Toyota Launches All-New bZ4X SUV Battery-Electric Vehicle
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X will have a starting MSRP of $42,000, a range of up to 252 miles, and arrive at U.S. dealers this spring.
We are a little over a week away from the official reveal of the Lexus RZ 450e. However, today Toyota has launched the 2023 Toyota bZ4X which will be the corporate cousin of the RZ 450e. This is a significant step forward in the journey to further Toyota’s commitment to a carbon neutral future. It is the first Toyota vehicle to be launched under the global bZ series. In case you were wondering “bZ,” stands for “Beyond Zero.” And Toyota is not done with their electrified vehicle lineup. The company plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025.
The bZ4X will be offered in a couple trims but the most efficient will be the XLE front-wheel-drive model. It will offer an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles per charge. Of course, there will also be all-wheel-drive models to choose from. These will come with an advanced, new X-MODE system. And as you would expect with a brand-new model there will be a unique design inside and out along with new technology. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the bZ4X has a familiar Toyota SUV design theme. But at the same time offers a “hi-tech and emotional,” look. For comparsions sake the bZ4X is longer (by 3.7 inches) and lower (by 2 inches) than the RAV4. The bZ4X offers 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Designers wanted the vehicle to look futuristic when viewed from the front with the curved front bumper and signature headlamps. The view from the rear was designed to exude a powerful stance. The 2023 bZ4X will be offered in a variety of exterior color options, including both standard and for an additional cost, two-tone with black roof. The vehicle is offered in two basic trims, XLE and Limited. Each trim is available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
Interior Design
The interior was designed for comfort and cargo functionality. “With the roominess one would expect from an SUV, the placement of surrounding elements is also engineered with purpose. The unique instrument panel and precision-placed MID screen expands the vehicle’s feeling of space, while also emphasizing meter visibility to help keep driver’s sight lines up and on the road. Soundproofing glass and wind-noise reduction features provide a quiet refuge from the world outside. The available fixed panoramic roof provides a feeling of openness to bring the outside environment into the vehicle when needed, and a power sunshade to keep it out when not needed.”
Interior Tech
As you would expect of an all-new vehicle that is the start of a new future for Toyota the bZ4X is loaded with technology inside the cabin. The bZ4X comes standard with a 12.3-inch widescreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The system can be controlled via touch and voice commands. It is also Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. There is an included 3-year service of Drive Connect. This service includes Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. Toyota Audio Multimedia also allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota App also helps bZ4X users stay connected with their vehicle by offering features such as remote climate control, remote vehicle start, and on the Limited models the Toyota-first Digital Key. With this feature owners can now share vehicle access. Remote charging is also included which will allow you to manage all charging options remotely.
Powertrain and Performance
Now we are getting to the heart of the matter with the bZ4X. What can this new all-electric SUV do? The bZ4X produces a horsepower rating of 201 for FWD and a horsepower rating of 214 for AWD. That allows for an estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD. Not bad but we do expect the Lexus RZ 450e to be more powerful and quicker. “The XLE FWD model has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 252 miles. The XLE AWD model has an EPA-estimated range of up to 228 miles. The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for XLE FWD is 131 MPGe city, 107 MPGe highway and 119 MPGe combined. The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for XLE AWD is 114 MPGe city, 94 MPGe highway and 104 MPGe combined.”
X-MODE
If you chose an AWD bZ4X it will come with what Toyota calls X-MODE. The new AWD system can be used in two modes (Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud) for when you need all the traction you can get. The Snow/Dirt mode is designed to improved traction on slippery or dusty surfaces. In Snow/Mud mode the system applies the brakes on spinning wheels to produce a limited-slip differential (LSD) effect for additional traction. “This mode also tackles softer road surfaces covered by heavy snow, providing more vehicle stability by automatically positioning the tires to slip in a way that clears away snow or mud.”
The system also includes what Toyota calls Grip-Control. This is a “low-speed system that leverages motor drive power modulation to achieve capable off-road performance during turns. This feature was developed as an added X-MODE function to determine road surface characteristics and maintain a constant speed to prevent slipping on rough roads, allowing the driver to focus more on steering.”
Charged Up
The bZ4X can be charged using a number of methods. This includes 120V and 240V chargers as well as DC fast-chargers. “All bZ4X models are equipped with a J1772/CCS1 (Combined Charging System (CCS)) socket, which allows for both home and public charging. The 6.6 kW onboard charger allows the bZ4X to charge from low to full in about 9 hours with a Level 2 charger either at home or at a public charger (at optimal outside temperatures).”
All bZ4X customers will have the option to include a ChargePoint home charging system into the cost of their new vehicle purchase or lease. ChargePoint can be installed indoors or outside. It comes with a 23-foot charging cable and can charge electric vehicles up to nine times faster than a standard outlet. Customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Toyota bZ4X will also get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations nationwide.
Safety
The bZ4X has a host of new safety features. The bZ4X is the first to feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense safety package (TSS 3.0). “A new safety feature and a Toyota First, Safe Exit Assist, is also standard on bZ4X. This system helps support avoidance of collisions between an open door and/or occupants who have exited and vehicles approaching from the rear.” Toyota also took several steps to ensure battery safety. These steps include design itself and a multiple monitoring system intended to protect the vehicle’s battery system.
Pricing
The bZ4X XLE FWD will cost $42,000 and the XLE AWD will cost $44,080. Stepping up to the Limited FWD means you will pay $46,700 and the Limited AWD is the top of the range at $48,780. A $1,215 delivery, processing and handling fee is excluded from all prices above. “Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Electric Vehicle Driving Components, including the traction battery, are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.” The future of Toyota arrives this spring.
Images: Toyota
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