The new Toyota bZ4X: first media prototype drive

The new Toyota bZ4X: first media prototype drive

• New bZ4X brings comprehensive updates in performance, technology and design
• More powerful eAxles front and rear – providing up to 252kW (338bhp/343 DIN hp)
• Increased battery capacity for longer range – up to 354 miles* WLTP
• Updates in hardware and software for faster charging, including battery preconditioning system
• New bZ4X to reach European markets by end of 2025; details of UK model range and specifications to be announced later

The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV has undergone a comprehensive update, enhancing driving and charging performance, as well as interior and exterior design.

Since its launch in 2022, the bZ4X has established itself as one of the top three best-selling models in its category around Europe. The new package of upgrades in technology and design will strengthen the model’s performance capabilities and enrich the ownership experience.

A new frontal design adds emphasis to the distinctive hammerhead shape with a more sleek and elegant style. Inside, a new horizontal dashboard design contributes to a more spacious feeling.

Under the skin, the BEV platform has been updated with new eAxles, batteries, software and suspension and chassis setting for improved performance, aerodynamics, efficiency and comfort.

The bZ4X is designed and engineered to be an authentic SUV, optionally available with an all-wheel drive system that gives it genuine rough-road capabilities. Its energy efficiency is founded on Toyota’s long-established leadership in electrified powertrain technologies, experience that also underpins battery quality, durability and reliability. Toyota provides a guarantee that the batteries will retain a minimum 70 per cent of their original capacity for up to 10 years, or 650,000 miles driven (details below).

Market introduction

First new bZ4X deliveries to customers are expected by the end of the year. Its introduction will give Toyota comprehensive coverage of the key B, C and D electric SUV market segments, alongside the all-new compact Urban Cruiser and mid-size Toyota C-HR+. Looking further ahead, the bZ4X range will grow in spring 2026 with the addition of the bZ4X Touring model, offering even more load space.

New eAxles: Increased power, efficiency and stability; reduced size, weight and noise

• Front and rear eAxle redesign reduces their size and weight
• Power efficiency improved with measures to reduce energy losses
• Front eAxle maximum power increased from 150 to 167kW; rear power up from 80 to 87kW
• Improved straight-line stability and quieter operation

The bZ4X’s eAxles have been updated to enhance every aspect of their performance. The focus was to reduce energy losses within the units; deliver quieter performance; and achieve superior power and straight-line stability.

As a result, output and torque have increased: for the front eAxle maximum power has risen from 150 to 167kW, with torque rising from 266.3 to 268.6Nm; for the rear unit, there is an increase to 87kW with 169.8 Nm of torque.

With the new high-capacity battery, Toyota anticipates a driving range of up to 354 miles (WLTP standard) compared to 314 miles for the current model. In all-wheel drive spec’, the new bZ4X can tow loads up to 1,500kg**, in addition to having authentic rough-road driving capability.

Reduced energy losses

Energy losses within the electric powertrain have successfully been cut by a series of measures, including a new three-axis gear train with a gear ratio optimised for the reduction mechanism and enabling increased motor speed.

Modifications have been made to the eAxles’ cooling and lubrication systems, further reducing losses and contributing to the unit’s size and weight reduction. Engineering innovation includes the first adoption in a Toyota BEV of silicon-carbide (SIC) semiconductors.

Power output has risen and straight-line stability has been enhanced through adjustment of the gear ratio, together with the impact of revised cooling and lubrication. Super-polishing of the gear teeth has produced quieter running, a measure that has also had an impact on the level of energy losses.

Electric motor

The electric motor’s rotor and stator have been designed for top-level high-speed, high-output performance. The inner diameter of the rotor has been increased, saving weight, and the use of a water-cooled oil cooler supports improved power consumption.

New high-capacity batteries with enhanced performance

• New bZ4X range offers two lithium-ion battery options with 57.7 or 73.1kWh
• Optimised design accommodates more cells, supporting an extended driving range
• Performance enhanced with new battery cooling system
• Cold temperature charging times improved with battery heating and pre-conditioning

Dual battery option

The bZ4X range will grow with the introduction of two battery options. The mid-size SUV is now offered with a choice of a 57.7kWh or 73.1kWh units (gross capacity figures), so that customers have more options for a version that best suits their driving requirements and their budget.

