The Toyota bZ4X is the first electric car from the Japanese automaker. It is an SUV that brings with it striking features to make a difference in an increasingly competitive market. However, one detail has not gone unnoticed: the brand has decided to adopt a style steering wheel Yoke like that of the latest Tesla Model S.
Toyota explains that its new steering wheel, called the One Motion Grip, is perfectly complemented by a steering-by-wire system. Precisely, since there is no physical connection, vibrations are eliminated and the wheels’ lock-to-lock turning ability is increased without the need to take your hands off the wheel.
The new steering system is in charge of controlling the movement of the tires. According to Toyota, this guarantees the stability of the vehicle on different types of surfaces. In addition, the One Motion Grip “provides more legroom, which improves freedom of riding position and ease of entry and exit.”
Signature points out that the new steering wheel will initially be available in China and will later arrive in other markets, including Europe. The truth is that customers who do not want the new steering wheel, will have the possibility of configuring their new car with the design of a lifetime.
Unlike Tesla cars, this electric Toyota is committed to controlling some of the functions through physical buttons. However, the center’s infotainment touch screen stands out. The dash display is somewhat far from the steering wheel, a feature that the company says will improve the driver’s visibility.
The Toyota bZ4X launches platform
Toyota’s effort to dive into the electric market comes with the e-TNGA modular platform that it has developed together with Subaru and that will give rise to several models of 100% electrified cars. This will provide a low center of gravity and greater rigidity with the aim of offering an “attractive, smooth and intuitive” driving experience.
The company will offer two variants of the Toyota bZ4X. One will feature 150 kW (204 hp) front-wheel drive capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.4 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 160 km / h. The other, with all-wheel drive, will have 160 kW (218 hp) of power and will accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.7 seconds. Its maximum speed will also be 160 km / h.
Regarding the battery, the Toyota bZ4X has a unit of 71.4 kWh lithium-ion. The company ensures that it can achieve the 450 kilometers of autonomy. Of course, under the WLTP cycle, which tends to provide higher ratings than EPA. also keep in mind that these values are not final yet.
The sunroof will be an optional add-on technically capable of generating electricity to help charge the car’s battery. Toyota assures that “it will be able to accumulate enough energy to circulate 1,800 km over a year“.
At the moment the prices of this new Toyota car are unknown. It is known that it will be launched worldwide in mid-2022. Now it only remains to wait until the company starts the reservations. By then more details will be known.