Toyota marks the beginning of its journey towards full electrification by introducing the bZ4X electric SUV, set to hit the US in summer 2022.
While Toyota has been making hybrid cars for years now, the Japanese automaker took a little longer to introduce a fully electric vehicle. However, it’s bound to change soon. The bZ4X is an electric crossover/SUV and currently only a concept, although it looks ready for production. Nonetheless, when it finally gets to the production lines, it will mark the inception of Toyota’s bZ (Beyond Zero) EV lineup.
Toyota still hasn’t released information on the dimensions but said it would be similar in size to the RAV4. However, at first glance, the bZ4X seems a little lower and with a longer wheelbase.
The bZ4X looks sharp and crisp, portraying what a modern-day EV should look like. Looking at the vehicle from the side profile is a treat to our eyes as the slick angles and cuts and creases look perfectly balanced. The bonnet looks pretty long, though, longer than other EVs. Hence, Toyota might incorporate extra room for luggage, just like in the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E.
As shown in the preview, Toyota has cut down on the conventional grille, though it still gets a small opening in the lower half of the front bumper. Meanwhile, the four-piece headlights look quite similar to some existing designs, though the taillights look like true work of art. The gently sloping roofline also gives the bZ4X a sportier look.
However, the interior somehow fails to wow like other concept cars, although it looks pretty good for a production-spec car. The biggest eyesore might be the large steering wheel and the digital instrument cluster that sits quite far behind. The bZ4X has a yoke steering wheel on some images, which looks much sleeker, but that probably won’t make it to production.
“The low position of the instrument panel and the location of the meters above the steering wheel not only help expand the vehicle’s sense of space but also help increase visibility to aid in safe and secure driving,” said a source from Toyota explaining the reason behind the position of the instrument panel. We’ll wait to see how it works in real life.
Unfortunately, there is still no information about the bZ4X’s specs yet. However, Toyota confirmed that the EV is jointly developed with Subaru and based on the e-TNGA platform.
While still in concept form, the final production model should hit dealerships by summer next year.
More details to come.
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