Ending the year with a new era - Toyota launches the bZ4X, their first BEV

Toyota's multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality has finally landed in a segment that's getting more and more competitive here in the Philippines.

- By VINCENT VILLA

The bZ4X SUV is the brand's first battery EV and they're offering it in a single, full-featured variant here in the country starting at PHP 2,699,000. Toyota Motor Philippines makes it officially available and has released the units to their first customers.

After first launching the Prius 2009, the bZ4X opens a new chapter for the brand that has steadily brought in hybrids for greener means of mobility. It also joins the Lexus RZ and Lexus UX as battery EV offerings for the Toyota group here in the country that combined have 22 electrified models.

The Toyota bZ4X available in the country will be an All-Wheel Drive model that has 2 electric motors with a combined output of 343 PS of power and 338 Nm of torque. It's paired to a 73.11 kWh Lithium-ion battery giving it a range of up to 570 kilometers. There's also Eco and X-Mode drive modes.

The hammerhead look that was first seen in the Camry locally actually made its debut in the bZ4X. Apart from that, this electric SUV looks unique in Toyota's local lineup. It has an angular but minimalist exterior design. The wheel arcs, instead of traditional cladding, are made from black panels to contrast the body color. The front even extends to the front bumper giving it a unique visual identity. The wheels measure 20-inches giving it a good stance, and there's 200mm of ground clearance.