

  The move, PT Toyota Astra Motor said, is part of the carmaker’s pledge to support the government’s policy of accelerating EV adoption while “strengthening the empowerment of the national industry.” The company is also promising a more affordable bZ4X as part of the localisation (along with greater availability of spare parts), meaning it should cost a damn sight less than the 1.19 billion rupiah (RM307,400) asked by the outgoing model.

  It will also be a better EV than the last one. According to Antara News, the new bZ4X will be offered solely in front-wheel-drive form, with power now up 20 PS to 224 PS (165 kW); a commensurate increase in battery capacity (marginally increased to 73.1 kWh) also bumps up the range by 73 km to 573 km on the WLTP cycle.

  

  Meanwhile, the bZ4X’s polarising design has been ever so slightly homogenised. Toyota’s distinctive “hammerhead” horizontal front blade has been retained, but the LED daytime running lights are now C-shaped, while the main headlight projectors have been cast off, integrated into the vertical air curtains. Elsewhere, the massive angular plastic wheel arch trims are now painted either in gloss black (shown here) or body colour. New wheels are also on, measuring 20 inches in diameter here.

  Inside, there’s a redesigned dashboard, sporting a new 14-inch touchscreen that incorporates the air-con controls and physical temperature control knobs, similar to what you’ll find on Lexus’ models. You also get a completely revised centre console featuring twin 15-watt Qi wireless chargers for the first time.

  

  Under the skin, the revised suspension settings and adjustments to the bodywork have delivered lower noise and vibration levels and improved comfort and driving dynamics. The available Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assists include adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring assist for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

  With CKD local assembly in ASEAN now a viable option, could Malaysia follow suit? Remember, UMW Toyota Motor previewed the car several times (we’ve even driven it) ahead of an expected local launch last year, but appeared to have pulled the plug at the last minute, likely due to uncompetitive pricing next to the advancing Chinese opposition.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X Touring/bZ Woodland EV revealed – rebadged Subaru Trailseeker, 380 PS, 418 km range

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 16 May 2025 11:36 am / 1 comment

  

  We knew that this was going to happen at some point – Toyota has rebadged the Subaru Trailseeker, giving us the bZ4X Touring (or the bZ Woodland, as it’s known in the US). It’s essentially the “wagon” version of the bZ4X/bZ electric SUV, and while Subaru was keen to distance its offering from the Solterra, here the familial resemblance is obvious.

  The Touring features virtually the same front end as the bZ4X, retaining Toyota’s “Hammerhead” front end, C-shaped daytime running lights and separated main headlights – the latter being new on the facelifted model. The only change is the silver trim on the front spoiler.

  Along the side is where you can clearly see the differences. The Touring retains the pre-facelifted bZ4X‘s controversial black plastic fenders (they’re finished in either gloss black or body colour on the facelifted car) and introduces a 140 mm longer rear end. The roofline also slopes 25 mm less towards the rear, providing a larger boot, which we’ll get to later.

  

  The back with its full-width taillight bar and black bumper is identical to the Trailseeker’s, save for the chunky silver skid plate. The big roof rails are also new; they’re functional and are rated to hold up to 70 kg, perfect for carrying sports equipment or long loads as Toyota claims.

  Inside, the biggest difference is cargo room, which has grown by 148 litres to a nice round 600 litres. Beyond that, the interior has been carried over from the facelifted bZ4X, sporting the same redesigned dashboard with a larger 14-inch touchscreen (with built-in physical temperature control knobs, à la Lexus) and twin 15-watt Qi wireless chargers.

  The seats are upholstered in SofTex faux leather, available in City Moss brown. Optional features include a nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio sound system, a panoramic glass roof, a digital rearview mirror, ventilated front seats with driver’s side memory and even all-terrain tires befitting the car’s outdoorsy nature. The full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, comes standard, of course.

