Toyota BZ3X
Toyota targets a wider audience with a smaller, cheaper electric model than the BZ4X On sale Late 2024 Price from £35,000 (est)
ITS NAME MAY be tricky to say and even harder to type, but the BZ3X is Toyota’s second battery-powered electric model (after the larger BZ4X), forming part of a six-strong bz (Beyond Zero) range that’s planned by 2026.
In effect the production version of last year’s Toyota bz Compact SUV concept, the BZ3X is similar in size to rivals such as the Volvo C40 Recharge (soon to be renamed EC40) and slightly larger than Toyota’s hybrid C-HR.
It’s likely the new car will use the same underpinnings as the BZ4X, with the same electric motors and battery. Entry-level BZ3X models will feature a single 201bhp electric motor driving the front wheels, with more expensive four-wheel-drive versions producing 215bhp from two motors.
Both are expected to use the same 64kwh (usable capacity) battery, which results in a range of up to 318 miles in the BZ4X. But in the smaller, sleeker and lighter BZ3X, range could rise to around 330 miles, getting closer to that of the Skoda Enyaq Coupé (up to 345 miles).
What’s unlikely to change is the maximum charging rate of 150kw, resulting in a wait of at least 32 minutes to replenish the battery from 10-80%. A 0-100% charge via a typical 7kw home charger will take around 13 hours.
The bz Compact SUV concept shows Toyota’s intentions inside, too. While much of the concept car frippery will vanish, the dashboard will centre around two screens: one ahead of the driver, the other forming the centrally mounted infotainment screen. It could borrow some parts from the BZ4X, and the Lexus RZ’S aeroplane-style ‘yoke’ will replace the steering wheel as an option.
The BZ3X will offer seating for five inside, and while we haven’t yet seen inside its boot, it’s expected to have enough space for your holiday luggage.