Review: Toyota BZ4x
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If you want an electric vehicle that has all of the comforting characteristics of an ICE car, the BZ4x fits the bill.
The BZ4x actually appeared in the Singapore market several years before in 2023, but back then it was never sold to the public. It was to be part of a government car-sharing pilot project at Tengah estate, but many members of the media felt it was a bit of a wasted opportunity as it was Toyota’s best shot at fighting against the onslaught of Chinese EVs.
Nevermind that, as Toyota now has a 2nd shot at it, with the updated BZ4x. Even in a more competitive environment than ever before, the BZ4x still remains very relevant, chiefly because it’s the product of a company that has built millions upon millions of everyday cars that people have come to revere and love. That means that Toyota’s take of an electric vehicle will very likely be the result of countless refinements of the concept, one that would be a polished, considered product.
Driving the BZ4x confirms this. While some Chinese EVs may fumble at the basics, the BZ4x scores full marks where that is concerned. Things like manual aircon vents, seating position and user interface of the infotainment system and climate controls. It’s all as good here as you’d find in a Harrier or RAV4. That’s a big plus in my opinion, because the learning curve isn’t steep at all when you transition into an EV with the BZ4x.
But then there are some oddities. For example, there is no glovebox. That removes a lot of storage space in the interior, and there isn’t a lot to begin with. The brake hold function needs to be activated each time you restart the car. Also, with the BZ4x, you’d have to accept that it comes without the frills of the Chinese EVs - so there are no massage seats, for instance, but you do get seat ventilation. The sound system also seems rather basic.
You might not crave for that massage though, because the BZ4x is pretty soothing to drive. The throttle pedal is calibrated to deliver power in a measured way, so it doesn’t jolt its occupants one bit, even at full chat. Same goes for the braking, which I’d say is a masterclass in blending regeneration and actual braking. The steering also feels pure and free from any ‘noise’, that is, disturbances from the road. All this comes together to make for a very refined drive. The fly in the ointment is the slightly lumpy ride at lower speeds, although it does settle down on the highway.
What’s notable is also the car’s range. It’s 478 km on paper, and the BZ4x is one of the most honest EVs around in reporting its estimated range. Turn up the air-conditioning fan speed and the range changes. Winding down the windows while driving will get the car to recalculate the range in real-time too. So what you manage to achieve in the end is pretty darn accurate. I’d say what’s on paper is entirely achievable. Toyota has gone conservative here.
I’d say the BZ4x has carved itself a rather good and sizeable niche in the market. It’s within $10-15k of a similarly sized Chinese EV, which is closer than most would expect. I already see plenty of them on the road, which is proof of the car’s desirability among those who aren’t quite ready to jump on the Chinese EV bandwagon. You’d definitely not be shortchanged with the BZ4x. In fact, you might be buying something that will probably stand the test of time better than most.
Photos by James Wong
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