The Toyota bZ4X, the company first mass-market EV that hit the market in 2022, has received an update that will reach European showrooms later this year. Toyota is promising faster charging, more power and longer range for its electric SUV, which is one of the top five best-selling models in its category in Europe, the company says.
The original bZ4X had a 71.4 kWh battery, but now there are two options – 57.7 kWh or 73.1 kWh. The smaller battery is exclusive to the front-wheel drive version, while the larger pack can be had in FWD or AWD form. Toyota is targeting WLTP range of 445 km for the 57.7 kWh FWD, 573 km for the 73.1 kWh FWD and 520 km for the 73.1 kWh AWD variant.
There’s more power too. The bZ4X’s compact, lightweight and energy-efficient eAxles have been upgraded with the introduction of silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors. This helps deliver greater power output, which is 167 hp (123 kW) for the 57.7 kWh FWD, 224 hp (165 kW) for the 73.1 kWh FWD and 343 hp (252 kW) for the 73.1 kWh AWD. 0-100 km/h times are 8.6, 7.4 and 5.1 seconds respectively.
The AWD version’s towing capacity has been doubled to 1,500 kg. A new 22 kW AC onboard charger will be available on higher grade models, but the maximum DC charging power remains 150 kW.
For context, the pre-facelift bZ4X with the 71.4 kWh battery puts out 201 hp (150 kW) in FWD form and 215 hp (160 kW) in the AWD, so we’re looking at big gains, especially in the AWD. The current car’s range is up to 500 km WLTP, or 411 km for the AWD. Max AC input is just 6.6 kW, so the availability of a 22 KW OBC is the facelift is big news.
The updated bZ4X is equipped with a battery pre-conditioning function as standard. By pre-conditioning the battery, an optimal temperature for charging can be ensured, allowing for higher charging power. This function can be activated manually or automatically by navigating to a fast-charging station.
Speaking of that, there’s an EV routing function in the navigation system that will automatically select a route with recommended, convenient charging stations, based on the car’s battery state of charge and remaining driving range. This function has already been made available for the current bZ4X in Europe.
Looks wise, the EV’s busy design has been updated both inside and out. The front is where most of the changes are – it now carries Toyota’s new look as worn by the Prius, Camry facelift and fellow EV CH-R+, which Toyota says is sleeker and more aerodynamic.
The rear end retains the same look, but the interior has been revamped and it looks cleaner and less quirky now. The 14-inch infotainment screen is larger (was 12.3) and it sits on a wide, horizontal-look instrument panel design. Now, below the central AC vent are wireless charging slots for two phones, where there used to be a lidded cubby.
Elsewhere, Toyota says that updates to the suspension settings and adjustments to the bodywork has delivered lower noise and vibration levels and improved comfort and driving dynamics. By the way, at the same European event, Toyota also wheeled out the C-HR+ – that EV is described as a C-segment car, while the bZ4X is a D.
Toyota, the biggest maker of hybrids, has plenty of experience with batteries, and the firm guarantees that the bZ4X’s battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity in 10 years time. The warranty is eight years or 160,000 km, and there’s a battery care programme for 10 years or one million km, activated by an annual EV Health Check. This is just for Europe and it might be different in other regions.
Seen the bZ4X here before? UMW Toyota Motor registered a couple of units and we sampled it in 2023. The word then was that the EV would be launched in 2024 (it’s already on sale in Thailand and Indonesia), but for reasons not made public, the company has held the bZ4X back. Perhaps the big T didn’t want to join the EV price war initiated by the China brands? Now that it has better stats, let’s see if this facelift will one day reach our shores.
GALLERY: 2025 Toyota bZ4X facelift
GALLERY: Pre-facelift Toyota bZ4X in Malaysia
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imagine toyota already giving this car a facelift but Malaysia has yet to launch it lol. whatever umwt keep selling your rebadged peroduas instead of the cool cars that are actually Toyotas ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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