Upcoming Electric Car Toyota bZ4x in India 2024 — Features, Specs & More

 

Expected to launch around mid-2024, the Indian automotive landscape is set to witness the grand entry of the Toyota bZ4X EV, marking a significant stride into the electric domain with an estimated price of Rs. 27 Lakh. Toyota’s foray into the EV market, co-developed with Subaru (known as Solterra), positions the bZ4X as a dedicated battery-electric model with a nationwide reach.

This article delves into the specifics of the upcoming electric car — Toyota bZ4X, spanning its electric motor, power, performance, range, charging capabilities, interior comfort, infotainment, and safety features.

2024 Electric Car Toyota bZ4X Specs

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Toyota’s bZ4X offers two powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The front-wheel-drive, single-motor configuration boasts 201 horsepower, aligning it with competitors like the Kia Niro EV and the base variant of the Volkswagen ID.4. For those seeking all-wheel-drive capability, the upcoming electric carbZ4X provides a dual-motor setup, slightly upping the power to 215 horsepower.

During initial test drives, the bZ4X exhibited perky acceleration, both in the front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions. However, it’s essential to note that the bZ4X’s power figures fall short of some competitors, such as the all-wheel-drive ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The ride quality is commendable, absorbing bumps without feeling floaty, and the steering maintains a reasonable level of responsiveness. While it may not outshine some rivals in a drag race, the upcoming electric car bZ4X delivers a respectable 6.4-second sprint to 60 mph in the most potent dual-motor version.

Range, Charging & Battery Life

The upcoming electric car bZ4X offers two powertrain variants, each equipped with nearly identical batteries. The single-motor version houses a 63.4-kWh battery pack, while the dual-motor model boasts a slightly larger 65.5-kWh pack. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates for the front-wheel-drive, single-motor variant stand at 242/252 miles (Limited/XLE), while the all-wheel-drive version offers a range of 222/228 miles.

However, real-world testing of a dual-motor model on the highway resulted in a somewhat disappointing 160-mile range. This places the bZ4X on the lower end of highway range results among electric vehicles.

Charging the upcoming electric car bZ4X is facilitated by a 6.6-kW onboard charger, capable of replenishing the battery in 9 hours using a Level 2 supply. Additionally, at a DC fast-charger, Toyota claims an 80 percent charge in just under an hour, with peak charging rates of 150 kW for front-wheel-drive variants and a slightly lower 100 kW for the dual-motor version.

Fuel Economy

The upcoming electric car bZ4X boasts impressive efficiency ratings, with a city rating as high as 131 MPGe and up to 107 MPGe on the highway. However, real-world testing, particularly on the highway, yielded a less impressive 86 MPGe for the dual-motor Limited model.

Interior, Comfort & Cargo

Inside the upcoming electric car bZ4X, Toyota has crafted a spacious and airy environment. The dashboard incorporates a digital gauge display and a prominent 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The wide center console features standard wireless smartphone charging and open storage, albeit lacking a traditional glovebox. An interesting addition in the Limited trim is a radiant heating element in the lower dash for front-seat riders’ legs.

While there’s no frunk (front trunk), the rear cargo hold offers 26 to 28 cubic feet, falling slightly short of the RAV4’s 38 cubic feet.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models of the upcoming electric car bZ4X showcase a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen accommodating wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay capability. The system integrates cloud-based navigation, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging. While a six-speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio is standard, buyers can opt for a nine-speaker JBL stereo system on the Limited trim. It’s worth noting that the audio system lacks physical tuning buttons or knobs, relying on small up/down buttons, and the satellite radio interface may be considered obtuse.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety takes center stage in the bZ4X, aligning with Toyota’s commitment to driver-assistance technologies. Standard features that come with it include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, an overall lane-keeping assist, etc. As with other Toyota models, the upcoming electric car bZ4X comes equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features, promoting a safer and more secure driving experience.

Conclusion

The Toyota bZ4X, with its imminent entry into the Indian market, introduces an exciting addition to the electric vehicle landscape. While it may have some limitations in terms of power and range compared to certain competitors, its blend of comfort, technology, and safety features positions it as a compelling option in the evolving electric vehicle market of 2024. As the automotive industry continues its electrified journey, the upcoming electric car bZ4X stands as a testament to Toyota’s commitment to sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.

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