Toyota has finally launched its first electric car, the bZ4X, in Australia after an 18-month delay. Priced starting at $66,000 (plus on-road costs), Toyota aims to maintain its position as the best-selling car brand in the country, even as electric vehicle (EV) leaders like Tesla are gaining market share.
The bZ4X electric SUV is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) models. The base FWD model starts at $66,000 and offers a range of 332 miles (535 km) according to NEDC standards or 271 miles (436 km) according to WLTP standards.
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For the AWD variant, priced starting at $74,900, Toyota has included a second motor with up to 214 horsepower (160 kW). This model offers a range of up to 301 miles (485 km) according to NEDC standards or 255 miles (411 km) according to WLTP standards.
Toyota claims that the bZ4X can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using up to 150 kW DC charging. The electric SUV features a multi-instrument display that mimics a head-up display, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment system that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
To entice buyers, Toyota is offering a limited-time “Fully Charged Offer,” which includes a 3-year full-service lease that covers service and maintenance costs, registration fees, CTP, tire replacements, Toyota Insurance, and Roadside Assist in one monthly payment. Additionally, Toyota is providing a free JET charge 7 kW ABB home charger and Toyota Connected services for three years.
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Despite its competitive pricing, the bZ4X is slightly more expensive than Tesla’s Model Y RWD. However, after factoring in shipping and order fees, Toyota’s EV comes in just under the price of the Model Y, which is the best-selling EV in Australia. The bZ4X is also priced over $7,500 more than the Toyota RAV4 hybrid.
Tesla sold approximately 28,800 Model Ys in Australia last year, while Toyota delivered about 29,600 RAV4s. The Tesla Model Y RWD offers a range of 283 miles (455 km) according to WLTP standards, surpassing the Toyota bZ4X FWD model, which has a range of 255 miles (411 km). Tesla’s Model Y Long Range offers up to 331 miles (533 km) of WLTP range, exceeding the range of Toyota’s first EV in Australia.
