The Toyota BZ4X will be Toyota's first ever electric vehicle to hit the global market, with Singapore expected to receive the 201 bhp single motor, front wheel drive variant which is good for 266Nm of torque and a 0 - 100km/h time of 7.5 seconds. The car will also be compatible with DC fast charging for up to 150kW, and is expected to have a WLTP range of 436km. As detailed specifications have not been released, we are uncertain if Singapore will see the dual motor all wheel drive version of the Toyota BZ4X.
Toyota's First Ever EV
Since the start of the electric revolution, Toyota have sat back and watched the action unfold - no doubt studying the market, and allowing its competitors in the market to take on the wall-banging difficulties of introducing electric mobility to the world. While it's not entirely becoming that the world's largest automaker hasn't taken a more active role in the electric revolution, it is equally important to note that Toyota have seldom taken on the mantle of being trailblazers in the market.
Fast forward to today, Toyota is finally ready with their first ever electric vehicle, the Toyota BZ4X, which of course, takes the form of yet another SUV. Naturally, we were excited to see what the world's largest automaker has come up with - and we're glad to say that the car does not disappoint. With the BZ4X, it does seem like Toyota has once again done what they have always done in the past - which is to take what is in the market, and make it better and more reliable.
It is still early days to see if the BZ4X will be a hit, and of course, the car isn't perfect, in the way where the BZ4X does seem a little thirsty in the way it drains its electric power. That said, it is also likely that Toyota will improve on these things over time - and it would be unwise for consumers to bet against them.
Perhaps Toyota's Coolest Car?
With its sharp lines and angular creases, the BZ4X looks extremely modern, and seems to bring an elevated factor of coolness to the Toyota brand almost instantly. Looking at the car, it becomes a little hard to remember that this is the same automaker that has made a name selling bread and butter, sometimes overly utilitarian models to the masses.
With the BZ4X, you've got a handsome exterior, a modern interior, and a seemingly unshakeable reputation of reliability and value - what's not to like? In fact, I can see the BZ4X being the car that changes consumer attitudes toward the brand. More importantly, this could be the car that brings the younger demographic back in touch with the Toyota brand.
It's not just the way the car looks as well - there are actually a few cool things about the BZ4X that really stand out for us. For starters, though rather gimmicky, the roof of the BZ4X is actually lined with solar panels that help to charge the car when parked out in the open. Inside, the cockpit is neat and modern, with in improved level of material use and a much diminished sense of utilitarianism throughout the cabin. It is however a real shame that the steering yoke that some countries will receive, did not pass homologation in Singapore and will therefore not be allowed - though this is not in any way the fault of Toyota.
Sensible and Practical as Always
What I really like about the BZ4X is that its specifications, or at least the specifications on our test car, all seem rather well researched and calibrated. The overall footprint of the vehicle is visually similar to a Toyota RAV4 and works well as a family-ready vehicle without being too large for Singapore's roads. The car is also rather balanced in terms of its power and range, producing respectable power and torque figures of 201 bhp and 266 Nm of torque respectively, while scoring decently in range with a WLTP figure of 436 km. This accords users with spirited performance when needed, without developing range anxiety. That said, I feel that a slower BZ4X with a longer range might perhaps have been a better formula - especially because traditional Toyota buyers would perhaps be more inclined to scrutinise range and efficiency over performance.
On the roads, the BZ4X feels planted to drive, with a good amount of heft in the wheel, and pretty decent road feel coming through the steering. This will perhaps satisfy the needs of consumers who are more particular about driving dynamics. In fact, gun the BZ4X, and the front end of the car digs in pretty decently, without any of the front end lift normally associated with front wheel drive EVs under heavy acceleration. Around the bends, the BZ4X also sits relatively level, with a firmer suspension configuration than most other Toyotas out in the market - a generally positive thing in our opinion.
Who Will it Appeal to?
Whether you are a Toyota fan or not, the Toyota brand has always meant something to people. With its reputation for reliability, Toyota is still regarded as a staple in the industry. With the introduction of the BZ4X, and Toyota's subsequent lineup of EVs, it could be just the right incentive for consumers who could not previously bring themselves to purchase a Toyota, to reconsider the notion. For that reason, I think the BZ4X will work very well for existing Toyota consumers who want to finally jump onto the EV bandwagon with a brand that they love and trust. It may possibly also be good enough for more brand conscious individuals like myself to finally give Toyota a shot, on account of how important a car the BZ4X is as Toyota's first ever foray into the EV market.
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