  

  

  

  Powering the Touring is the same 224 PS (165 kW) front motor as the standard bZ4X, but a more powerful rear motor on the all-wheel-drive model (standard in the US) bumps up the power output by 37 PS to 380 PS (280 kW), making it Toyota’s most powerful EV. The AWD version benefits from Subaru’s X-Mode off-road drive mode selector and Grip Control off-road cruise control, both claimed to offer additional traction on slippery surfaces. Towing capacity is rated at 1,500 kg.

  Both front-wheel-drive and AWD variants feature the Trailseeker’s larger 74.7 kWh battery, and while WLTP range figures have not been released, the company’s US arm is targeting up to 260 miles (418 km) with AWD on the US’ more stringent EPA cycle. Expect the worldwide number to be much higher, nearing the bZ4X AWD’s 520 km. The Touring supports up to 150 kW of DC fast charging, topping up the battery from 10 to 80% charge in 30 minutes; it can also accept 11 kW or 22 kW of AC charging, depending on the variant.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Toyota bZ Woodland, US-spec

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2026 Toyota bZ revealed for the US – renamed bZ4X facelift; AWD or FWD; up to 338 hp, 505 km EV range

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 15 May 2025 2:05 pm / 3 comments

  

  The Toyota bZ4X has been facelifted for the 2026 model year in the United States, although it’s now simply known as the bZ. Reflecting the changes announced for Europe in March, the new bZ offers more range, revised styling and is expected to arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2025.

  At launch, the bZ will be available with front- or all-wheel drive as well as two battery options. FWD variants now offer 221 hp (up from 201 hp previously) and can be had with either a 57.7- or 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery.

  The lower-capacity battery can only be had with the XLE FWD variant that provides up to 380 km (236 miles) of range. Meanwhile, the 74.7-kWh battery serves up to 481 km (299 miles) in the Limited FWD, while the variant with the highest range is the XLE FWD Plus at 505 km (314 miles).

  

  As for the AWD powertrain, it is only offered with the higher-capacity battery and boasts a 50% power increase to 338 hp. The XLE AWD will provide up to 463 km (288 miles), while the Limited AWD does 447 km (278 miles).

  The bZ supports a higher AC input of 11 kW (previously 7 kW) and is equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port for DC fast charging, which will get the battery from a 10-80% state of charge in around 30 minutes. Paddle shifters have also been added to cycle through the regenerative braking levels.

  In terms of styling, the bZ gets the brand’s new hammerhead face that is already found on recent models like the Prius and latest Camry. Buyers can also choose to have body colour-matched overfenders instead of black, although this is limited to cars with Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal or Black paint finishes.

  

  Inside, there’s a redesigned dashboard that is home to a larger 14-inch infotainment screen (previously 12.3 inches), while a pair of wireless charging pads have been added to the centre console just below the central air vents where there used to be covered storage.

  According to Toyota, available equipment for the bZ include an X-Mode for AWD variants, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour interior ambient lighting, fabric or Softex upholstery, heated front seats, six or nine speakers (the latter from JBL), a panoramic roof, 18- or 20-inch wheels, multi-LED headlamps and a host of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 ADAS.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2023 Toyota bZ4X in Malaysia – EV crossover with 71.4 kWh battery, 500 km range, 204 PS, coming next year?

  In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 25 August 2023 7:22 pm / 58 comments

  

  Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and firmly believes that “eco cars will contribute to the environment only when they come widespread.” However, with a presence in 204 countries, each with differing market conditions, offering a single solution that can meet the requirements of every Toyota customer is simply unfeasible.

  For instance, the lack of proper infrastructure limits the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) in some countries, and the same is also true of hydrogen-powered vehicles. There’s also the issue of cost, as customers in certain markets may not have the same spending power as those in others.

  As such, the Japanese carmaker pursues a multi-pathway strategy where a variety of low-carbon personal transport solutions are offered that best suit the needs of customers. This strategy involves developing powertrains of a various types, from hybrid vehicles (HEVs) that were pioneered by the Prius over two decades ago, to plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are also important in this strategy, with the carmaker announcing new technologies recently.

