‘Advanced AWD capability’
Toyota’s range of electric vehicles has been expanded with the larger station wagon-styled bZ4X Touring, which boasts a lift in performance.
Hard on the heels of the arrival of the second-generation bZ4X with its larger 74.7kWh battery, the Touring, priced from $69,990, has the same battery but with increased performance and practical features designed for outdoor lifestyles.
Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ’s chief strategic officer, says: “The bZ4X Touring delivers the space and practicality many families are looking for with more luggage capacity and design elements to support active lifestyles.
“It’s a vehicle built for people who want to load up the bikes, boards or camping gear and head away for the weekend. In the past, this level of recreation has been a compromise for those wanting to shift to a full EV.
“The vehicle’s real advantage lies in its advanced AWD capability supported by x-mode, grip-control systems and multi-terrain monitor with under-vehicle view.
“The system delivers greater traction, stability and confidence on ski-field access roads, farm tracks and other low grip surfaces.”
Performance has been enhanced with larger electric motors increasing system output from 252kW to 280kW. The onboard AC charger is rated up to 22kW three phase and maximum DC fast-charging capability is 150kW.
Improvements to the battery heating and cooling system, including a new pre-conditioning function, mean fast charging “will be more consistent”.
The bZ4X Touring provides an extension of the established bZ4X’s SUV body style. It is 140mm longer and 25mm higher. These dimensions boost load-compartment capacity by more than one-third to 550 litres measured to the bottom of the back window. The bZ4X Motion comes in at 410l.
There are roof rails for storage boxes, bike racks or other accessories. The Touring will tow up to 1,500kg braked or 750kg unbraked.
The Touring features a 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen display that controls a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a panoramic view monitor.
There’s also Toyota TeamMate for advanced parking, dual-zone climate control, eight-way powered front seats with heating and ventilation, fixed panoramic roof, a 1,500W inverter and two Qi wireless phone chargers up front.
