Occasional rain did not disturb us while we enjoyed the roads around Bled and Bohinj, trying out the new Toyota model bZ4X Touring. It is a well-known story that Toyota entered the preparation of electric cars quite timidly (and by mistake), so now they are working on better solving beginner’s challenges, offering completely new solutions. After they recently presented the Urban Cruiser and the C-HR+, a fully electric compact SUV model, now it’s the turn of the station wagon bZ4X, which has the suffix ‘Touring’ in its name.
A significant 14 cm increase
A look at the vehicle, especially at its side lines, clearly shows that it is a model that was created in collaboration with another well-known Japanese brand. Yes, there’s the four-wheel drive specialist – Subaru. It is precisely this part that was created as a result of the cooperation of two Japanese brands, an advantage over other ‘competitors’. First is the X-Mode system and Grip Control technology, which confirms that Toyota wants to maintain the brand’s reputation for offering vehicles capable of rough roads, snow and light off-road. In addition, there is the off-road appearance of the car, which is not intended only as a city SUV, but as a car for an active life.
Let’s go in order. The bZ4X Touring is 14 centimeters longer than the previously known edition of the bZ4X model, and at the same time it is 31 cm larger than the C-HR+ model. So it measures 483 cm in length. The Touring is 2.5 centimeters taller than its ‘regular’ version, although they were created on the same platform with a wheelbase of 285 cm. There is a lot of space in the passenger cabin, but you should keep in mind that the knees of passengers in the back seats are quite high, which is a problem with many EV models.
The practicality of the bZ4X Touring, i.e. station wagon, is certainly in the rear of the vehicle. There is a luggage space of 669 liters (slightly less in the AWD model), which is significantly more than the 452 liters of the previously known edition. Also, by folding the backrest of the rear bench, it is possible to increase the available space up to 1718 liters. Robustness is emphasized by the roof racks, which can bear a load of up to 80 kilograms. The bZ4X Touring can also be used to tow a trailer, which certainly contributes to its versatility. The initial one, with front-axle drive, has a declared towing capacity of up to 750 kg, while the AWD model is twice as big. Electric wagons can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and we can’t even remember those with an off-road sign.
During the test drives on Slovenian roads, I had the opportunity to try the front-wheel drive version, which performed excellently. A pleasant, ‘tourist’ ride through a beautiful landscape where the turn of the rain alternated with the turn of the sun passed in a pleasant tone, without any challenges. At the end of the 60-kilometer drive, the test was completed with consumption below 12 kWh/100 km. Colleagues who went on another, more hilly route recorded a consumption of less than 17 kWh/100 km, which is certainly a good result for a car slightly lighter than two tons.
Improvements in the passenger cabin as well
The feeling behind the steering wheel of the refined passenger cabin is also good, although it needs some kind of adjustment to the bunch of switches located on the steering wheel itself. It is also a good thing that some more important functions on the central 14-inch screen are additionally emphasized and there are also physical buttons. Below the screen, on the central ridge, there are even two spaces for storage, or wireless charging of smartphones. In front of them is the driving mode selector, as well as the parking brake switches with Hold option, Eco mode and the new Snow driving mode specially prepared for the front axle drive model.
Special emphasis is placed on digital functions related to the electric drive, following the example of some already known EV models. Thus, the navigation automatically plans the route and suggests charging stations depending on the battery condition and the remaining range, which should reduce stress on longer journeys.
Toyota
The offer of the bZ4X Touring model is extremely simple. The offer opens with the Executive model with front axle drive, for which you need to spend 43,400 euros. It is a model powered by a 165 kW / 224 hp electric motor. It is a model whose battery can be charged via an AC outlet up to 11 kW, or up to 150 kW with a DC power source. This model needs 7.2 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h from a standstill and has a declared range of 591 km. It works fairly well, and we’re looking forward to a test copy to try it out for ourselves.
Another option is the same equipment level with AWD drive that has an additional electric motor on the rear axle. This is the reason for the increase in power to 280 kW / 380 hp as well as the reduction of the range to 528 km. This model costs 47,900 euros. If you want a better equipped edition, then there is the Style package, which costs 48,800 euros and, among other things, brings Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, a panoramic roof, 9 speakers and a JBL premium audio system, a front radial heater, front and rear seat ventilation, as well as the possibility of AC charging up to 22 kW. This model is only 900 euros more expensive. All listed prices include a current discount of 4,000 euros.
Only one battery option
All models come with one battery. There is no choice. It is a battery with a capacity of 74.7 kWh, that is, a usable, net capacity of 71 kWh. Toyota emphasizes that its usability is much better than was the case with the first examples of the bZ4X model. Also, with improved temperature management and the battery preconditioning option, the charging method has been improved, so there are almost no differences in charging during warmer or colder weather.
Toyota
The surcharge for the metallic color is 720 euros, while the pearl color is available for 1100 euros. There are three possible surcharges for ProTect protection. Protection of aluminum rims costs 58 euros, while interior protection is available for 97 euros. The most expensive, worth 381 euros, is protection from the outside. In addition to the bZ4X Touring, Toyota also offers charging stations that can be controlled using the MyToyota application. The application itself provides numerous possibilities, and one of them is a digital key that enables easy sharing of the vehicle between the owner and additional users.
A commendable thing is the guarantee. There is a regular warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, which with the Relax maintenance program goes up to 10 years of age or 200,000 km. It is with the Relax maintenance program that Toyota (no extra charge) mentions that it guarantees the battery for up to 1,000,000 kilometers, while retaining at least 70% of its capacity.
