Foresight or not, Toyota was on the right track with their first zero emission vehicle. They were most probably working on it before and during the pandemic, given it was launched in 2021 as a concept, with the production model following in 2022. So what is it?
First is the name. bZ stands for Toyota’s goal of “beyond zero” emissions. The 4 is a shout-out to the RAV4, which is close to its size; while the X means crossover SUV. It’s no different to other Japanese companies like Sony that have a Bluetooth headphone named WH-1000XM6.
The bZ4X measures 4,690mm long, 1,860mm wide, 1,650mm tall – really close to the RAV4 dimensions. Only the EV has a longer wheelbase at 2,850mm to give space for the batteries. It also stands tall at 200mm of ground clearance.
The variant that will be sold in the Philippines is an All-Wheel Drive iteration with 343 PS of power and up to 338 Nm of torque. There’s no official mention of the battery capacity yet but in a post in their social media, Toyota Motor Philippines said it can go up to 570 kilometers on a single charge.
Aside from symbolizing their emission goals, the bZ4X is also the first to utilize Toyota’s new design direction. Globally, it was the first to have the “hammerhead” face which was first seen locally in the new Camry. Meanwhile, Toyota played with the side profile as they bulked up the wheel cladding, with the front extending into the bumper and headlights. There’s also character lines swooping from the beltline and lower side that converge at the rear wheel arches, before it connects to the taillight. The rear has a gorgeous strip of LED that runs across the width of the tailgate. It’s accented by LED extensions that dip into the corners of the rear, giving it a classic taillight look.
The cabin promises a lot of nice things as well. It has a panoramic moon roof, front seats have ventilation, there’s an 8-way powered driver seat with memory function, with another 8-way powered seat for the front passenger as well. The aircon is automatic dual-zone with “S-Flow,” there’s a huge 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, and 2 wireless chargers. All ports seem to be USB-C as well.
Being a sole variant, Toyota went all out with the safety features as well. Toyota Safety Sense was boosted to include Adaptive High Beam System, Lane Departure Alert, along with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Tracing Assist. Of course the usual bits like 7 Airbags, Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, 360-camera system, front and rear sensors, and an Auto Park Assist.
The reservation books are already open for the Toyota bZ4X. It will start at PHP 2,699,000 and will come in Emotional Red, Precious Metal, Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Dark Blue Mica colors.
