The New Toyota bZ4X marks the Japanese giant’s first full-fledged foray into the electric SUV market. Arriving in dealerships with the weight of Toyota’s legendary reliability on its shoulders, the bZ4X faces stiff competition from established EV players and hungry newcomers. Let’s delve into what the bZ4X offers, how it compares to its rivals, and if it can carve a niche for itself in the European and UK markets.
Design & Interior:
The bZ4X’s styling might not win design awards, but it prioritizes practicality. The spacious cabin offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it suitable for families. The dashboard layout is modern, featuring a mix of physical buttons and a large touchscreen infotainment system. However, the instrument cluster, positioned above the steering wheel, might require some acclimation for certain drivers. While the materials used are decent, they don’t quite match the premium feel of some rivals.
Performance & Range:
The New Toyota bZ4X comes in two configurations: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD boasts a 71.4 kWh battery with a claimed range of up to 252 miles (WLTP), while the AWD model uses a slightly larger 72.8 kWh battery for a 228-mile range (WLTP). Real-world figures might be lower, especially on highways. Acceleration is adequate, particularly in city driving, but don’t expect exhilarating performance figures. Handling is decent, and the ride quality is comfortable, prioritizing smoothness over sporty dynamics.
New Toyota bZ4X Rivals & Prices:
In Europe and the UK, the bZ4X faces a crowded and diverse field of competitors. Here’s a brief overview of some key rivals:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Boasting a futuristic design, spacious interior, and impressive range (up to 303 miles), the Ioniq 5 is a serious contender. It starts at around £36,745 (€44,300) in the UK and €41,990 in Europe.
- Kia EV6: Sharing its platform with the Ioniq 5, the EV6 offers similar strengths with a sportier design and slightly lower starting price of £39,190 (€47,990) in the UK and €40,990 in Europe.
- Skoda Enyaq iV: This spacious and practical SUV offers various battery and powertrain options, with a maximum range of 339 miles. Prices start at £36,770 (€44,400) in the UK and €39,950 in Europe.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Combining SUV practicality with Mustang heritage, the Mach-E delivers engaging performance and decent range (up to 319 miles). It starts at £47,080 (€56,800) in the UK and €46,990 in Europe.
- Tesla Model Y: The established benchmark, the Model Y offers impressive range (up to 330 miles), a minimalist interior, and a vast charging network. However, its starting price of £54,990 (€65,990) in the UK and €64,990 in Europe makes it significantly more expensive.
New Toyota bZ4X Prices in Europe & UK:
The bZ4X starts at £41,650 (€50,500) in the UK and €47,990 in Europe for the base XLE FWD model. The top-spec Limited AWD goes up to £47,450 (€57,500) in the UK and €59,990 in Europe. This pricing positions the bZ4X squarely between some of its more affordable and premium rivals.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Smooth and refined ride quality
- Toyota’s reputation for reliability
- Competitive starting price
Cons:
- Below-average range compared to some rivals
- Uninspiring design
- Oddly placed instrument cluster
- Limited cargo space behind the rear seats
The Final Verdict:
The New Toyota bZ4X is a solid debut, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience with the assurance of Toyota’s reliability. However, its limited range compared to some rivals and uninspiring design might hold it back in a competitive market. If you prioritize practicality, comfort, and brand trust, the Toyota bZ4X is worth considering. However, if range and cutting-edge features are your top priorities, you might find better options elsewhere.