  

  This strategy is being applied to all markets that Toyota is entered in, which includes Malaysia. At present, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) believes HEVs to be the best fit here, with the Corolla Cross Hybrid and Innova Zenix Hybrid already on sale. Long before these two, we welcomed the third-generation Prius in 2009 and the Prius c in 2012.

  UMWT also sells models powered by efficient petrol and diesel engines, but it is now looking forward to the launch of Toyota’s first mass-market EV, the bZ4X, which is currently undergoing testing ahead of an official introduction this year. This unit loaned to us is one of a few registered units making the rounds, and we’re now bringing you a comprehensive gallery of the bZ4X for your viewing pleasure.

  In terms of specifications, this bZ4X features a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is good for a range of up to 500 km following the WLTP standard. The battery powers a front-mounted electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 266 Nm of torque, with this setup being the same one used in the Indonesian-spec bZ4X.

  

  The Toyota EV is also available with all-wheel drive in Thailand, whereby it gains a rear electric motor and increased outputs of 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 337 Nm of torque, but range is reduced to 411 km. For charging, the bZ4X supports a maximum AC input (Type 2) of 6.6 kW as well as DC fast charging (CCS2) at up to 150 kW – the latter gets the battery from a 0-80% state of charge in just 30 minutes.

  Equipment found on this particular unit includes LED exterior lighting, 20-inch wheels, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a wireless phone charger, synthetic leather upholstery, a front dashcam, a powered driver’s seat and tailgate and Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance systems.

  Final specifications along with pricing will be revealed later when the bZ4X goes on sale here, which could now be sometime next year. How much do you expect the Toyota EV to be priced at? For reference, the AWD bZ4X retails for 1.836 million baht (RM243,427) in Thailand, while in Indonesia, the FWD bZ4X sells for 1.19 billion rupiah (RM361,729).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X sighted in Malaysia – EV crossover with 71.4 kWh battery and up to 500 km range coming soon

  In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 6 January 2023 4:22 pm / 10 comments

  

  Last December, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) revealed during a media event that the Toyota bZ4X would be launched in Malaysia in 2023. At the time, company did not reveal when the all-electric crossover would go on sale here, but it appears a formal introduction could take place soon, as two units of the electric vehicle (EV) were recently sighted at UMWT’s headquarters in Shah Alam.

  The bZ4X features a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery and can be had with either a single- or dual-motor configuration. The cars pictured here have the former and pack 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 266 Nm of torque as well as range of up to 500 km following the WLTP standard.

  This powertrain is the same one that goes into the Indonesian-spec bZ4X that was launched last November with an asking price of 1.19 billion rupiah (RM334,209). Meanwhile, Thailand gets the all-wheel drive variant with a total system output of 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 337 Nm of torque, a lower range of 411 km and a price tag of 1.836 million baht (RM236,782).

  

  

  The EV supports AC charging (Type 2 connection) at up to 6.6 kW as well as DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) at up to 150 kW, the latter allowing the battery to get from a 0-80% state of charge in just 30 minutes.

  Finalised pricing for Malaysia isn’t available just yet, but the bZ4X will likely benefit from the current exemption of import and excise duties for EVs until December 31, 2024. Should you need more foreign prices to help with the guesswork, the bZ4X in the United Kingdom starts from 45,710 British pounds (RM238,962), while in Japan, it is from six million yen (RM196,685).

  It should also be noted that these two units may not be representative of what we will get and may have been brought in for evaluation purposes. The kit list based on what we can see includes LED exterior lighting, 20-inch wheels, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a wireless phone charger, synthetic leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat and tailgate and Toyota Safety Sense active systems.

  Are you excited for the launch of the bZ4X? How much do you think it will be priced at?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X EV SUV confirmed for Malaysia in 2023

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Toyota / By Mick Chan / 5 December 2022 8:53 pm / 18 comments

  

  The Toyota bZ4X has been said to arrive on the Malaysian market in 2023, and now it is official – UMW Toyota Motor has announced that the fully electric SUV will, indeed be making its local market debut next year.

