Maximise your drive in the all-electric Toyota bZ4X

Toyota’s loyal customers can now go all-electric with Australia’s leading car brand, thanks to this year’s launch of the Toyota bZ4X.

The automaker’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the bZ4X is a mid-size SUV, with similar dimensions to the all-conquering RAV4. It comes in two grades: a front-wheel drive (FWD) and an all-wheel drive (AWD), both offering Toyota’s latest technologies, from their batteries to their safety features.

Pictured: the Toyota bZ4X.

Toyota, which pioneered hybrid electric cars with the launch of the Prius in the 1990s, believes the bZ4X sits right in the middle of a BEV sweet spot, thanks to its popular size, interior space, and user-friendly tech.

It also looks, and drives, great. The “hammerhead” front is distinctive, and the car is built on a new, BEV-specific platform – the e-TNGA – that integrates the battery and motor generator into the vehicle’s structure, giving the bZ4X a low centre of gravity for stability, and providing more room for passengers and cargo.

All the range

Range anxiety is one the biggest barriers for Australians considering buying an EV, and Toyota, has taken steps to help ease those fears.

A 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery (that has been through rigorous testing) helps to power the bZ4X. The bZ4X FWD’s driving range is up to 535km¹, while the more powerful bZ4X AWD drive range is up to 485km¹ both being achieved under Australian Design Rules laboratory conditions.

Actual driving range can be significantly less than test driving range, depending on various factors. To learn more about how different factors can impact range, please see Toyota’s FAQs.

Toyota Connected Services², accessible via the myToyota Connect smartphone app, keeps you informed about your bZ4X’s battery status and how much estimated range you have left with real-time updates, on the go. You can also search for charging stations to help you plan trips and use the app to turn on the aircon, so the cabin temperature is just right for when you hop back in after a charging session.

Toyota Connected Services² are free for the first year; after that, some features require a paid subscription.

Using a public DC 150kW4, rapid charger (Mode 4), you can charge the bZ4X from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 45 minutes. A public AC charger (or an AC wall charger you’ve installed at home) will get you from 10-100 per cent in approximately 10 hours via 7kW single phase charging4 or approximately 6.5 hours using 11kW three-phase charging³.

If you want to trickle-charge at home (or on the road) using a standard Australian power point, the charge time from 10-100 per cent will be approximately 30 hours³.

Style and safety

The bZ4X offers an array of features as standard, including poly-ellipsoidal LED headlights, heated front seats and Toyota’s multimedia technology housed within a 12.3-inch touchscreen display equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay®⁴ and Android Auto™⁵.

Enhanced voice recognition using the “Hey, Toyota” command can control several functions, such as “Open all windows”. Plus, with Toyota Safety Sense⁶ as standard across the bZ4X range, this includes features such as pre-collision safety system that can detect vehicles, motorbikes, cyclists (in daylight) and pedestrians, including at intersections.

Grab the bZ4X AWD and you’ll also get 212mm ground clearance⁷ and off-road drive modes that provide impressive capability after you’ve left the bitumen.

The bZ4X AWD also boasts some different aesthetics, including a sunroof and a gloss black bonnet accent, as well as premium JBL®⁸ sound system and advanced safety features including intelligent parking assist⁶. It’s also got a bit more electric grunt, with twin 80kW electric motors, versus the bZ4X FWD’s single 150kW electric motor.

Test drive the bZ4X today.

Disclaimers:

1. Based on consumption rate of 128Wh/km for 2WD variant and 141Wh/km for AWD variant using New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) laboratory test mandated by ADR81/02. The electric range and the energy consumption values were determined using a fully charged battery in a laboratory test and should only be used for the purpose of comparing vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual driving range may vary depending on accessories fitted, battery age and condition, climate, driving style, use of heating/cooling, traffic conditions, and vehicle load.

2. Fees and limitations apply. See toyota.com.au/mytoyota-home/connect-overview for full T&Cs.

3. Charging times are indicative and may vary based on charger type and other factors including environmental, vehicle & charging conditions. Frequent use of DC fast charging can impact battery performance & durability. See toyota.com.au/electrified/battery-electric-vehicles/charging-your-bev for more information.

4. CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.

5. Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.

6. Driver assist feature. Operates under certain conditions. Check Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations.

7. Dimensions are approximate. Subject to vehicle variances, accessory fitment and weight carried.

8. Product & company names are trademarks of their respective owners.