Orders open for Toyota’s first BEV, the ‘bZ4X’

Orders are now open for the next step in electrified motoring from Toyota, the bZ4X, a Battery Electric SUV designed by Toyota to suit everyday Kiwi lifestyles.

The first battery electric vehicle (BEV) with a Toyota badge will arrive in New Zealand in early 2024. The bZ4X is an SUV that will meet the needs of most customers and is packed full of technology and safety features.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive, Neeraj Lala, says the bZ4X continues the proud heritage of providing customers with capable and practical everyday mobility.

“Toyota’s legacy has been further enhanced to meet the future needs of Kiwi drivers in our low carbon economy. The bZ4X is just the beginning of a new chapter as Toyota has up to nine more BEV models for production globally over the next three years.”

“The bZ4X is easy to drive and the interior design will allow Toyota customers to operate controls with confidence and without it feeling like the cockpit of an aircraft. It has all the practicality and driveability you expect from a Toyota. And with two variants, we can offer a future-focused car that meets the functional needs of many New Zealanders, from daily commuters to off-road capability,” he says.

Priced at $72,990 for the entry level bZ4X “Pure” model, Toyota’s bZ4X features a full BEV zero emissions platform, yet true to Toyota’s brand it drives and functions like any other Toyota.

Offered in two variants – the bZ4X Pure front wheel drive and Motion all-wheel drive variants – bZ4X is the next step in Toyota’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions, a journey that started more than two decades ago with the launch of the Toyota hybrid electric powertrain, a powertrain that has become ubiquitous in most Toyota cars and SUVs.

With hybrids of all shapes and sizes, and now a highly capable BEV, Toyota holds a developing portfolio of vehicles to assist in a smooth transition for New Zealand drivers across the nation to move towards a more climate resilient economy.

Debuting an all-new e-TNGA platform, the Toyota bZ4X is powered by a thin design, high-capacity 71.4kWh battery pack which sits flat under the floor of the SUV helping it to achieve a low centre of gravity. This ensures a flat and composed ride on both the highway and NZ’s famed secondary roads.

The bZ4X is also the first Toyota to adopt the eAxle technology integrating the transaxle, motor generator, and inverter with 150kw of power available for the Front Wheel Drive ‘Pure’, and 160kW for the All-Wheel-Drive ‘Motion’ (80kW front, 80kW rear), which is priced at $82,990.

Inside there’s a bespoke design and plush materials to be found, including combined fabric and synthetic leather seats in the Pure and the option of black or grey synthetic leather upholstery in the Motion. The driving position is refined and comfortable, and the controls are easy to find. There’s no glovebox, giving front seat passengers more knee room. Instead, there is storage space under the centre console. Passengers in the back are treated to plenty of headroom, plus extra space to stretch their legs out.

Safety features are second to none. bZ4X adopts the latest Toyota Safety Sense package; the Pre-Collision System includes motorcycle detection, Intersection Collision Avoidance Support and Emergency Steering Assist. The Motion variant adds a Panoramic View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor with safe exit assist.

The bZ4X was designed with help from Subaru, and the Motion’s all-wheel drive system can easily handle dry, dusty trails involving steep climbs and descents, and is equally capable on wet, claggy ground. It can wade through deep water, too — up to 177mm and both models can tow 750kg unbraked.

While the Pure rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with a silver and black metallic full resin cover to aid aerodynamics, the Motion variant features 20-inch black and machined finished alloys with resin accents. The Motion variant includes additional exterior features including a panoramic roof and power shade, and a larger split rear spoiler.

Toyota New Zealand has a target of reducing tailpipe carbon emissions from the cars its sells by 46% by 2030 (compared to a base year of 2018). As well as the growing sales proportion of hybrid cars and SUVs, the bZ4X and further BEVs to come from the Toyota stable are expected to make a significant contribution to achieving this target.

Toyota Driveaway Pricing

The Toyota Drive-away price includes all on road costs: WOF, registration, fully charged battery, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, a three year or 100,000 km warranty, and a five year or 160,000km 70% degradation warranty on the battery.