Concept Cars
Toyota Goes Full Electric With bZ4X Crossover SUV Co-developed With Subaru
Toyota has finally decided to go full electric for the 1st time after a series of plug-in hybrid vehicles. This is the all-new bZ4X crossover SUV that was co-developed with Subaru. We all know this is not the 1st time both companies developed a car as we can see with the GR86 and BRZ coupes. Now back to the bZ4X, this concept SUV is almost production-ready as it is said it may go on sale as early as 2022.
From looks, the bZ4X resembles the RAV4 and they are almost the same size. Toyota didn’t go into many specifics, but the concept features an angular front end with slender headlights and prominent air curtains. Speaking of aerodynamics, there’s a fully enclosed grille that resides above a wide intake with metallic trim. The bZ4x rides on the Japanese automaker’s new e-TNGA dedicated battery-electric platform that as mentioned before was jointly developed with Subaru. This means the production version will combine Toyota quality with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive expertise.
Inside, the driver looks through the steering wheel at a digital instrument cluster that sits at the end of a gutter. The design seems like a way to prevent glare on the screen while retaining an open design. A wide infotainment screen is at the top of the centre console, and buttons for operating the HVAC system are below it. The centre console houses a knobby controller for the drive modes, buttons for toggling the assistance systems, and an infotainment screen touchpad with a blue glow.
The production model will be the first of several models from the BZ sub-brand, Toyota has confirmed. The automaker said it plans to have 15 zero-emission vehicles in its lineup by 2025, of which seven will be from the BZ sub-brand. The powertrain is unknown as Toyota refused to give details until the time of launch.
