The Toyota bZ4X: Fully electrified and beyond expectations!

The media was introduced to the fully electric SUV's as we headed out from Nelspruit and into the Kruger National Park.

1 hour ago

Naresh Maharaj 3 minutes read

It has to be said that Toyota SA Motors have really been busy lately with four new product offerings in as many months.

South Africa’s automotive landscape continues to embrace new-energy mobility, Toyota is taking another significant step in its electrification journey with the introduction of the bZ4X and the bZ4X Touring.

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Together, they represent Toyota’s most advanced battery-electric offering yet, broadening customer choice while reaffirming the company’s commitment to practical, innovative and sustainable mobility.

The media was introduced to the fully electric SUV’s as we headed out from Nelspruit and into the Kruger National Park, sampling both tarred and gravel roads. Hundreds of kilometres between provinces and it felt like an absolute breeze.

Being electric, the bZ4X is very fast. Want your head to be thrown back into the headrest? Then just press the accelerator pedal for that instant thrust of power.

Range for both the SUV and the Touring was around 470kms, so no range anxiety with Toyota’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV). It is a tangible expression of Toyota’s Beyond Zero philosophy and forms an integral part of the company’s multi-pathway approach to reducing carbon emissions.

One Platform, Two Distinct Personalities

Although both vehicles share Toyota’s dedicated battery-electric e-TNGA platform, they have been developed to appeal to different lifestyles.

The bZ4X remains a sophisticated, technology-focused SUV that balances refinement, comfort and everyday practicality with genuine all-wheel-drive capability.

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It is ideally suited to professionals and families looking for a premium electric SUV capable of seamlessly transitioning between weekday commuting and weekend escapes.

Visually, the standard bZ4X embraces sleek sophistication through clean surfaces, flowing character lines and Toyota’s signature Hammerhead front-end design, creating a contemporary SUV with impressive aerodynamic efficiency.

Slim LED headlamps, integrated front styling and a full-width rear light bar contribute to a premium, futuristic appearance that is unmistakably Toyota.

Built for the Road Ahead

At the heart of both models is Toyota’s latest-generation lithium-ion battery technology.

The bZ4X features a high-capacity 73,11kWh battery, while the flagship Touring employs an even larger 74,69kWh battery to support its increased performance and capability.

Both utilise a 104-cell lithium-ion battery architecture with advanced water-cooling and high-resistance coolant technology that helps optimise thermal management, maximise battery durability and improve overall efficiency.

Every vehicle is supplied with charging cables suitable for home charging as well as public AC charging stations, while compatibility with DC fast chargers allows charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

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Power to the People

The bZ4X delivers an impressive 255kW of power, while its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 268,6Nm of torque from the front motor and 169,8Nm from the rear, propelling it from 0-100km/h in just 5,1 seconds.

Instant electric torque delivery provides smooth, responsive acceleration in every driving situation while maintaining the refinement expected of a premium Toyota SUV.

The bZ4X Touring takes performance to the next level with a commanding 334kW output, while its front and rear electric motors each generate 268,6Nm of torque for effortless all-wheel-drive performance.

The Touring accelerates from 0-100km/h in only 4,3 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs Toyota has ever offered.

Designed to Please

Developed as an “Activity Hub”, the cabin has been conceived as a welcoming space that encourages connection, comfort and shared experiences.

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Clean horizontal lines, an open architecture and carefully selected premium materials create a sense of calm that immediately distinguishes the interior from conventional SUVs.

Every design element has been considered to maximise visibility, spaciousness and ease of use, while the dedicated battery-electric platform allows the cabin to offer exceptional room for passengers without increasing the vehicle’s footprint.

The redesigned dashboard is centred around a new 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, complemented by a seven-inch digital combination meter positioned high within the driver’s natural line of sight

Premium comfort all the time

The bZ4X range has been comprehensively equipped to deliver a premium ownership experience from the moment customers step inside.

Standard specification across both the bZ4X and bZ4X Touring includes LED headlamps with adaptive high beam system, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, smart entry, leather upholstery, heated leather steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, power tailgate, JBL premium audio system, integrated navigation, intelligent park assist, panoramic roof with integrated sunshade, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and Toyota’s latest connected multimedia technologies, ensuring exceptional comfort, convenience and confidence for both daily commuting and long-distance touring.

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