Toyota bZ4X goes on sale

Toyota Motor Philippines has started retail sales of its first battery electric vehicle under the Toyota brand, the all new bZ4X. The company said the first units were released to customers on December 11.

TMP positioned the bZ4X as part of its multi pathway approach to carbon neutral mobility. The company said it has built its electrified lineup over time, starting with the Prius hybrid in 2009. TMP also said it now offers 22 electrified models across Toyota and Lexus in the Philippines.

The bZ4X sold locally is an all wheel drive model. It uses a 73.11 kWh lithium ion battery and dual motors. TMP listed outputs of 227 PS in front and 120 PS at the rear, with 269 Nm of torque in front and 170 Nm at the rear. The company said the vehicle can reach up to 570 km of range under UN Regulation 101, with actual results depending on conditions and driving habits. Drive modes include Eco and X Mode.

On the outside, TMP highlighted an angular design, LED headlamps, 20 inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. Ground clearance is 200 mm. The vehicle seats five. A power back door with a kick sensor is included.

TMP said the bZ4X comes with synthetic leather seats and generous second row space. Both front and rear seats have heating. The front seats also have ventilation. The driver gets an eight way power seat with memory settings.

For tech and convenience, TMP listed a 7 inch digital meter cluster and multi information display, plus a 14 inch display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The bZ4X also gets dual wireless charging ports in front and USB Type C ports for front and rear passengers.

TMP said the model comes with Toyota Safety Sense, including Pre Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive High Beam System, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Blind Spot and Panoramic View Monitors are included. A digital inside rearview mirror adds another visibility aid.

Each purchase comes with a free wall box charger and a portable charger.

“It takes time and strategic planning to roll out what we call our multi pathway approach to carbon neutral mobility, which involves customer education and preparedness, and providing technologies and solutions that are most appropriate for the market’s needs. From building up our widest lineup of Hybrid Electric Vehicles and introducing Battery Electric Vehicles through our luxury brand Lexus, we believe we’re ready to make BEVs more mainstream with the Toyota bZ4X, especially with Filipino users’ better understanding of EV technologies and power mix along with improving charging infrastructure,” shared TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Elijah Marcial.

Early buyers pointed to fuel costs, charging access, and brand trust. One customer said, “A lot of my friends are getting electric and hybrid cars. I saw the advantages since I spend so much on fuel. I commute daily from Quezon City to Caloocan City, and even Nuvali three times a week. In Nuvali there are a lot of charging stations and during the weekdays most of them are available, so I don’t feel any range anxiety.” Another customer said, “It’s hard to bet on new players in the market. I’ve been a Toyota owner since the ‘80s, so I’m confident with their service and parts. When we get a car, my family doesn’t re sell, so for sure the bZ4X will be with us for the long run.”

TMP said the bZ4X will be sold in one variant, with pricing that depends on the two tone colorway. Prices start at PHP 2,699,000 and go up to PHP 2,719,000. Initial availability covers selected dealerships, including Toyota Alabang, Toyota Commonwealth, Toyota Global City, Toyota Mabolo Cebu, Toyota Makati, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota Mandaue South, Toyota North EDSA, Toyota Pasig, Toyota Quezon Avenue, Toyota San Fernando, and Toyota Santa Rosa.