  Its arrival next year means that Malaysia will join Thailand and Indonesia in having the bZ4X on sale, having been launched in both those markets in the same month, in November 2022. Pricing for the bZ4X in Malaysia has yet to be revealed, though for reference the electric SUV was priced from launch at 1.836 million baht (RM235,242) in Thailand and 1.19 billion rupiah (RM352,040) in Indonesia.

  In Malaysia, pricing for the bZ4X will take into account the exemption from import and excise duties until December 31, 2024, which is the exemption for CBU (fully imported) EVs.

  United Kingdom pricing could be indicative of the electric SUV’s pricing when it arrives in Malaysia, with UK pricing starting from £41,950 (RM238,000) for the base variant. The next trim level up is priced at £45,750 (RM259,000), which could be closer to the eventual product for Malaysia.

  

  Between the versions for the Thai and Indonesian markets, Thailand receives the all-wheel-drive version that makes 109 PS at each axle for a combined output of 218 PS and 337 Nm. Meanwhile, Indonesia receives the FWD configuration where 204 PS and 266 Nm of torque is sent to the front wheels.

  Both markets receive the same 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, with the Thailand-market car getting 411 km of range (WLTP) and the Indonesia entry achieving up to 500 km of range (WLTP). Similarities also extend to the charging options between the Thai and Indonesian markets, as both support AC charging at up to 6.6 kW via a Type 2 connection and DC charging through a CCS2 connection at up to 150 kW.

  Looking at the Thailand-market car for reference, safety kit on the bZ4X includes eight airbags (dual front, centre front, sides and curtains) and the usual array of passive systems (ABS, EBD, hill start assist, traction control, VSC).

  Meanwhile, the TSS 3.0 safety suite includes dynamic radar cruise control, a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, a panoramic view monitor, pre-collision safety (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure alert, lane keep assist, and assisted parking.

  GALLERY: Toyota bZ4X

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4x EV claimed to have world-leading battery capacity retention of 90% after 10 years of usage

  In Cars, International News / By Anthony Lim / 18 April 2022 12:13 pm / 16 comments

  

  Toyota’s first ever mass-market electric vehicle, the bZ4X, is set to be launched in Japan on May 12, and as reported earlier, will only be available via leasing through the automaker’s Kinto car subscription service.

  While the move is aimed at removing customer concerns regarding battery-electric vehicle (BEV) ownership and also promote the rebuild, reuse and recycle philosophy of batteries, the company says that there may be little need to do so during the life of the vehicle, given the expected longevity of the battery on the crossover.

  It said that development was conducted with a target of achieving a world-leading battery capacity retention ratio of 90% after 10 years in the pursuit of building a BEV that can be used for an extended period with complete peace of mind.

  Of course, actual battery capacity retention ratio when installed in a vehicle environment may vary depending on customer use conditions, usage environment and driving methods, so a 90% battery capacity retention ratio after 10 years isn’t a given, but Toyota says that the unit is guaranteed for 10 years or 200,000 km, which is the maximum period of the lease plan, and the unit will still have 70% battery capacity at the end of that cycle.

  

  

  Given that the crossover is only available under lease, there’s no mention of battery replacement cost, since the 71.4 kWh unit is covered under the programme, but it will be interesting to see what the cost of a replacement unit will be in markets where the will be sold outright, past the battery warranty period.

  The five-seater is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. The former uses a single electric motor generating 150 kW (204 PS), while the AWD features two 80 kW motors (109 PS) for a combined output of 160 kW (218 PS), and operating range is 559 km for the FWD and 540 km for the AWD (both WLTC).

  In terms of charging, the bZ4X supports a maximum of 6.6 kW of AC charging or 150 kW DC fast charging. A 90 kW charger can recharge the battery to 80% of capacity in 40 minutes, while AC charging at a rate of 6 kW with can fully charge the unit in about 12 hours.

