Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality has finally landed in a segment that’s getting more and more competitive here in the Philippines. The bZ4X SUV is the brand’s first battery EV and they’re offering it in a single, full-featured variant here in the country starting at PHP 2,699,000. Toyota Motor Philippines makes it officially available and has released the units to their first customers.
After first launching the Prius 2009, the bZ4X opens a new chapter for the brand that has steadily brought in hybrids for greener means of mobility. It also joins the Lexus RZ and Lexus UX as battery EV offerings for the Toyota group here in the country that combined have 22 electrified models.
The Toyota bZ4X available in the country will be an All-Wheel Drive model that has 2 electric motors with a combined output of 343 PS of power and 338 Nm of torque. It’s paired to a 73.11 kWh Lithium-ion battery giving it a range of up to 570 kilometers. There’s also Eco and X-Mode drive modes.
The hammerhead look that was first seen in the Camry locally actually made its debut in the bZ4X. Apart from that, this electric SUV looks unique in Toyota’s local lineup. It has an angular but minimalist exterior design. The wheel arcs, instead of traditional cladding, are made from black panels to contrast the body color. The front even extends to the front bumper giving it a unique visual identity. The wheels measure 20-inches giving it a good stance, and there’s 200mm of ground clearance.
Distinct aesthetic touches are also present at the rear. The taillight has extended accents, there’s a lip spoiler above the full-width lighting, dog-ear spoilers, and a matte black diffuser that gives off a sporty edge. The rear tailgate is powered and has a kick sensor for ease of access.
Of course all bases are covered in terms of amenities. It has an all-LED lighting system with Automatic Headlights and Auto-Levelling. The side mirrors have new flair too in that it has Electrochromic function for night driving, has a Heater, Reverse Link, and even Memory function. Up top there’s also a Panoramic Moon Roof.
Toyota didn’t buck to the panoramic screen trend for the bZ4X. The cabin still made use of separate screens for the digital gauge cluster and the main infotainment system, all while retaining buttons in the familiar areas.
What’s different, at least for a Toyota, is the rotary shifter at the center console. There’s also a digital rear view mirror.
The seats are clad in leather and have heating for both first and second rows. The first row gets an additional ventilation function too. 8-way Powered Seats are also present for front occupants, with the driver getting Memory as well.
Other creature comforts include Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with S-Flow, nanoeX, 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, Type-C ports, and Dual Wireless Chargers.
For safety, the bZ4X gets the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense. It has a Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive High Beam System, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. This is on top of the standard safety features like 7 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, Panoramic View Monitor, Front and Rear sensors, even Auto Parking Assist.
“It takes time and strategic planning to roll out what we call our multi-pathway approach to carbon neutral mobility, which involves customer education and preparedness, and providing technologies and solutions that are most appropriate for the market’s needs. From building up our widest lineup of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and introducing Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) through our luxury brand Lexus, we believe we’re ready to make BEVs more mainstream with the Toyota bZ4X, especially with Filipino users’ better understanding of EV technologies and power mix along with improving charging infrastructure,” shared TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Elijah Marcial.
Every unit of the Toyota bZ4X will also come with a free wall box charger as well as a portable charger.
The Toyota bZ4X will be available for PHP 2,699,000 for the Dark Blue Mica/Attitude Black Mica color, PHP 2,714,000 for the Platinum White Pearl Mica/Attitude Black Mica, and PHP 2,719,000 for the Precious Metal/Attitude Black Mica and Emotional Red/Attitude Black Mica colorway.
You may see and get your own bZ4X at the following Toyota dealerships: Toyota Alabang, Toyota Commonwealth, Toyota Global City, Toyota Mabolo Cebu, Toyota Makati, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota Mandaue South, Toyota North EDSA, Toyota Pasig, Toyota Quezon Avenue, Toyota San Fernando, and Toyota Santa Rosa. You can also visit https://www.toyota.com.ph/bz4x for more information.
