You can't buy it in Singapore yet, but Toyota's first proper EV, the BZ4X SUV, proves the company has the ability to build competitive electric cars.Five-door, electric SUV, five seats 201hp, front electric motor, 450km range, VES A1, 17.4kWh/100kmRefined but unexciting driveIf you're scared of EVs and their newness, an electric car from a brand feted for its reliable products could be a powerful persuader.
Also note that the BZ4X has not had a smooth birth. It's been the subject of recalls for its wheels, and in cold countries faces range problems. Under the skin, the car runs Toyota's dedicated EV platform, E-TNGA. Like the skin that it's clad in, it takes the now common EV lessons, but puts a Toyota spin on things.
It's very refined, with even less road noise than the Kia EV6, and while it isn't big on power it feels quicker than its 8.6-second 0-100km/h time suggests. The 7.0-inch digital cluster is mounted very near the windscreen, it's easy to read and negates the need for a HUD. The 12.3-inch infotainment is very familiar – we've seen it on new Lexus cars like the NX, and it looks, and behaves very much the same.
Our verdict on its true usefulness is unclear – during our mostly rainy test drive, it added a claimed 0.2km per day of range. It adds range while driving too, but it could be most useful if you park your car outdoors – a very YMMV situation, but it's still a nice to have option.