By Xolile Hopa

Toyota South Africa has officially expanded its electric vehicle line-up with the launch of the all-new Toyota bZ4X and the more adventurous bZ4X Touring. As Toyota’s first dedicated battery-electric SUVs to arrive locally, the pair mark an important milestone in the brand’s electrification journey.

Rather than focusing on a single alternative powertrain, Toyota continues to follow its “Beyond Zero” strategy by offering a range of electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

The arrival of the bZ4X builds on that commitment, joining models such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid and RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid in Toyota’s growing new-energy portfolio.

Two SUVs, two different characters

Although both models are built on Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA electric platform, they are aimed at different buyers.

The standard bZ4X is designed as a premium everyday SUV, offering a balance of comfort, technology, and all-wheel-drive capability. The bZ4X Touring, meanwhile, is aimed at families and outdoor enthusiasts who need more practicality, extra luggage space, and stronger performance.

The Touring is 140mm longer and 70mm taller than the standard model, with 216mm of ground clearance. Its larger dimensions translate into greater cargo capacity, making it better suited to road trips and outdoor adventures.

Visually, both models feature Toyota’s modern Hammerhead front-end design, slim LED headlights, and a full-width rear light bar. The Touring adds a tougher appearance with raised roof rails, more rugged bumpers, and a stronger overall stance. Both ride on distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels.

Performance

The bZ4X produces 255kW and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

The Touring raises the bar even further, delivering 334kW and sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs Toyota has ever introduced.

Both models combine instant electric acceleration with smooth refinement while maintaining a top speed of 180km/h.

Battery, charging and range

The bZ4X is powered by a 73.1kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Touring receives a slightly larger 74.7kWh battery. Toyota has equipped both with advanced battery cooling and pre-conditioning technology to improve charging performance and long-term durability.

Charging options include 22kW AC charging and DC fast charging, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Driving range is equally impressive, with the bZ4X offering between 456km and 481km on a full charge, while the Touring extends that figure to between 462km and 487km.

Interior

Inside, the bZ4X has been designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. The dashboard is dominated by a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 7-inch digital driver’s display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with the “Hey Toyota” voice assistant.

Premium features include heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic glass roof, a JBL premium audio system, integrated navigation, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The Touring builds on this with increased luggage capacity and practical roof rails for buyers with active lifestyles.

Advanced safety

Safety remains a major focus, with every bZ4X fitted with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The comprehensive package includes adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, blind spot monitoring, safe exit assist, adaptive high beam, intelligent park assist, emergency steering assist, and a pre-collision system capable of detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles.

Pricing in South Africa

Toyota has confirmed the following pricing:

Toyota bZ4X – R1,182,800

Toyota bZ4X Touring – R1,317,700

Both models include a 6-year/90,000km service plan, a 3-year/100,000km vehicle warranty, and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.