After two decades of hybrid-electric vehicle dominance, Toyota Australia has at long last released its first full battery-electric vehicle, the typographically challenged bZ4X.

The new model arrives a decade after Tesla launched its first EV in Australia and some 18 months after the bZ4X was originally scheduled to launch.

A mid-sized SUV, the bZ4X is built on Toyota’s all-new e-TNGA dedicated skateboard architecture which integrates the battery and motor generator into the vehicle structure, providing extra rigidity and a low centre of gravity for stable driving dynamics.

Dimensionally, the bZ4X is similar in size to a RAV4, being 90mm longer, 5mm wider, 45mm lower, and riding on 2,850mm wheelbase.

The packaging benefits from its 160mm longer wheelbase and compact electric drivetrain combining to create generous passenger accommodation.

There are two variants of the stylish and contemporary-looking BEV available, dubbed simply bZ4X 2WD (front-wheel drive) and bZ4X AWD (all-wheel drive).

The former retails for $66,000, while the dual motor AWD tips the financial scales at a heftier $74,900 (MRLP).

As its name suggests, the FWD drives its front wheels only via an e-Axle that combines the 150kW/266Nm electric motor with an inverter in a single compact unit.

The twin-motor AWD places an 80kW e-Axle at either end for combined system outputs of 160kW/337Nm.

In both cases the battery fitted is a 71.4kWh lithium-ion unit that gives the 2WD a claimed range of 436km (WLTP) or 411km (WLTP) for the AWD with both versions able to accept DC charging rates of up to 150kW.

Toyota claims it rigorously tests each battery for twenty days before it is fitted to the vehicle to ensure there are no reliability issues.

Among its many efficiency measures designed to extra maximum efficiency from the battery, the bZ4X uses a heat-pump air-conditioning system that is claimed to be up to 30% more efficient than traditional air-conditioning systems.

On the styling front, the bZ4X is the first Toyota model in Australia to use the company’s new ‘hammerhead’ frontal design theme, where the bonnet surface continues to the nose and extends to each corner.

It’s a good-looking SUV from any angle, with just enough traces of Toyota DNA in its design to ensure it’s not confused for its technical doppelganger, the Subaru Solterra EV.

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Among its comprehensive equipment list, the bZ4X 2WD includes poly-ellipsoidal LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and auto power-folding side mirrors, power tailgate, and rear privacy glass. The AWD adds to this list a roof spoiler, fixed panoramic sunroof, roof rails and gloss black bonnet accents.

Inside, occupants of the entry-level model will find a contemporary-looking design characterised by an unusual fabric-covered dashboard, heated front seats clad in synthetic leather, eight-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Standard too, is Toyota’s Connected Services technology which provides internet-enabled information on the nearest charger locations, live traffic updates, and over-the-air updates when available.

The AWD adds a premium JBL audio system, 10W wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory function and a kick sensor for the power tailgate.

Curiously, while there’s plenty of stowage in the cabin for drink bottles, wallets and the like, there’s no glovebox. Instead, occupants must make do with the lidded centre console bin and other areas around the centre console.

There’s ample interior room otherwise, particularly in the rear seats which benefit most from the longer wheelbase and the flat floor provided by the absence of a transmission tunnel hump.

When it comes to boot space, the 2WD model boasts 421 litres of cargo space with the AWD having a slightly lower 410 litres due to its extra motor.

This compares favourably with Toyota’s Corolla Cross small SUV but is less than the 542-litres offered by the RAV4.

There’s an inflator kit but no spare wheel beneath the cargo floor, even though Toyota claims the AWD model was developed with some level of off-road capability in mind.

In fact, Toyota says the bZ4X underwent development testing on the same off-road course used to test the next generation LandCruiser Prado.

The AWD’s off-road driving modes were developed in conjunction with Subaru and use that brand’s X-mode traction control system which includes selectable Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud modes, along with Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control modes.

Coupled with a generous 212mm of ground clearance, plus good approach and departure angles, the bZ4X certainly has more capability than a regular passenger vehicle, and the ability to traverse moderately difficult terrain, if driven carefully and with the limitations of its low profile 20-inch tyres in mind.

On the safety front, the bZ4X achieved a five-star ANCAP rating with its standard safety features including a pre-collision warning system that in daylight can detect pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes and vehicles, including at intersections.

Other safety systems on both models include emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, active cruise control, and seven airbags, with the AWD adding blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist, rear cross-traffic alert and panoramic view monitoring.

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On the road, the bZ4X exhibits refined and pleasant driving manners. It’s not especially exhilarating in terms of pace or dynamic ability compared to other EVs, but is notable for its quietness, smoothness and responsiveness.

It’s clear that Toyota has spent plenty of its R&D budget on eliminating unnecessary wind and road noise that might otherwise have been shown up by the near-silent electric drivetrain.

The result is a cabin that’s ultra quiet on a smooth tarmac road with virtually no wind or road noise evident at 100km/h, although coarse chip bitumen does ruin the ambience somewhat.

The underlying suspension is fully independent, comprising MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear, which combine well to soak up most road imperfections, while delivering confident and assured cornering. Among the few criticisms is the fact the steering weighting is on the light side, while the wheel itself is of a small diameter.

Retained or residual values of EVs has been in the news of late, with some studies indicating EVs are not holding their value as well as some internal combustion powered models, potentially due to concerns about battery longevity.

In part to address this, Toyota is offering the bZ4X as a full-service lease option through Toyota Finance Australia with the lease covering vehicle maintenance, tyres, roadside assistance, registration and insurance over a three-year period.

The company says the leasing option is designed to encourage those customers concerned about lower residual values to make the change to an EV, with the lease also allowing customers to include a home charger in the deal.

As a further incentive, customers who apply for a full-service lease option by 30 June and take delivery of their vehicle before the end of 2024 will receive a free JET Charge 7kW home charger with standard installation, or a subsidy towards a larger charging unit if they have three-phase power.

Lease customers will also receive an extra two years of complimentary Toyota Connected Services over and above the standard 12-month term.

Toyota says it expects the battery to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after 10 years, although the supplied battery warranty only covers the unit for up to 70% after eight years or 160,000km.

In summary, the bZ4X represents a solid first-up foray into the battery electric vehicle world for Toyota.

In both 2WD and AWD guises it’s priced competitively against equivalent models including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y, as well as Subaru’s new Solterra which is AWD only.

While there are certainly more affordable EVs available, and others with superior range and performance, the fact the bZ4X is backed by one of the industry’s most respected brands will likely guarantee it a solid degree of success in the increasingly competitive EV space.

Toyota bZ4X key info

• Retail price: $66,000 - $74,900 (MRLP)
• Battery: 71.4kWh
• Motors: Single 150kW/266Nm, Dual 160kW/337Nm
• Range: 411km – 436km (WLTP)
• Safety: Five-star ANCAP rating (2022)
• For: Quiet and refined, high-quality finish, modest all-terrain ability.
• Against: No spare wheel, some rivals offer superior range.