Toyota unveiled its most powerful electric vehicle – the bZ4X Touring – a jacked-up estate that delivers up to 376 horsepower and channels the spirit of performance wagons for the EV era.
The Touring represents a significant departure for Toyota’s traditionally conservative EV approach. While the company’s built exciting cars like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla through its Gazoo Racing division, its electric transition has been measured.
Toyota’s first purpose-built EV, the original bZ4X, struggled with limited range and lacked the brand’s usual confidence.
After significant updates, the bZ4X became the dependable Toyota customers expect – if somewhat uninspiring. But Toyota’s EV understanding evolved alongside the improvements.
The C-HR+ joined Toyota’s electric lineup, followed by the Urban Cruiser. The company even committed to electrifying the iconic Land Cruiser, scheduled for later this year.
Critics might still see conservatism in Toyota’s EV portfolio.
They’d be wrong – thanks to the bZ4X Touring.
Power and Performance
The bZ4X Touring is essentially a lifted estate version of the standard bZ4X. It features protective plastic cladding designed for what Toyota calls “family adventures.”
Top-tier models pack dual electric motors producing 376 horsepower with a Subaru-developed permanent all-wheel drive system called “X Mode.”
This makes the bZ4X Touring Toyota’s most powerful EV ever – with nearly 100 horsepower more than the GR Yaris and 76 more than the GR Corolla.
The electric wagon outpaces both performance cars in straight-line acceleration, hitting 0-62 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
These ingredients combine to create Toyota’s coolest non-GR vehicle.
Design and Dimensions
The bZ4X Touring benefits from Toyota’s angular ‘Hammerhead’ front lighting and purposeful estate proportions. Roof bars and plastic cladding give it Volvo XC70-style rugged elegance, while the raised ride height adds Subaru Outback Wilderness appeal.
Color choice significantly affects the car’s appearance.
A light metallic brown finish makes the nearly five-meter length less noticeable, while black emphasizes the substantial size.
The Touring stretches 33% larger than the standard bZ4X – measuring 4.8 meters long and 1.67 meters tall. That’s 140mm longer and 20mm wider than the regular model, providing a generous 600-liter boot capacity.
The interior carries over directly from the bZ4X SUV. It’s functional and solidly built in typical Toyota fashion.
Toyota resisted haptic controls entirely – window switches, drive modes, and handbrake operate with satisfying mechanical clicks. Infotainment and car controls provide Tonka toy-like tactile feedback.
Nothing feels overly high-tech or flashy, but Toyota never prioritized being “flash” anyway.
Cabin surfaces feel pleasant throughout. Toyota hasn’t emphasized sustainability messaging or recycled materials – it’s simply pleasant and refreshingly straightforward.
Trim Levels and Equipment
Toyota kept the bZ4X Touring lineup simple with one 74.7kWh battery integrated into the electric-only e-TNGA platform shared with Subaru.
Three trim levels are available: Design, Excel, and Excel + JBL.
Entry-level Design models use front-wheel drive with 227 horsepower from a single motor. While less powerful, Design offers the best range at 357 miles per charge.
Standard equipment includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic caps
- Six-speaker audio system
- Synthetic leather and fabric cabin
- Panoramic view monitor
- Digital rear mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- 11kW onboard vehicle-to-load charger
- Digital smart key with phone access
Excel models feature the full dual-motor, 376-horsepower, all-wheel drive powertrain exclusively. The additional power reduces range to 289 miles.
Excel adds 20-inch wheels, full-length panoramic sunroof, black synthetic leather, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, advanced parking assistance, and a 22kW onboard charger.
The Excel + JBL edition includes everything from Excel plus a premium nine-speaker JBL sound system.
All models get a 14-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital driver display, and roof rails.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect the bZ4X Touring to start around £51,000 when it launches this spring.
Market Impact
The bZ4X Touring marks a notable shift for Toyota. The company chose an estate body style while few EV manufacturers explore that segment.
Adding 376 horsepower and all-wheel drive demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to chairman Akio Toyoda’s promise of “no more boring cars.”
The electric wagon represents Toyota’s boldest EV statement yet – proving the brand can build exciting electric vehicles without abandoning its practical roots.