The 57.7kWh battery is exclusive to the front-wheel drive bZ4X. The higher capacity 73.1kWh unit is available in both front and all-wheel drive versions.

Thus, the new bZ4X offers a choice of three drivetrains:

• 57.7kWh battery and 123 kW (165bhp/167 DIN hp), front-wheel drive
• 73.1kWh battery and 165kW (221bhp/224 DIN hp), front-wheel drive
• 73.1kWh battery and 252kW (338bhp/343 DIN hp), all-wheel drive

Battery charging times

The availability of a new 22kW on-board charger (standard on higher grade models) reduces AC charging times and new measures to optimise DC charging performance will see fast-charging times reduced, particularly in colder climates.

The standard fast charging time from 10 to 80 per cent SOC is expected to take around 30 minutes. Thanks to improvements to the charging system, the battery and the new preconditioning system, a high charging performance can now be achieved across a wider range of temperatures and conditions

Revised battery structure

A revised configuration of the battery’s components has allowed 26 cells to be contained in each module, without increasing the battery’s overall dimensions. The new high-capacity battery houses 104 cells compared to the previous unit’s 96.

Consistent performance with battery cooling and heating

The water-cooling arrangement uses refrigerant from the car’s air conditioning system when needed to reduce the coolant temperature. The cooler operates from the battery’s lower surface so that each cell is cooled evenly.

The battery heating function provides uniform heating of all the cells, with consistent operation even in very low temperatures, helping to reduce charging time. The system uses a water-to-water heat exchanger located between the high and low temperature coolant circuits.

Battery pre-conditioning

A new battery pre-conditioning function is another feature in the new bZ4X that helps reduce charging times, particularly in cold climates, ensuring the battery is at its optimum temperature when charging begins.

While driving, the driver can activate preconditioning manually via the car’s multimedia system, or it can operate automatically when navigating to a fast-charging point that’s been programmed into the navigation system. It can also be scheduled in advance to start at a specific time.

BEV navigation

The bZ4X benefits from a new BEV navigation function. This enhances the functionality of the car’s integrated navigation system, automatically selecting a route and recommending convenient charging stations, based on the car’s battery state of charge and remaining driving range.

These updates, and further improvements, will be provided for both the new bZ4X and be available for current models, delivered via the car’s connected services.

Toyota battery guarantee

Toyota’s confidence in the quality of the battery is reflected in a guarantee it will retain at least 70 per cent of its capacity up to 10 years of vehicle age, covered by the original EV Manufacturing Warranty until eight years of vehicle age or 100,000 miles, and with the Battery Care Programme up to 10 years of vehicle age or 650,000 miles driven that is activated by an annual EV Health Check (terms and conditions apply, according to local/national market).

Exterior design changes for distinctive style and aerodynamic efficiency

• Revised frontal design adds emphasis to the distinctive hammerhead shape
• New centre light introduced to link the left and right lamp units
• New wheel designs and aerodynamic detailing

Emphasising the hammerhead

Toyota has taken the opportunity to add emphasis to the bZ4X’s frontal design, highlighting the hammerhead profile that’s a design signature for its new models.

The changes are simple but effective. The main beam headlight has been moved from the lamp units to sit just beneath the leading edge of the bonnet and the hammerhead light signature is now linked by a centre light bar. By creating a lighting signature that spans the front of the car, the hammerhead appears thinner and the sporty, advanced feel of the design is enhanced.

The lower bumper has been made wider, adding to the sense of the car having a strong stance and road presence. The door mirror stays are aligned with the car’s belt line, highlighting the flow of a character line along the side of the vehicle. The wheel archers are now painted in a glossy piano black finish, contributing to the more sleek and elegant design.

