An EV for all seasons


It’s always a big deal when Toyota launches something totally new, and the arrival of the brand’s first purpose built BEV was certainly their biggest of 2024. Metropol motoring writer Ben Selby spent a week with the bZ4X to see how it lives up to the hype.

Understanding the Toyota bZ4X’s three letters and its lone numeral is simple. The b stands for beyond, Z for zero (as in emissions), 4 for its size and X for its off-road capability, indicating an EV for all seasons and locations, within reason of course.

The family is split into two models, the FWD Pure and AWD Motion, the latter being available with an optional two-tone paint scheme. Both models have bespoke e-TNGA underpinnings and a 71.4kWh battery pack. The base Pure gets 150kW of silent oomph while my Motion sends 160kW to all four wheels via two 80kW electric motors. Whichever variant you opt for, both are compatible with AC and DC fast charging.

 

I quite like it when a mainstream production car still looks like it never left the concept stage. The bZ4X’s sharp angles, clean cut lines, along with its tasteful LED daytime running lights and aerodynamic aids, certainly follow this design trend.

In terms of equipment, you have the latest Toyota Safety Sense system with Intersection Collision Avoidance Support, Emergency Steering Assist and an uprated Pre-Collision System along with a host of other standard features. Along with a 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, my AWD Motion had other goodies like Toyota’s teammate advanced parking system, panoramic view camera, panoramic roof, heated synthetic leather seats, 20-inch machined alloys and a heated steering wheel.

The only bugbear I had with the cabin was the raised LCD instrument screen felt slightly obscured by the position of said steering wheel. The rest of the cabin though? On point. It is a lovely place to be with a great use of premium feeling materials and solid switchgear.

Getting underway in the bZ4X Motion AWD, it manages to be both supple and hugely comfortable. It is also immensely easy to drive, never feeling cumbersome, whether in an urban setting or the open road. While I didn’t get a chance to take it rough-roading, the bZ4X really excels as a jack of all trades BEV which never loses its foot in just about every situation you throw at it. Handling wise, it feels really planted and coaxing it into long sweeping bends or sharp corners is a breeze.

Hands down, this is one of the best BEV all-rounders I have experienced in recent memory and despite some ergonomic oddities; the Toyota bZ4X is a winner.

FACT FILE
2024 Toyota bZ4X Motion BEV AWD
Price: $65,990 (Toyota Driveaway Price)
Powerunit: 71.4kWh battery with dual 80kW electric motors
Power: 160kW (Combined)
Torque: 168Nm
AC Charge Time: 7 Hours (11.0kW)
DC Charge Time: 30 Minutes: (150kW)
Range: 485Km (NEDC)
Combined Energy Consumption: 14.1kWh/100km
Gross Weight: 2550kg


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