  The car can also be specified with an optional solar charging system, which can generate power equivalent to a maximum of approximately 11.6 km of driving distance per day, or up to 1,750 km in one year. The bZ4X is also slated to be launched in Malaysia, but will only arrive in 2023.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X electric SUV gets 516 km WLTP range

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 5 April 2022 4:04 pm / 15 comments

  

  Toyota’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle, the bZ4X SUV, will soon be launched in Europe, with the first deliveries set for this summer. Ahead of the on-sale date, the carmaker has released finalised range figures on the WLTP cycle, and it has beaten its own estimates for the car.

  According to the claims, the bZ4X is capable of driving up to 516 km on a single charge, which is slightly higher than what was previously announced. This figure, which is for the single-motor front-wheel-drive model, is an impressive achievement given the relatively modest 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery – the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for example, delivers 481 km of range with a rear motor and a slightly larger 72.6 kWh battery.

  The Toyota also does this while having a more powerful motor (albeit with less torque), which produces 150 kW (204 PS) and 265 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive version, which uses two motors to deliver a total system output of 160 kW (218 PS) and 336 Nm, has a range of 470 km. The vehicle supports up to 150 kW of DC fast charging, which will fill the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes. It can also accept up to 6.6 kW of AC charging, with an 11 kW on-board charger set to be offered in the fourth quarter of the year.

  

  What’s more, Toyota guarantees that the bZ4X’s battery will be able to hold a charge no less than 70% after ten years or 1,000,000 km, whichever comes first, as part of the optional extended care programme. Buyers in Europe will be able to choose from a number of contract hire offers, including an all-inclusive leasing programme that incorporates maintenance, a wallbox charger provision and connected services access.

  To recap, the bZ4X is built on the dedicated electric version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (e-TNGA), which was developed in conjunction with Subaru. The Pleiades brand will sell a twin in the form of the Solterra and has also lent its X-Mode technology with Grip Control to the AWD version of the car, generating increased traction on slippery surfaces. Measuring 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall – with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm – the bZ4X is 90 mm longer than the RAV4 and has a 160 mm longer wheelbase.

  

  Other unique features include a more advanced Toyota Safety Sense system with oncoming and cutting-in vehicle detection, a digital instrument display mounted above the steering wheel and a novel Tesla-style yoke design for the wheel itself. This is linked to a steer-by-wire system that will be offered at a later date and allow full lock to be achieved with just a 150-degree turn.

  Closer to home, the bZ4X is slated to arrive in Malaysia next year to take advantage of the existing import tax, excise duty and road tax exemptions for CBU EVs. What do you think – would you take this over the Ioniq 5?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X EV coming to Malaysia in 2023 – all-electric SUV with up to 460 km range, around RM250k?

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Toyota / By Anthony Lim / 14 February 2022 8:41 pm / 11 comments

  

  While there will be no shortage of new electric vehicle (EV) models heading our way now that the government’s move to offer fully-imported EVs complete exemption from import duty and excise duty for a period of two years from January 1, 2022, has begun, not everything is arriving this year.

  Those looking intently at the Toyota bZ4X will have to be patient – we already know that the sharp-looking all-electric crossover is slated for Malaysia, but it will only be arriving sometime in 2023, with the Lexus UX 300e due to arrive first later this year.

  The five-seater model, the first in the automaker’s bZ series of electrics, is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, but there’s no word on which version will make it here. In its FWD guise, the vehicle features a single motor with 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW), while the AWD has two 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) units offering a combined output of 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW).

  

  

  Both versions feature an identical 71.4 kWh battery, which supports AC charging at up to 6.6 kW and DC charging at up to 150 kW. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.4 seconds for the FWD, and 7.7 seconds for the AWD. As for range, the bZ4X can travel up to 460 km on single full charge.

  As for how much it could go for here, UK pricing provides an indicative estimate of what Malaysian buyers can expect. The bZ4X will be available in four grades for that market, with prices starting from £41,950 (RM238,000) for the Pure variant, which puts it right up against the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD SR over there. The next grade is the better-specified Motion, which goes for £45,750 (RM259,000), so Malaysian buyers could be looking at a price tag at around the RM250k mark.