Aerodynamic wheel designs

New 18 and 20-inch wheel designs have been created. The 18-inch caps have a dual-tone full cover mounted on an alloy frame. The 20-inch rims have a striking geometric pattern that combines parallel lines and polyhedral shapes with a black and bright machined finish. The wheels have been designed for enhanced aerodynamic and weight-saving performance.

Panoramic roof

The cabin is given a more open feel with the removal of the central reinforcement from the panoramic roof. This has been made possible by using ultra-high-strength steel and strengthening the roof connection points. As a result, the glass section has been  increased by 20 per cent.

Aerodynamic details

To optimise aerodynamic performance, the underbody has been made smoother with an increase in the surface area of the undercover. On versions which do not have a high-mounted spoiler, the upper edge of the ducktail spoiler has been raised by 5mm and the rear garnish has been brought closer to the level of the rear window glass.

Driving dynamics and comfort

Changes have also been made to the chassis, steering and suspension, improving comfort and driving dynamics. Overall rigidity has been increased through design changes to the front subframe and the addition of a high-damping adhesive to the floor. The steering system, shock absorbers, and springs have also been improved; all contributing to better ride comfort, stability, and control at higher speeds.

An inclusive interior

• New ultra-slim instrument panel
• New 14-inch multimedia display and “digital island” console
• More compact, power-saving air conditioning system
• New 64-colour ambient lighting
• New recycled upholstery materials

The bZ4X was conceived as car to bring people together and make journeys an enjoyable shared experience for all. The latest updates to the model strengthen this quality, with design adjustments and new features that make life on board easier for driver and passengers alike.

Slim instrument panel

The cabin design is a combined space for driver and front and rear passengers. The sense of space and openness is enhanced with a new, ultra-slim instrument panel design which forms a strong horizontal feature.

Smaller air vent registers have been designed to fit between the panel’s middle pad and upper surface. To ensure this change doesn’t compromise ventilation performance, the AC system’s air ducts have been optimised and the vents have a new fin structure.

“Digital island” console and 14-inch display

The centre console and multimedia display are now two separate units. The new console is 10cm lower than before and has been reorganised as a “digital island” with a thinner profile that frees up more knee space for the driver and front passenger. Space has been saved with a new-design air conditioning unit that is 30 per cent more compact and uses 30 per cent less power.

Helping ensure everyone can keep connected while on the move, the console now provides two wireless chargers, left and right for the driver and passenger to use. The rear console has also been reworked so that the twin 60W USB ports are more conveniently positioned on the top of the unit and the rear vents are brought 10cm closer to the passengers.

The focal point of the instrument panel is a new 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. Fitted as standard, this replaces the previous 12.3-inch display.

Driver comfort and convenience

The driver’s instrument display has been repositioned above the level of the steering wheel, so less eye movement is needed to take in data and information – true to the concept of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”. There’s extra comfort too with the steering wheel heater operating around the wheel’s full circumference.

The new bZ4X gains paddle controls behind the steering wheel, allowing the driver to manually shift between levels of regenerative braking force.

Storage provisions

There are ample convenient storage points around the cabin designed to hold a wide range of commonly used items. The console has a lower tray large enough to take a pair of shoes and a tissue box. The console box, which is hinged to open to the left or right for easy access, has room enough for a tablet, first aid kit and glasses case. The cupholders and redesigned door pockets can hold both large and small water bottles.

Ambient lighting

A new ambient lighting system is available, offering a choice of 64 different colours to create the right mood for any journey, from cool and relaxing to sporty and invigorating. It also provides an additional warning linked to the car’s Safe Exit Assist, lighting the interior door handles red if it’s there’s a risk of opening a door into the path of traffic coming from the rear.

New recycled upholstery materials

According to model grade, different upholstery options have been introduced using recycled and non-animal products. These include a new fabric made from recycled PET yarn and a soft but durable synthetic leather with an attractive grained finish.

New interior colour choices are also available to give the bZ4X a dynamic and sporty feel. The scrutiny of every detail to gain opportunities to reduce weight extend to changing the cabin carpet material, saving 1 kg.

*Tentative data pending homologation.

**Max. speed restricted to 65mph while towing.

ENDS