South Africa’s automotive market is steadily embracing electrification, and Toyota has now introduced its first dedicated battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) locally.
The bZ4X and bZ4X Touring mark a significant step in Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” philosophy, offering motorists two distinct electric SUVs that combine practicality, performance and sustainability.
What is it?
The bZ4X is Toyota’s first purpose-built BEV, positioned as a refined, technology-focused SUV for families and professionals. Alongside it, the bZ4X Touring provides a more adventurous option, designed for active lifestyles and longer journeys. Both models are built on Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA platform, which integrates the battery into the vehicle’s structure for improved rigidity and balance.
Interior:
Toyota has designed the cabin as an “Activity Hub”, prioritising comfort and connection. A 14-inch multimedia touchscreen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a 7-inch digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, alongside natural voice recognition activated by “Hey Toyota”. Premium features include heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, wireless smartphone charging and a JBL audio system. The Touring variant adds extra luggage space, making it more practical for extended family trips.
Exterior:
The bZ4X adopts a sleek, aerodynamic design with Toyota’s Hammerhead front-end styling, slim LED headlamps and a full-width rear light bar. Its clean surfaces and flowing lines emphasise sophistication. The Touring, by contrast, has a bolder stance with raised roof rails, a stronger bumper design and increased ground clearance. Both models ride on 20-inch alloy wheels with distinctive resin detailing.
Model range:
Although they share the same 2 850 mm wheelbase, the Touring is 140mm longer and 70mm taller, offering greater luggage capacity and versatility. The bZ4X is positioned as a premium urban SUV, while the Touring is Toyota’s flagship BEV, aimed at customers who regularly travel beyond the city.. Ground clearance also increases to 216 mm for the Touring (200 mm in the bZ4X).
Specification highlights include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Intelligent Park Assist, panoramic roof, adaptive high-beam LED headlamps and advanced driver assistance systems. The Touring adds roof rails and a camera washer for added practicality.
Powertrains:
The bZ4X is powered by a 73.11 kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Touring uses a slightly larger 74.69 kWh unit. Both support up to 22 kW AC charging and DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
Driving range is estimated at 456 to 481 km for the bZ4X and 462 to 487 km for the Touring. Performance is notable: the bZ4X produces 255kW and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the Touring delivers 334kW and completes the sprint in 4.3 seconds.
Both feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, intelligent X-Mode traction management and Downhill Assist Control, making them capable on gravel roads and mountain passes.
Prices and warranty:
The Toyota bZ4X is priced at R1 182 800, while the bZ4X Touring costs R1 317 700. Both models include a six-year/90 000 km-service plan, a three-year/100 000 km-warranty, and an eight-year/160 000 km-battery warranty.
Together, the bZ4X and bZ4X Touring broaden Toyota’s electrified portfolio in South Africa, offering motorists a choice between urban sophistication and adventurous capability in the growing battery-electric SUV segment.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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