Toyota's first electric car wasn't buyable then, but now it is, but it costs more than the Tesla Model Y

At the time of its release, Toyota's first all-electric car , the bZ4X , was only available as a private rental. However, it is now possible to buy it as a classic option. This zero-emission SUV, bearing the ZERO label, is available from around 50,000 euros without a discount or just over 48,600 euros with an applied offer.

The electric model can be configured with one or two engines with front or all-wheel drive, as well as two finishes: Advance and Style .

The Toyota bZ4X is an electric SUV that competes with other models on the market, such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 or the Tesla Model Y , which each have one or two engine versions. Although the IONIQ 5 is around $1,300 cheaper than the Toyota without any discount, they are priced similarly. As for the Model Y, it is currently almost 4,000 euros cheaper thanks to a new discount.

Up to 218 HP and 506 km range

The Toyota bZ4X is a compact SUV developed by Toyota in conjunction with Subaru on the e-TNGA platform . With a length close to 4.7 meters, it has dimensions similar to those of the Toyota RAV4 , which places it in the category of compact SUVs, although it also aims to meet the needs of the higher segment.

We found during our test that the rear row of seats offers good width and more than enough legroom compared to the front seats. Also, even though the battery position results in a higher floor, the headroom remains comfortable.

As for the storage compartment, the electric car has a respectable 452 liters capacity, although it is still lower than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 which offers a capacity of 531 liters . In addition, a space is provided under the floor to store, for example, the charging cable so as not to encroach on the available space.

Toyota's electric SUV is available in two mechanical variants: one with a single front motor, located under the hood, which delivers an output of 150 kW (204 hp); and the other with all-wheel drive, equipped with two motors of 80 kW (109 HP) each, thus offering a combined power of 218 HP.

Maximum attainable speed is 160 km/h for both models, but the all-wheel-drive version has slightly more power and better torque, helping to achieve 0-100 km acceleration /h in 6.9 seconds, compared to 7.5 seconds for the traction version. The battery capacity is identical for both models, namely 71.4 kWh.

However, the front-wheel-drive version is more advantageous in terms of consumption and autonomy, offering a greater distance traveled of 506 km, compared to 462 km for the all-wheel-drive version.

Comparing with its two direct competitors, it surpasses them in terms of battery life. The Model Y Rear Drive and the IONIQ 5 both offer a range of 455 km, but it exceeds them in all access options. The Model Y Grande Autonomie , meanwhile, equipped with two motors, promises a range of up to 533 km, but it is already above 53,000 euros.

The 71.4 kWh battery can support loads of up to 150 kW, allowing you to recharge from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes on a fast charging station. On the other hand, plugged into an 11 kW socket, it takes six and a half hours for a full recharge, according to the Japanese company.

Only in the most expensive finishes

The Toyota bZ4X can only be selected with the most complete finishes of the Japanese range, unlike the Corolla , the Yaris or the CH-R which offer the Active option. Both engine choices can be selected with Advance or Style Plus finishes .

The electric SUV is available with the entry-level finish, the Advance, which is already equipped with full equipment. It has 18-inch wheels, Bi-LED headlights, keyless entry and start, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, electric folding and heated mirrors, brake automatic parking, tinted rear windows and a power tailgate.

In addition, the Advance trim includes two screens as standard: a 7-inch instrument screen and a 12.3-inch multimedia screen with the Toyota Smart Connect system , wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio DAB and the virtual assistant.

When it comes to ADAS systems, the vehicle has one of Toyota's most comprehensive packages, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping system, active exit warning lane detection, active cruise control, intelligent parking assistant with high beam (long/short), parking assistant with active braking, active rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and the slope assistant.

The vehicle is offered with two charging cables at no additional cost in both versions, which include a Schuko plug and a Mennekes type 2 connector . In addition, the multimedia system includes Internet connectivity, remote updates and free connected services for four years. After this period, it is necessary to take out a subscription to continue to benefit from these services.

From 49,900 euros or 48,650 euros with a discount

The price of the Toyota bZ4X varies from 49,900 euros to 56,900 euros , depending on the option chosen. However, Toyota gives a discount of 1,250 euros on all variants. With the exception of the most expensive version (54,450 euros), all other versions of the electric SUV are eligible for government aid, which allows you to benefit from an additional discount of 7,000 euros (with scrap) or 4,500 euros (without scrap).

In addition, the bZ4X is eligible for Toyota Easy Plus flexible financing , which offers an access plan at 492 euros per month for a period of 48 months with an initial contribution of 9,515 euros. At the end of the contract, the final payment option is 16,207 euros or you can exchange or return the car.

This purchase option also includes maintenance service for the duration of the contract (which is four years) and a four-year warranty, although Toyota's default warranty is three years.