Toyota bz3x

BIG MIGHT BE beautiful, but sometimes smaller can be more convenient. Hence, while the first member of Toyota’s bZ range of electric models was the fairly chunky bZ4X, the next will be aimed at buyers who don’t need as much space inside.

The bZ Compact SUV concept – or bZ3X, as it will be named when it reaches showrooms – is designed to take on smaller electric SUVs such as the Smart #1 and Volvo C40 Recharge. It features the same bluff front end as the bZ4X but has a more aerodynamic, coupé-like shape to aid efficiency, razor-thin LED headlights that span the full width of the car, and a large lower front grille designed to channel cooling air to its battery.

Speaking of the bZ4X, the bZ3X is expected to use the same 71.4kWh battery and electric motors as that car.That means most models should be capable of matching its 317-mile range, which is farther than the #1 and C40 can take you between charges.

The entry-level bZ3X will have a single 201bhp motor that powers the front wheels. Four-wheel drive versions will have two motors for a combined 215bhp. Charging rates of up to 150kW should be supported, meaning a 10-80% top-up could be completed in little more than half an hour. Expect a full charge from a 7kW home wallbox to take just under 13 hours.

The concept’s interior is likely to be toned down for production, but among the features expected to make it to the showroom are curved screens for the instruments and infotainment, both of which use new software. Toyota’s current infotainment set-up can be slow to respond to your inputs, but from what we’ve seen, the new system should be a lot faster. On the other hand, while having everything controlled by the central touchscreen brings a very tidy dashboard layout, delving into the screen to change almost every setting could prove distracting.

Among other tech expected in the bZ3X is a steer-by-wire system that’s shared with the larger RZ from Toyota’