Toyota has launched its bZ4X SUV in Australia. Toyota’s first electric vehicle on their dedicated e-TNGA platform, which has been designed and optimised for a new range of electric vehicles.
Dedicated EV platforms always result in a better overall vehicle, avoiding the compromises made when retrofitting ICE designs. This platform from Toyota integrates the battery and motor into the vehicle’s structure, providing extra rigidity and a low centre of gravity for stable driving dynamics.
This approach allows the wheels to be pushed further outward to the front and rear, leaving more room for passengers within the vehicle’s footprint. It also offers the versatility of front or all-wheel-drive traction which Toyota says provides the benchmark in off-road capability among all-electric SUVs.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the bZ4X offers capability, practicality, and value for those suited to a BEV lifestyle.
The bZ4X is not just an electric car; it’s the foundation for the next phase of our electrification strategy that hits a sweet spot with its mid-size SUV dimensions, space and functionality. As the first Toyota BEV, it will accelerate our multi-pathway approach that’s designed to help our customers lower their tailpipe carbon emissions while leaving no-one behind.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley
The bZ4X is the first model in Australia to display Toyota’s distinctive ‘hammerhead’ frontal design theme, where the bonnet surface continues to the nose and extends to each corner.
Inside, the bZ4X makes the most of the improved passenger space afforded by the e-TNGA platform, benefiting visibility, passenger and cargo space, practicality and comfort.
Australian Pricing
The FWD bZ4X is priced from $66,000 with the AWD bZ4X available from $74,900. These are the manufacturer’s recommended retail price, with statutory charges or other on-road costs not included.
There are two options, which are Premium paint for $575, and the Two-tone roof (AWD) for $1,350.
When I went through the online conifgurator, I ended up with a A$72,200 driveaway price which also contained a pretty serious disclaimer ‘Indicative model and pricing only. Due to extended wait times, the final vehicle we can offer you and its price are likely to be different.’.
I found an AWD option and also was surprised at how much extra the driveaway price was from the MRRP. This time a white Toyota bZ4X AWD was priced at A$82,244 driveaway (in VIC).
As always, comparisons to the market leader in this space, the Tesla Model Y are important for context.
The Tesla Model Y RWD is priced at A$67,200 and can be in your driveway for A$71,064 with 455km of range (WLTP), while the Model Y AWD Long Range costs $84,610 driveway and offers 533km (WLP) vs the 411km on offer from the AWD Toyota.
The table below represents value for money with a calculation of the cost per km on each of the 4 comparable models.
| Vehicle | Range (WLTP) | Driveaway Price (VIC) | Cost per km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota bZ4X FWD | 436km | $72,200 | 165.59 |
| Toyota bZ4X AWD | 411km | $82,244 | 200.10 |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | 455km | $71,064 | 156.18 |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | 533km | $84,610 | 158.74 |
These numbers mean the entry-level bZ4X from Toyota offers 4% less range and 1.6% more expensive than a Model Y, offering 6% less km per dollar.
The story is similar in the long-range comparison, with the bZ4X AWD option offering 33% less range and 21% more cost per kilometre than a Model Y AWD Long Range, while only being 3% less expensive.
The pick of the two is definitely the FWD option which is actually sensibly priced in Australia, just don’t look at the manufacturer price, look at what the final cost to you is.
As part of Toyota’s commitment to being a leader in mobility services, the bZ4X is also offered with a full-service lease option through Toyota Finance Australia.
Designed to alleviate potential anxieties of those venturing into the BEV for the first time, the full-service lease includes scheduled servicing and maintenance, mechanical repairs, replacement tyres, Roadside Assist, Toyota Comprehensive Insurance, and registration and compulsory third-party insurance, all for one single monthly payment.
Technology and Safety
Safety enhancements for the AWD include driver monitor, blind-spot monitor, safe exit assist, intelligent parking assist and panoramic view monitor.
