The world's largest automaker has long hesitated to open up to battery-powered electric mobility. Toyota is now launching a purely electric model these days. The bZ4X is an SUV and is available from 47.490 euros. However, small weaknesses should be remedied quickly.
Admittedly, this Toyota stands out. Quite a few of the countless cyclists in downtown Copenhagen crane their necks, following the softly humming SUV with their eyes. Even if Electric Cars are no longer a rarity in Denmark's metropolis, the first purely electric Toyota provides for its rather extravagant appearance alone awareness . And by its designation, which is difficult to say. "bZ4X' is emblazoned on the rear, with the first few letters being the most important. Because "bZ" stands for the English "Beyond Zero", expressing the new Toyota motto. "Beyond zero" the Japanese want to tackle climate change with all bZ models that will soon be added, and not just the emissions are meant. It is also about all services related to the e-car.
So yes, Toyota is now going “properly” electric. Since 1997, the group has been regarded as a pioneer of what was then a new type of drive. The first Prius combined its internal combustion engine with the power of a small battery, which was primarily used to save fuel in city traffic. More than 20 million so-called Hybrid: in many different models Toyota has since sold. All with the drawback that although they blow significantly fewer pollutants into the air, they are still classic combustion engines.
Toyota explained the long-delayed change to the pure electric car with the insufficient number of Charging stations and the associated hardship and range anxiety of the customers. Because the network of charging stations is now slowly becoming denser, the mega-corporation sees its time as coming.
The first model should, similar to that of the Prius, be recognizable as a special Toyota simply by its appearance. The 4,70 meter long Hochbeiner surprises with a strongly contoured side view, which, depending on the incidence of light, creates exciting shadow plays. At the same time, the surroundings, like other cars driving by or street life, become one as if in a distorting mirror panopticon shown. The front end is rather conservative with a smooth bonnet and a narrow slit for LED headlights and radiator grille. Last but not least, a rear light clip spans the rear and gives the rear part a touch weight and modernity. All in all, the design is quite daring with a view to the rather conservative Toyota clientele and is based a little on the appearance of the noble brand Lexus.
In contrast, a living room atmosphere prevails in the interior with well-contoured seats, coverings made from renewable materials and smooth surfaces with a piano lacquer finish. The narrow central instrument with the speedometer and fuel consumption indicator has been pushed far to the windscreen and mounted so high that there is no need for a head-up display. The solidity also includes the 12,3-inch monitor in the top models (otherwise only 8 inches) under which real pressure switches can still be operated. Including one for handling the four-wheel drive reserved for the flagship bZ4X. The electronics can be used on water crossings, on snowy or muddy terrain, even be prepared for crawling skills over smaller obstacles or quite steep ascents and descents on slopes. "An SUV with off-road qualities", says chief developer Ido Daisuke and reassures: "Don't worry, the battery is waterproof".
The fully equipped bZ60.000X with all-wheel drive costs almost 4 euros, but shines with two electric motors of 80 kW/109 hp each, which each supply one axle. An electronics distributed drive and pulling power depending on the current driving situation. As with comparably powerful e-cars, the Toyota impresses with its sovereign and naturally jerk-free acceleration from a standing start as well as during intermediate sprints. The steering is currently still conventional, from next year the so-called "Steer by wire" come. The on-board electronics send steering commands, so that the classic mechanics are obsolete. The computer always selects the ideal angle, even for 180-degree bends. But the unspeakable already spoils its occupants with the comfort befitting their status and a sense of space for the back benches too.
The driver is supported by a package of almost all known assistance systems, which can be ordered in two packages for the entry-level model for a total of around 8.000 euros. The front-wheel drive (from 47.490 euros) has only one engine at the front (150 kW/204 hp), but offers a clear range advantage. With up to 510 kilometers per battery charge, it comes a good 100 kilometers further than the heavier all-wheel drive Toyota and also costs a whopping 12.500 euros less. So it's no wonder that, according to Toyota estimates, a good 75 percent of future buyers will opt for the front-wheel drive bZ4X in favor of the range and their own finances.
Toyota wants to fix a weak point in both models by the end of the year. Currently, the bZ4X can at wall boxes Incomprehensibly, for a new car, it can only be charged with 6,6 kW instead of the usual 11 kW, so it has to be plugged in for hours at home. With the update, 11 kW should then be possible. On the way, you can use CCS at a 150 kW fast charging station can be docked, which fills the battery up to 30 percent again in 80 minutes. Eliminating another shortcoming compared to the established competition will take even longer. The navigation system and on-board electronics do not currently work together when it comes to planning charging stops or battery temperature management over the kilometers before stopping at the charging station. One Heat pump, which relieves the battery of tasks, is at least already on board.
The bZ4X, whose “4” stands for vehicle category and “X” for crossover, is just the beginning. In order to transform the Japanese from the electric slow train of recent years into an ICE, Toyota is preparing other models on the newcomer's new platform, initially probably a smaller, compact SUV. A total of 15 electric vehicles should be in dealerships by 2025. At the same time, however, the Hydrogen propulsion, which is currently powering the Mirai. By 2035, Toyota intends to only offer zero-emission models in Western Europe. And it will probably have to after the EU decision this week.
Toyota is putting its first electric car on the road As with comparably powerful e-cars, the Toyota impresses with its sovereign and naturally jerk-free acceleration 
A living room atmosphere prevails in the interior with well-contoured seats, coverings made from renewable materials and smooth surfaces with a piano lacquer finish 
The narrow central instrument with the speedometer and fuel consumption indicator has been pushed far to the windscreen and mounted so high that there is no need for a head-up display The fully equipped bZ60.000X with all-wheel drive costs almost 4 euros, but shines with two electric motors of 80 kW/109 hp each 
Similar to the Prius back then, the first model should be recognizable as a special Toyota simply by its appearance 
Currently, the bZ4X can only be charged with 6,6 kWh instead of the usual 11 kWh on wall boxes, which is incomprehensible for a new car
Toyota Bz4X Specifications
Five-door, five-seater mid-size SUV; Length: 4,69 m, width: 1,86 m, height 1,65 m, wheelbase: 2,85 m, trunk volume: 452 liters
two electric motors with 80 kW/109 hp each on the front and rear axles (all-wheel drive), system output: 160 kW/218 hp, maximum torque: 336 Nm, battery capacity: 71,4 kWh, Vmax: 160 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h: 6,9 s, consumption according to WLTP: 18,0 kW/h over 100 km, range: 415 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, efficiency class: A+++
Price: from 59.990 euros (minus innovation bonus)
Front-wheel drive: electric motor with 150 kW/204 hp, maximum torque: 265 Nm, Vmax: 160 km/h, 0 - 100 km/h: 7,5 s, consumption according to WLTP: 16,7 -14,4 kW/h 100 km, range: 442 - 513 km
Price: from 47.490 euros (minus innovation bonus)
In brief
Why: because a Toyota also promises quality and durability as an e-car
Why not: loading speed only with the update up-to-date
What else: VW ID 4/5, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Subaru Solterra
When is he coming: as of now