Electric vehicle review A test drive of the 2025 TOYOTA bZ4X electric car, fully imported from Japan by Toyota, available in both bZ4X FWD and bZ4X AWD models. The suspension is firm and responsive, without being soft or bouncy, and noise insulation is effective. The center console separates control buttons from the central screen, helping maintain driver focus.
Thairath Online news team We had the opportunity to join a test drive trip for the Toyota New bZ4X electric vehicle from Toyota, which many people are curious about. As a market leader, Toyota imports this electric car 100% from its home country, Japan, to offer it in Thailand.
From our testing, the bZ4X’s suspension feels smoother and more refined than Chinese electric cars. The vehicle’s ground clearance is 200 mm for the AWD and 201 mm for the FWD models, sufficient to pass obstacles on gravel roads, as previously tested with the Fortuner. Comparing ground clearance, the bZ4X is similar. Acceleration is quick yet smooth, with balanced brake force distribution keeping the car stable during braking and acceleration.
The e-TNGA electric platform features a front suspension with McPherson Struts and stabilizer bar, and a rear Double Wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar. The shock absorbers adjust stiffness mechanically based on speed and road conditions. Weight distribution is balanced at 50:50 for the AWD model, while the FWD’s rear is lighter, offering slightly better control. The vehicle weight differs by about 200 kilograms due to the rear e-Axel motor.
The bZ4X AWD model has dual motors producing a combined 343 horsepower, with 369 Nm torque at the front motor and 170 Nm at the rear. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has a range of 570 km per charge (NEDC standard). This model includes four-wheel drive with X-Mode featuring SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD modes.
The bZ4X FWD model has a single motor with 224 horsepower and 369 Nm torque. It accelerates 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, with a range of 600 km per charge (NEDC standard).
In off-road testing, both Toyota New bZ4X models performed well, especially the AWD four-wheel drive version, which provided a satisfying driving feel for off-road enthusiasts despite being an electric vehicle.
The vehicle’s infotainment system is adopted from Lexus, featuring the same 14-inch central screen as the Lexus NX, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and JBL speakers—9 in the AWD and a Premium Sound system with 6 speakers in the FWD. Sound quality is good in both, and cabin noise insulation is satisfactory.
"A key highlight is that drivers can monitor the battery's State of Health (SOH) on the TFT screen behind the steering wheel, reducing the need for frequent service visits. Importantly, insurance costs are affordable because TOYOTA partners with leading insurers. With Toyota Care PHYD insurance, the first-class insurance for the Toyota New bZ4X electric car costs about 35,000 baht. We especially appreciate the center console design that separates control buttons from the central screen, helping maintain driving focus."
• The bZ4X FWD model is priced at 1,529,000 baht.
• The bZ4X AWD model is priced at 1,649,000 baht.
- Uses a 73.1 kWh NMC battery from Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, a joint venture between Panasonic and Toyota, supporting AC charging at 22 kW and DC charging at 150 kW.
- The new battery extends driving range by over 100 km thanks to increased cell density and quantity, plus updated software. The e-Axel motor is developed by TOYOTA.
- Employs cooling and air conditioning systems to manage battery temperature.
- Adds a driver's knee airbag, increasing total airbags to eight (previously seven).
- New full LED headlights.
- New center lamp design.
- Redesigned front grille and bumper.
- New 20-inch alloy wheels.
- Glossy black wheel arches.
- Redesigned dashboard with TPO materials.
- Redesigned center console separating control buttons from the central screen.
- Steering wheel diameter reduced in size.
- Added paddle shifters for regenerative braking control.
- Ambient lighting with 64 color options integrated with Safe Exit system.
- Central screen size increased to 14 inches (up from 12.3 inches).
- Digital rearview mirror.
- Two wireless chargers at 15W each (previously one at 10W).
- Two USB Type-C ports in the rear with increased power output to 60W (up from 15W).
- Added front passenger power-adjustable seat.
- Added nanoe air purification system.
- Automatic parking system available in both models.
Summary Although the Toyota New bZ4X does not offer as many features as some Chinese electric cars, many consider that some Chinese features are unused. Another key advantage making Toyota’s electric car a top choice for tech enthusiasts is its after-sales service standard, with 450 service centers nationwide and no long wait for parts.
Importantly, Toyota has trained its technicians to fully understand electric vehicle operations to support Toyota New bZ4X sales. This contributes to lower insurance costs, as insurers face less risk regarding repairs and parts availability.
Toyota cars are known for durability and reliability, which remains a strong selling point for Toyota vehicles.