Toyota bZ4X test

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Toyota bZ4X is a new electric SUV that competes with models like the Nissan Ariya, Skoda Enyaq iV, and Tesla Model Y. It is offered in both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, with the latter having an additional electric motor for the rear wheels and slightly more power at 215bhp compared to 201bhp. The battery has a usable capacity of 64kWh, which is slightly smaller than its rivals. As a result, the bZ4X has an official range of 317 miles in the front-wheel-drive variant and 259 miles in the top-spec all-wheel-drive Vision model.

Toyota is not resting on its laurels, however, as they are working on developing electric models with even longer ranges. In the meantime, the bZ4X is their first battery-powered EV for the European market. And lucky for me, it will be my next company car.

The range of the bZ4X, especially the top-spec model, may not be as impressive as some of its similarly priced or cheaper rivals that can officially travel over 300 miles on a single charge. However, based on my previous experience, I know that the bZ4X's range of around 200 miles (in real-world use) will be sufficient for my daily driving needs and occasional long journeys. Most of my charging will be done overnight at home, but if I can find a public rapid charger that can deliver energy at the bZ4X's peak rate of 150kW, a 10-80% top-up can be accomplished in about half an hour.

In the range-topping Vision trim, my bZ4X is equipped with luxurious features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, a foot-operated electric tailgate, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic glass roof. The seats come upholstered in light grey synthetic leather, although this option is no longer available, with black being the only choice now. If you choose not to have the panoramic glass roof, you can save £540.

FutureCar Staff