  More info on what we can expect in terms of specifications and trim should be provided by the model’s arrival in Thailand later this year.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Toyota bZ4X EV – up to 500 km range, co-developed with Subaru, with X-Mode AWD; to debut mid-2022

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Mick Chan / 29 October 2021 5:17 pm / 7 comments

  

  The approach taken by Toyota towards sustainable motoring has historically been one centred upon hybrid vehicles, with relatively modest headway made in terms of battery-electric vehicles – until the advent of the bZ4X, that is. Now, Toyota has released more details on the fully electric crossover.

  Set for worldwide debut in mid-2022, the bZ4X will be the first of the bZ series of models which aims to “emphasise safety and peace of mind”, says Toyota.

  The bZ4X is based on a dedicated battery-electric platform – a Toyota first – that has been jointly developed with Subaru, with the objectives of a low centre of gravity and greater rigidity. The vehicle also has to be a “spacious, quiet and relaxing space in any seat,” and to that end Toyota has given the bZ4X a wide cabin with a tandem distance of 1,000 mm, or equivalent of a D-segment sedan, says Toyota.

  The bZ4X will, in some versions get steering-by-wire and a uniquely shaped steering wheel, a Toyota first, somewhat like an aircraft steering yoke. This will get a very direct steering ratio that will need just 150 degrees of steering lock-to-lock.

  

  Toyota says steering feel is improved by independently controlling the steering torque felt by the driver, and its characteristics can be adjusted through drive mode selection. In effect, the one-motion grip steering yields more legroom and better freedom for entry and exit.

  Measuring 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide 1,650 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, the bZ4X weighs 1,920 kg in FWD guise and 2,005 kg as an AWD.

  The joint development of the bZ4X also brings the adoption of X-Mode, a drive mode employed in all-wheel-drive Subaru models in order to maximise drive and traction in slippery surfaces. This is in addition to Grip-Control, a new feature within X-Mode that aids performance across all surfaces.

  The bZ4X will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Both pack a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery operating at 355 V, with support for AC charging at up to 6.6 kW and DC charging at up to 150 kW. The single-motor FWD outputs 150 kW (204 PS) to the front wheels, while the AWD outputs 109 PS for each of the front and rear axles for a total of 218 PS).

  

  

  The FWD version does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds, while the mildly more powerful AWD version does the same in 7.7 seconds. Front suspension employs coil spring struts in front while the rear gets double wishbones and ventilated brakes all around.

  Toyota has placed particular emphasis on collision safety and battery safety in the bZ4X. For collision safety, the BZ4X gets an omni-directional crash response structure for the protection of occupants, batteries and the other vehicle involved in the collision.

  Here, the battery unit compartment features cross-members that connect the left and right sides of the vehicle on order to improve crash energy absorption. Two cross-members are located in the front of the vehicle to reduce damage inflicted upon the other vehicle in the event of a crash, with a strong framework at the front of the cabin for a full under-floor mounting of the car’s battery pack.

  These result in a structure that distributes the input load of collision forces over multiple routes, in order to stabilise and protect the cabin and battery pack in frontal and side collisions, says Toyota.

  

  

  

  

  For battery safety, Toyota endeavours to ensure that the battery production process is free of contamination, which is a cause of abnormal battery heating. Further measures include redundant monitoring of battery voltage, current and temperature in order to detect signs and occurence of abnormal temperature gains to prevent overheating.

  To this end, further safeguards include the use of high-resistance coolant that will prevent fires from short circuits even if there is leakage of the battery’s liquid coolant. Additionally, the battery pack itself is integrated with the vehicle body for greater protection in the event of a collision.

  Beyond powering the vehicle itself, the bZ4X features a DC external power supply function to provide high-output electricity for outdoor activities, as well as to homes and their applicances in the event of natural disasters and emergencies. This can also be used in the reverse with homes that have solar power generation, where surplus solar-generated electricity in the daytime can be used to recharge the bZ4X.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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