Toyota bZ4X (bZ) FWD

Overview

Diving into the electric scene, the Toyota bZ4X FWD is the brand's pioneering effort in the family SUV space. This front-wheel-drive variant is all about maximising efficiency and delivering that legendary Toyota dependability in a futuristic package. It’s a sharp-looking, comfortable, and practical EV that squares up against a tough crowd of European and Korean rivals. While its production run is concluding in 2025, it represents fantastic value on the pre-owned market, with prices around €29,990, making it a seriously tempting proposition for first-time EV buyers seeking a trusted badge.

What's New for 2025?

For its final model year, Toyota has rolled out some crucial quality-of-life updates. The instrument cluster now features a battery state-of-charge percentage, a glaring omission on earlier models. More importantly, software tweaks have significantly improved DC fast-charging performance, especially in colder temperatures, addressing a major initial critique. To slash home charging times, an 11 kW on-board AC charger is available as an option, a massive step up from the sluggish 6.6 kW standard unit. These changes make the bZ4X a much more user-friendly daily driver.

Design & Exterior

The bZ4X FWD certainly doesn't blend in. Its design is a bold mix of razor-sharp creases and a distinctive "hammerhead" front end, giving it a real sci-fi vibe. The rugged, unpainted wheel arches add a touch of crossover toughness, while the split rear spoiler is a unique flourish. It’s a sizable machine, measuring 4690 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1600 mm in height, giving it a solid and planted stance on the road. This FWD trim often features aerodynamic wheel designs to help eke out every last kilometre of range.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the bZ4X feels like a cockpit, with a unique layout where you view the digital driver’s display over the top of the steering wheel. The cabin is spacious, especially for rear passengers, thanks to the long 2850 mm wheelbase. A large central touchscreen (typically 12.3-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto handles infotainment duties. Material quality is durable, as you’d expect from Toyota. For your gear, there’s a practical 452-litre boot, though it’s a shame there's no frunk for stashing charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

The FWD model is the sensible, smooth operator of the range. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers 150 kW of power and 266 Nm of instant torque, getting you from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.5 seconds. The top speed is capped at 160 km/h. Forget sporty aspirations; this car is all about a supremely comfortable and quiet ride. It soaks up bumps beautifully, making it a fantastic motorway cruiser. While it has regenerative braking modes, it stops short of offering true one-pedal driving, a feature many EV fans love.

Range, Battery & Charging

This bZ4X FWD packs a 64 kWh usable battery, delivering a practical, estimated real-world range of 407 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare. It’s quite efficient, achieving 6.36 km/kWh. When it’s time to plug in, it uses the European standard CCS Type 2 port. At a DC fast-charger, it can pull a maximum of 150 kW, getting you from 10-80% in around 30 minutes. For home charging, the standard 6.6 kW unit is slow, making the optional 11 kW on-board charger a highly recommended upgrade.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Toyota, and the bZ4X nails it with a full 5-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes loaded with the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard, so you're not paying extra for crucial kit. This includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection, full-range Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Trace Assist, which helps keep you centered in your lane. Blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert are also typically included, making it a very reassuring family wagon.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Toyota’s reputation for reliability is backed by a solid warranty package. Owners typically get a 3-year/100,000 km basic vehicle warranty. The all-important high-voltage battery is covered for much longer, usually 8 years or 160,000 km. Even better, Toyota often offers an extended battery care program for up to 10 years, guaranteeing at least 70% capacity with annual health checks, providing incredible long-term peace of mind. This commitment to battery longevity is one of the bZ4X's strongest selling points against the competition.