Toyota bZ4X review - Electric motor, drive and performance
The bZ4X offers decent driving dynamics and just enough power to keep things interesting
The all-electric bZ4X uses Toyota’s new eTNGA platform for electric cars, which also underpins the Lexus RZ and Subaru Solterra. It’s a flexible setup and closely related to the architecture that forms the basis of the RAV4 and C-HR SUVs, which means that the bZ4X is good to drive and gains similar on-board technology and safety features.
Buyers looking for a family EV that delivers a smooth ride will want to consider the bZ4X. It manages to deal with the typical bumpy tarmac of UK roads with ease and feels very at home on a motorway cruise. However, the bZ4X is still fun to drive on twisty B-roads, where the well weighted steering and tightly controlled body movements will impress you. It’s all pretty refined in the cabin, too, with little wind- or road noise at higher speeds, while the whirr of the electric motor is well suppressed and isn’t intrusive.
It’s unlikely that customers considering a bZ4X will want real off-road ability, but Toyota has nonetheless seen fit to collaborate with Subaru to provide an AWD model with a selectable off-road driving mode. The bZ4X’s ground clearance is not high enough to allow for any real off-piste adventures, but it might add some extra reassurance during poorer weather or if you spend a lot of time driving on minor roads.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
Buyers have the option of either a front-wheel drive model that uses a single 201bhp electric motor, or a 215bhp all-wheel drive model with a motor on each axle.
Outright performance is not the focus of the all-electric bZ4X, but it’s still capable of delivering decent pace. As with most electric cars, there’s an instant hit of acceleration when you press the accelerator and, with 266Nm of torque available, the FWD bZ4X manages the 0-62mph sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The more powerful 215bhp all-wheel-drive model has an extra 71Nm of torque, which helps it to achieve a more rapid 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds, with a 100mph top speed.