The latest Toyota multimedia technology is housed within a 12.3″ touchscreen and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
Enhanced voice recognition using the “Hey, Toyota” command can control several functions such as “Open all windows”.
This multimedia suite is augmented by the latest Toyota Connected Services online features, including integration with the myToyota Connect smartphone app, which is offered for a complimentary period of 12 months.
The bZ4X comes with BEV-specific connected features such as charge station locators and charge management functionality within the myToyota Connect smartphone app.
Toyota says over-the-air updates are included although doesn’t commit to a schedule for when they’ll be delivered. The car offers cloud navigation and live traffic information which are also included.
The latest Toyota Safety Sense suite integrates a comprehensive array of safety technologies within a BEV structure designed to protect passengers, the battery and other vehicles and pedestrians.
A pre-collision safety system can detect vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists (in daylight only) and pedestrians, including at intersections. Other features include emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, emergency driving stop system, road-sign assist (speed signs only) and parking support brake. The bZ4X is also equipped with active cruise control and seven SRS airbags.
The AWD bZ4X brings a higher level of standard features, including a roof spoiler, fixed panoramic roof, roof rails and a gloss black bonnet accent.
Performance
The FWD model features a front-mounted e-Axle that combines the transaxle, motor, and inverter into an integrated, compact unit that produces outputs of up to 150kW and 266Nm. The AWD model uses front and rear 80kW e-Axles with maximum combined outputs of 160kW and 337Nm.
The AWD’s 212mm ground clearance and all-wheel drivetrain are leveraged by X-Mode off-road drive modes to enable benchmark off-road ability among BEV SUVs. X-Mode optimises traction for “Snow/Dirt” or “Deep Snow/Mud” conditions and incorporates Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control.
Battery and Range
Providing the electrical energy is a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery that is rigorously tested for 20 days before being fitted to a car (not sure that’s necessary, but ok).
The driving range of the FWD version is up to 535km, while the more powerful bZ4X AWD’s drive range is 485km. On the surface, these range figures look mighty impressive, but again the devil is in the detail, as these range figures are using the NEDC standard which is commonly referred to as Not Even Damn Close.
Toyota’s own fine print says,
‘Estimated distance of 535 kms based on consumption rate of 128Wh/km. Results produced in laboratory test conditions, using sample vehicles without fitment of accessories/customisation, & do not reflect real world driving.
Figures should only be used for comparative purposes. 436 km range, achieved for European bZ4X FWD automatic SUV electric, is based on consumption rate from 168.9Wh/km using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Australian model has not been tested using WLTP test procedure.‘
The European versions of the bZ4X which are tested on the WLTP cycle return a range of 436km, which is actually what we should use to compare with other Australian EVs. The AWD version is rated for 411km.
Charging can be done at home with a free 7kw ABB Home Charger supplied through JET Charge (excluding installation).
Design
The front-wheel-drive (FWD) bZ4X is equipped with poly-ellipsoidal LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, numerous convenience and safety details, heated side mirrors with auto power folding, power tailgate and privacy glass for rear side, quarter and back windows.
The interior features fabric and SofTex (synthetic leather) trim, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leather-accented steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, four cupholders and eight bottle holders.
Audio
AWD interiors gain a JBL premium sound system, Premium SofTex seat trim, Qi-compatible 10W wireless charger, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory function and a kick sensor for the power tailgate.
Colours and options
Six exterior colours are available: Ebony Black, Frosted White, Liquid Metal, Silver Rush, Feverish Red and Dynamic Blue. A two-tone treatment is available for the AWD with gloss black for the roof and A-pillars complementing the body colour.
Warranty
The bZ4X is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers up to five-year unlimited kilometre coverage extending to 7-years on motor and driveline with log-book services.
Servicing
Toyota also offers capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km with each 12-month/15,000km service costing $180.
Almost every overseas test of these that I have seen proves them to be a giant fail in numerous areas.
I guess that’s no surprise from the company that makes so called “self charging” hybrids.