bZ4X Touring

Introduction

Toyota took its time with the bZ4X — and when the brand followed up with the Touring, a stretched estate variant, expectations were correspondingly high. With 224 hp, a 74.7 kWh battery, and a claimed WLTP range of 591 km, the Touring genuinely brings arguments to the table. Our test car in Sapphire Blue Pearl — a €1,080 paint option on top of a €44,490 base price — makes clear from the outset that Toyota hasn't sent a half-finished car into this fight. Whether it delivers on that promise on the road is what this test sets out to answer.

Design and build quality

At 4.83 metres long, the Touring sits in the upper mid-range of its class — large enough to assert itself on the road, compact enough not to cause problems in city traffic. The design is modern and sharp, drawn with unusual dynamism for an estate. Toyota takes a risk here — and it pays off. Inside, the picture is more mixed. Build quality is solid, surfaces feel cleanly assembled, and nothing sits loose. Even so, hard plastic dominates the cabin to a degree that's noticeable in this price class. Not a dealbreaker, but something worth knowing before buying. Anyone expecting a premium feel should calibrate their expectations accordingly.

Powertrain and handling

The front-wheel-drive motor with 165 kW (224 hp) and silicon carbide semiconductors in the inverter works in a refined manner with no noticeable weaknesses. The 7.2-second 0–100 km/h time is more than sufficient in practice — the powertrain never feels sluggish, delivering strong, direct response in daily driving. What stands out in particular is how little the car's weight is felt on the move. The bZ4X Touring sits calmly and securely on the road, turns in directly, and conveys a driving feel notably more car-like than the vehicle class initially suggests. Anyone expecting a large electric car that feels like a large electric car will be pleasantly surprised.

Interior

Space is one of the Touring's most convincing arguments — particularly in the second row. Legroom in the rear is remarkable, no issue even for passengers over 1.80 m tall. The huge boot completes the picture of a car that asks for few compromises in daily life. Families, high-mileage drivers, anyone regularly carrying more than two people: the Touring gives little cause for complaint here. The cockpit is clearly laid out and modern, with no lengthy adjustment period needed.

Efficiency

This is where the Touring shows its strongest side. Our measured test consumption of 13.6 kWh per 100 km comes in well below the manufacturer's already low claim of 14.0 kWh — an excellent result for a vehicle of this size and power class. Drive the Touring efficiently and you go far and pay little — an argument that carries even more weight given the entry price. One drawback remains charging. The maximum DC charging power of 150 kW is solid but not class-leading — vehicles with 400- or 800-volt architectures charge faster. Anyone relying frequently on fast-charging stops, where every minute counts, should factor this in.

Driver assistance and safety

In Euro NCAP testing, the bZ4X 165 kW scored five stars, with strong individual ratings for occupant protection and assistance systems. The systems work reliably in daily use without excessive false alarms — lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning are well integrated and enhance the driving experience without being intrusive.

Verdict

The Toyota bZ4X Touring BEV 165 kW in Sapphire Blue Pearl costs €45,570 with the paint option — no small sum, though one that's put into perspective by the overall package. Outstanding efficiency, a convincing amount of space especially in the second row, modern design, and a driving feel that makes you forget the car's weight: these are not minor points. Charging speed falls short of what's technically possible today, and the interior leans on hard plastic where other manufacturers score with softer materials. Accept those two points, and you get one of the most efficient and spacious electric vehicles in its class — a car that justifies its price on the road, every day.