Toyota BZ4X SUV Concept showcased | Shanghai Auto Show 2021

The Shanghai Motor Show 2021 has been great so far. Firstly, the Mercedes revealed its EQB expanding its EQ Range after the latest EQS launch. Toyota has taken the wraps off the new bZ4X electric SUV concept that will be shown to the general public at the Shanghai Auto Show 2021.

Toyota eB4X SUV Concept

Key Points:-

bZ4X is the first model to use the new e-TNGA platform
Gets styling bits similar to the popular Toyota RAV4 SUV
Future Subaru SUV to use the same platform as bZ4X

About the Toyota eB4X:-

The forward-looking bZ4X concept provides a long-awaited preview of Toyota’s first production battery-electric car. The ‘bZ’ element of its name refers to the Japanese brand’s ‘Beyond Zero’ electrification strategy, through which it will launch at least 15 pure-electric vehicles in international markets by 2025, including seven that use the bZ moniker.

Spearheading this roll-out, the bZ4X will be the first model to use the new e-TNGA electric vehicle architecture developed in collaboration with Subaru, whose own first e-TNGA-based EV will be a Forester-sized SUV.

The defining characteristics of the platform include short overhangs and a long wheelbase, which is said to provide a “spacious and open cabin”. In fact, Toyota says rear legroom is comparable to the near-900mm offered by Lexus’s flagship LS luxury sedan. Here, the platform underpins a four-wheel-drive crossover (hence the ‘4X’ suffix), which is claimed to major in comfort, connectivity, and openness.

Toyota eB4X SUV Concept

Extraordinary Design:-

Heavily angled styling cues, chunky black wheel-arch trim, a familiar silhouette, and a contrasting roof hint at the influence of the strong- selling RAV4 SUV, which has recently been made available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in some markets. However, various characteristics, including an all-new front-end design, point to a different design language for bZ-badged EVs.

In place of a conventional grille, a narrow black strip houses sensors for autonomous driving features, while sharply styled headlights and sculpted air channels are part of Toyota’s new “hammerhead” look, which aims to generate “a new attitude and road presence”.

Toyota eB4X SUV Concept

Wait, is this Toyota from Inside??

Like the outside, the inside feels luxurious and modern, and it's unlike any Toyota interior we've seen. The capacitive climate-control buttons and the big infotainment screen help with that upscale look, but the premium gray fabric that covers the dashboard, as well as the three-tone interior are different from what we've seen in the past from Toyota. A smaller screen takes care of all the instrument panel duties, and sits right in front of the driver but further back on the dashboard, giving a sense of space in the cabin.

A rotary gear selector replaces the traditional shifter and sits in the middle of the bridge-like center console, which is similar to that in the new Sienna minivan.

The lack of a drivetrain hump makes the rear seat feel more spacious, as the floor is completely flat. Depending on the trim, back seat passengers get USB ports, dedicated air vents, and heated seats. A tiny window located on the C-pillar will also help backseat passengers feel less constrained, though we doubt it'll help the driver's outward visibility much.

Toyota eB4X SUV Concept Interior

So, What about Powertrain?

Technical details of the dual-motor electric powertrain remain largely under wraps, but the system is said to draw on Toyota’s 20-plus years of offering electrified powertrains. With power sent to all four wheels, the bZ4X is said to deliver genuine off-road capability, as well as “peace of mind” in all on-road situations, according to Toyota

The SUV’s range is optimized courtesy of an onboard solar charging system that helps to ensure colder weather has minimal impact on usability – a noted drawback of conventional battery tech.

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