By Sagar Parikh & Shrawan Raja
Featuring a sharper front-end, enhanced range and performance, and several important tech upgrades, the new Toyota bZ4X is a considerably better package. We had a chance to experience the refreshed model recently in a global specification, and here’s what we concluded following our time with the car:
Design
The new Toyota bZ4X aims for a sharper and more aggressive look, with design changes clearly evident at the front. A split headlamp setup is the most noticeable revision on the new model. The new daytime running lights are virtually connected via a central light bar, aimed at enhancing the EV’s road presence.
The front bumper adopts a sharper design, but the old model’s panel had a more muscular look. The reprofiled lower grille goes well with the revised bumper, though.
On the sides, Toyota offers a choice of newly designed 18- and 20-inch wheels. At the rear, on trims without a high-mounted spoiler, the company has raised the upper edge of the ducktail spoiler by 5 mm. It has also brought the rear garnish closer to the level of the windscreen.
Interior
Inside, the new bZ4X features a more upmarket design, mainly thanks to a sleek new dashboard. A thin ambient light strip runs across the width of the new dashboard, for a more technical look. Toyota has redesigned the 7-inch digital instrument cluster, removing its frame for a sleeker look.
Toyota has also redesigned the centre console of the bZ4X and positioned it 10 cm lower. There’s a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system in place of the old model’s 12.3-inch unit, and another key tech upgrade is a dual wireless smartphone charger.
The output of the two rear USB Type-C charging ports is 60 watts now, up from 15 watts in the old model, meaning passengers can now charge even their laptops on the go. Toyota has repositioned them to the top of the back of the centre console for easier access and similarly moved up the rear AC vents, improving comfort.
Our experience in the new Toyota bZ4X
The new bZ4X feels familiar, and step-in height remains unchanged. The front seats feel comfortable, with good back support and noticeable side bolstering even for a six-footer.
Headrests are adjustable and headroom is adequate for a six-footer. Under-thigh support is good, and the armrest provides a comfortable resting point.
The digital instrument cluster sits far forward on the dashboard, and the steering wheel rim blocks the driver’s view of the display.
Driver ergonomics are further affected by limited knee clearance. Even with the steering wheel set to its highest position, a six-footer’s knees can contact the wheel during entry, suggesting the steering wheel and dashboard geometry need refinement in the next edition.
Rear-seat access is simplified by the decently-sized rear doors. The second row retains a slightly knee-up seating posture seen in the earlier model. The rear seats themselves are comfortable, with good back support and supportive headrests.
Knee room is sufficient for a six-footer even with a similarly tall driver seated ahead. A fold-down centre armrest incorporates cupholders and a phone tray. Rear passengers receive air vents and two USB-C ports.
The rear seatbacks recline, allowing occupants to choose a more upright position or a more relaxed angle. Small rear quarter windows add light into the second row, improving the sense of space.
Specifications
In the UK, Toyota offers the facelifted bZ4X in three new technical configurations: two FWD and one AWD. The base variant has a front motor producing 123 kW (166 bhp) and 268.6 Nm (198 lb.-ft.) of torque, enough to hit 0 to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 87 mph. It features a 57.7 kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of 274 miles.
The middle variant upgrades to a 165 kW (221 bhp) front motor, although this unit offers the same 268.6 Nm (198 lb.-ft.) of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 7.4 seconds, and the top speed goes up to 99 mph. A 73.1 kWh battery pack powers this motor and delivers a WLTP range of up to 352 miles.
The top variant uses two motors, a high-output unit at the front and a low-output unit at the rear. Packing 252 kW (338 bhp) and 338.4 Nm (250 lb.-ft.) of torque, it reaches 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds but maxes out at the same 99 mph. It has the same 73.1 kWh battery pack, but its higher output and weight bring the WLTP range down to 292 miles.
Price
Also See: First Look Review: MG S5 EV impresses with its space & ergonomics
Toyota launched the new bZ4X in the UK in November 2025 with prices starting at GBP 39,995. It plans to start delivering the vehicle to customers this month.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
