Toyota accelerates commitment to carbon-neutrality with launch of all-electric bZ4X

MANILA: The all-electric bZ4X SUV not only continues Toyota's commitment to a carbon-neutral future, but it also seems to do so in style.

The vehicle combines bold, contemporary aesthetics with tech-laden features in a highly capable platform, ready to create a whole new impact on the battery electric vehicle (BEV) category. The bZ4X is more than just a battery-electric SUV; it is a new take on multi-purpose vehicles.

The 2023 bZ4X will hit US showrooms this spring with a starting MSRP of US$42,000 and an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles. According to the EPA, the 2023 bZ4X XLE FWD will save up to US$5,000 in fuel costs over five years when compared to a standard new vehicle.

The bZ4X is the first Toyota car to be released under the global bZ series, and more bZ vehicles are planned for the future, with the goal of elevating the BEV category for many years. "bZ," which stands for "Beyond Zero," was created with a human-centric approach in mind, with the goal of providing customers with more than just a mobility solution.

The bZ4X is the latest addition to Toyota's extensive electric vehicle roster, which accounted for about a quarter of the company's total sales volume in the US last year. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and now battery electric vehicles are among them. Toyota sees a future in which carbon neutrality is realized through a product lineup that includes advanced alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technology.

Toyota targets to have around 70 electric vehicles in the market. There will be 15 dedicated BEVs in the future lineup, with seven of them bearing the bZ moniker. Toyota's extensive portfolio of electrified products will aid in the company's pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050. Toyota has sold over 20 million electrified vehicles worldwide, resulting in CO2 emissions reductions comparable to nearly 5.5 million BEVs. Toyota plans to invest more than US$70 billion in electrified vehicles over the next nine years, with the goal of launching 3.5 million BEVs globally by 2030.

The engineering team for the all-new bZ4X wanted to defy norms with a fresh, futuristic style while maintaining the familiarity inherent in SUVs. The all-new, all-electric SUV is ideal for a diverse lifestyle — giving individuality that shines out in an urban landscape combined with SUV-like power to take on the adventurous outdoors — and is based on the design theme "hi-tech and emotional."

The bZ4X is available in two trim levels, XLE and Limited, and in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The bZ4X is in the middle of the compact SUV market in terms of dimensions. It is 184.6 inches long, 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, and has a 6.3-inch larger wheelbase at 112.2 inches. At 69 inches high, it is two inches shorter than the RAV4 and 0.2 inches wider at 73.2 inches. The front seat of the bZ4X has 42.1 inches of legroom, while the rear seat has 35.3 inches. Behind the second row, the cargo volume is 27.7 cubic feet.

The bZ4X's body is elegant and balanced, with expressive character lines flowing from front to rear. The axis is dropped toward the tires to generate a dynamically flowing silhouette that takes full advantage of the large wheelbase.

When looking at the bZ4X from the front, the design emphasizes the corners for a futuristic look. The curved form of the front bumper conveys a special look and feel, resulting in an aerodynamic appearance. The headlamps accentuate the curves of the bZ4X even more, with the primary lamps positioned precisely behind the signature lamps for a sleek and aggressive look.

The "interlocked" trapezoidal design between the rear lamps, rear door, and bumper gives the bZ4X a formidable attitude when viewed from the rear. The corners and taillights are designed to capture attention.

Aesthetics aside, the design of the bZ4X is highly functional. The low hood height improves forward visibility for the driver, and the ducktail spoiler and lower diffusers increase aerodynamic performance while also giving the car a distinctive look.

The bZ4X cockpit epitomizes a new generation of mobility with a design that helps the driver keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. The engineering team was able to create an extremely wide interior cabin, thanks to the BEV-specific platform, providing a roomy and pleasant space for both the driver and passengers. The cabin has plenty of legroom in both the front and rear seats, as well as a lot of side-to-side space in the rear, which adds to the cozy ambience.

Toyota's Connected Technologies team in Texas developed the 12.3-inch widescreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system that comes standard on the bZ4X. bZ4X drivers will always be ready to go with a variety of upgraded connected and convenience features, including the ability to update over-the-air (OTA). Touch and voice activation controls allow users to engage with the system. The latest Connected Service, Drive Connect, comes with a three-year trial and includes Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist.

The all-electric bZ4X is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with a horsepower rating of 201 for FWD and 214 for AWD. It delivers instant torque with a 0-60 acceleration time of 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD.

There are different ways to charge the bZ4X, including 120V and 240V chargers as well as DC fast chargers. A J1772/CCS1 (Combined Charging System) socket is standard on all bZ4X models, allowing for both home and public charging. With the 6.6 kW onboard charger, the bZ4X can be charged from low to full in around nine hours at home or at a public charging station (at optimal outside temperatures). A ChargePoint home charging system can also be included in the cost of a new bZ4X purchase or lease.

The bZ4X is the first model to be equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 3.0) safety package. The detection range of the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera has been extended to improve this system. To aid in regular driving conditions, Toyota has improved the performance of each function and introduced new features. For instance, the Pre-Collision System comes with  Low-Light Cyclist Detection, Daytime Motorcyclist Detection, and Guardrail Detection. Lane identification has also been upgraded to provide better functionality while the Lane Tracing Assist Mode is activated. The purpose of TSS is to help drivers avoid accidents, reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, and ease their burden.

Photos from Toyota

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