Although Toyota pioneered the mass-production of hybrids back in 1997, the bZ4X is the company’s first fully electric vehicle. Entering a fiercely competitive market amidst soaring demand for electric SUVs, the bZ4X boasts a number of strengths. But is it enough to outshine its rivals?

Performance

During our test drive, we had the privilege of experiencing the FWD version, which boasts a 150kW motor, just surpassing the 200hp mark. This impressive powertrain delivers a brisk 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds, coupled with a top speed of 160 km/h and a commendable total torque of 265 Nm. While it may not set any records, it’s certainly enough power for daily routines such as school runs and errands.

Range and Charging

All versions are equipped with the same 71.4 kWh battery capacity, providing a range of up to 505km on a single charge. Which is respectable and can get you far in theory, but when you stack it up against other popular electric SUVs in the market and their real-world range, you might find it falls just a bit short.

When connected to a Level 2 supply, the 6.6-kW onboard charger can recharge the battery in 9 hours. Using a DC fast-charger, Toyota states that reaching 80 percent charge takes just under an hour, with peak charging rates of 150 kW for the front-drive variants.

Design and Interior

The bZ4X boasts a spacious and airy interior, with a trunk capacity of 452L. The dashboard incorporates a digital gauge display positioned far forward, requiring some drivers to adjust the steering wheel lower to avoid blocking the display. The wide centre console between the front seats includes standard wireless smartphone charging and open storage underneath, albeit lacking a glovebox.

In addition to this, you get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen as standard featuring both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The software is sharp and highly user-friendly.

Cost Considerations

Irish pricing for the bZ4X kicks off at €42,950, positioning the electric Toyota in the same price range as the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Kia Niro EV. This amount covers the sport model, equipped with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED automatic headlights, a reversing camera. Toyota Ireland also offer a 3 year/100,000km warranty as standard, and a 5 year/100,000km warranty on EV components. Plus, when your bZ4X is brought in for its Toyota annual service, it will be eligible for a further 1yr/15,000 km extended battery warranty. The EV Battery Extended Care covers your bZ4X up to 10 years old with unlimited mileage. So, if you want the added peace of mind, you should try to avoid independent garage services.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to like about the bZ4x. It's a well-crafted model with a striking design, spacious interior, and enjoyable driving dynamics with a nice range. Amidst a fiercely competitive SUV segment in the electric vehicle market, it stands out as a noteworthy contender for those transitioning to electric driving, let’s just hope we see more electric options from the brand in the future.

Interested in taking the Toyota bZ4x out on the road yourself? Book in for a test drive here.