The Toyota Bz4x and Lexus Rz are acting
It is undeniable that the Toyota BZ4X and its more opulent cousin The Lexus Rz are not currently in size in the category of electric compact SUVs due to their autonomy and their recharge time. Toyota proceeded last week to the unveiling of modernized versions of these models to hope to become more competitive in a very populated arena.
Made in Brussels, the presentation of the Japanese giant mainly concerned the European versions of these two electrified vehicles. Nothing has been confirmed in connection with the North American variants, but the technical elements exposed can give us an overview of what awaits us.
Slightly redrawn, the European Toyota BZ4X wins a new smaller volume standard battery (57.7 kWh), which suggests a possible new more affordable version. The largest capacity battery essentially has the same storage capacity as the current North American declination at 73.1 kWh. The autonomous peaks at 573 km in European cycle (WLTP).
More effective, the new engines produce 164 hp or 211 hp for the traction variants presented, while that with full cog sees its power climbing 337 hp, which is much more than the 215 hp of the current model. New 11 kW on -board chargers and 22 kW will lower the 240 V terminal recharge times supported by a standard battery preconditioning system.
Photo provided by Lexus
The new Lexus RZ 550e increases the maximum power to 402 hp for this fully electric model.
The Lexus Rz also receives a slight feather stroke and a good power injection. The battery capacity increases approximately 5 kWh for 76.96 kWh and the power of the twin-turn livery, the only ones that should be offered here, goes to 375 hp and 402 hp for the new F-Sport livery. A new 22 kW embedded charger makes its entry to reduce the time spent at the residential terminals and the improvements made to the engines increase the autonomy by up to 100 km to peak at 575 km (WLTP). Lexus will also introduce a new direction without mechanical link with the wheels promising to ensure more maneuverability by limiting the angle of rotation of the steering wheel.
Photo provided by Toyota
The Toyota C-HR+ would be a desirable addition to the Canadian Toyota range to increase its electricity sales.
The other unveiling worthy of mention is that of C-HR+, an electric compact SUV which we do not know fate on the North American continent. Certainly, with its dimensions barely superior to a Toyota Corolla Cross and its traction and integral variations with power equal to that of BZ4X, it could be well popular in Quebec.
