- Wagon-style bZ4X boosts cargo space to 600 litres.
- Bigger battery across bZ4X lineup increases range.
- More power for AWD versions, up to 255kW.
Toyota New Zealand will launch the bZ4X Touring in the second quarter of this year. Essentially a wagon-style variant of its electric SUV, it's part of revised bZ4X lineup that also includes a bigger battery and cabin upgrade.
Toyota calls the Touring a "seamless extension of the established bZ4X SUV body style, but with dimensions that make a real difference". At 140mm longer and 20mm taller, it offers increased cargo space and a very different look.
It's known as the Woodland in Japan and is a close relation to the Subaru Trailseeker (a wagon-style version of the bZ4X's sister SUV, the Subaru Solterra).
Cargo space has been increased by a third in the new body style, up 148 litres to 600l. The bridge-type roof rails can carry up to 75kg.
Toyota NZ chief strategic officer, Andrew Davis, says the bZ4X Touring is ideal for the NZ market where AWD wagons and SUVs have proved so popular over the years: “Kiwi families love a spacious SUV that fits the kids, the dog, the sports gear – and everything else for a skiing weekend or summer holiday. With more boot space than the bZ4X and an impressive battery range, the bZ4X Touring is built for the NZ family lifestyle."
While Toyota NZ has not been specific about the Touring's powertrain in its communications to date, the customer website mentions a power output of 280kW, making it the most powerful bZ4X by some margin.
bZ4X upgrades across the range
Changes across the entire bZ4X lineup now include a higher-capacity 74.7kWh battery (formerly 71.4kWh) and revisions to the electric motors that boost range to 591km for the FWD Pure and 517km for the AWD Motion (WLTP).
The Pure now delivers 167kW (up from 150kW), while the Motion gets massive power increase to 255kW (160kW in the previous model).
The upgraded battery and power output brings increased towing capability to 1500kg on the more powerful AWD Motion, up from 750kg in the previous model. The Motion also benefits from a Multi Terrain Monitor.
There are minor changes to the exterior, including redesigned lights.
Inside, the cabin has a new 14-inch multimedia display and reshaped centre console. There's now a 1500-watt power-outlet in the cargo area, which Toyota says can power anything from a portable fridge to a laptop.
Colour choices have been refreshed. Deep Sea Blue and Eclipse join the palette for both Pure and Motion grades, while the Motion offers a two-tone option that pairs an Eclipse black roof with shades such as Frosted White, Precious Metal, Emotional Red, or Deep Sea Blue.
