Previewed: Toyota bZ4X EV – 71.4 kWh Battery, 201 HP, 500 KM Range

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) presented its multi-pathway strategy in supporting Malaysia’s carbon neutrality goal. In doing so, the firm also seized the opportunity to preview what could possibly be its first-ever full battery electric vehicle (BEV) offering, the Toyota bZ4X.

Previewed here at UMWT headquarters is one of six units the firm brought into the country early. For now, these units are tasked with press engagements, as well as assessment by both UMWT internally and with the government.

Underpinning Toyota’s proprietary e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) EV platform with 400-Volt architecture, the bZ4X carries a sizable 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that grants it a claimed maximum range of up to 500 KM (WLTP). Previewed was the single front-mounted and -driven (FWD) variant that serves up 201 HP (150 kW) and 310 NM.

Like any other EVS, the bZ4X comes with Type-2 charging port

As for charging, the bZ4X supports both standard AC charging at up to 6.6 kW rate, as well as DC fast charging at up to 150 kW. Via the latter, the bZ4X can charge up from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes. The slower AC charging method is ideal instead for overnight recharges via a dedicated home wallbox charger.

Visually, the bZ4X features the marque’s latest ethos, especially with its front fascia. Here, the EV SUV sports a pair of slim C-shaped LED headlights flanking a grill-less front, with only the lower apron and the dual side air intakes being the only visible openings here. Being an SUV, the bZ4X sports rugged body cladding, with the front pair extending into the headlights.

From the side, we can see the bZ4X rides on a set of 20-inch wheels sporting striking five-spoke design, finished in a two-tone hue. Elsewhere, the EV’s rugged body cladding can also be seen here, apart from its rather sporty and steeply raked roofline – finished in gloss black to give it a dual-tone look.

At the rear, the bZ4X’s sporty LED taillights connected by an LED bar spanning the entire tailgate’s width, while the taillights themselves come with extended black trims that give them a Y-shape look. Elsewhere, the blacked-out sporty roofline is matched with a dual rear spoiler, also finished in gloss black.

On board, this EV SUV comes standard equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display boasting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control with dedicated rear air vents, wireless charging pad, as well as synthetic leather upholstery. Drivers, on the other hand, get a smaller seven-inch digital instrument display, as well as powered seat adjustment  and the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety suite.

You can expect standard features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and more will be available on the bZ4X. But more importantly, this latest version of the TSS also comes with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system to match its segment rivals.

Toyota bZ4X EV SUV, alongside UMWT's sole electrified offering, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

With this preview supporting the main multi-pathway decarbonisation showcase, UMWT has not disclosed any details regarding the bZ4X’slaunch date. However, we were told this might happen soon enough, and it greatly depends on how both its government and internal assessment goes.

Aside from the all-electric bZ4X, UMWT’s multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality also prompted them to preview the all-new Toyota Camry Hybrid (HEV). We’ll have details of which in a separate report.

For now, what do you folks think of the Toyota bZ4X EV SUV? Could this be a prime choice for you in the near future? And what sort of pricing would fit the bZ4X then? As always, hit the comments below with your thoughts…