Toyota Releases New Bz Compact SUV Concept (PDF)

 

Toyota-bZ-Compact-SUV-Concept-exterior

Toyota has revealed a new bZ Compact SUV Concept that previews a future electric compact crossover model.

This electric model has a “glimpse of what the future could hold.”, revealed at the LA motor show. The Japanese firm wants to expand its line-up of electric cars under its Beyond Zero brand.

The all-new bZ Compact SUV Concept takes the form of a compact-looking coupé-SUV with proportions that are reminiscent of the firm’s existing combustion-engined C-HR. According to Toyota, the concept showcases a ‘clean-vital’ design language.

Toyota hasn’t released any power, torque, battery, or range numbers for the new production-ready concept car. The description emphasizes that it offers “fun to drive”, and “exhilarating performance”.

Coming in the second half of 2023, the larger bZ4x is offered overseas with a choice of 150 kW single-motor front-wheel drive or 160 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations, both going on sale with 71.4 kWh lithium battery packs. The single-motor version has a claimed driving range of 516km on the stricter WLTP cycle, while the dual-motor version has 470km.

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The interior of the car is different in many ways from traditional Toyota models. It includes a large touchscreen and digital info display that rises from the dashboard.

The name is an extension of bZ(Beyond Zero), Toyota’s electric vehicle sub-brand focused on sustainability and models with no direct tailpipe emissions. Currently, the only model Toyota sells in this lineup is the bZ4x, but other international models are available- like the Model 3-sized Toyota bZ3 for China.