Japanese legacy automaker Toyota has finally launched its first electric vehicle offering, bZ4X, in the Australian market as it seeks to challenge the Tesla Model Y’s dominance.
Toyota has also updated its official Australian website to include the all-electric bZ4X SUV.
Toyota bZ4X hits the Australian market
Following an 18-month-long delay, Toyota has finally delivered the bZ4X electric SUV in Australia.
The move is apparently part of the Japanese automotive giant’s efforts to defend its position as the top-selling brand in the Australian market.
The Toyota bZ4X has a base price of $66,000 in Australia, excluding on-road costs. It offers two variants, including front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Presented below are the key specifications of the Toyota bZ4X in Australia:
| Toyota BZ4X | FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE | ALL-WHEEL DRIVE |
| NEDC Range | Up to 535km[G66] | Up to 485km[G67] |
| WLTP Range | Up to 436km[G66] | Up to 411km[G67] |
| Power | 150kW | 160kW |
| Torque | 266Nm | 337Nm |
| Fast charging | 10-80% in approx. 40 mins[G65] | 10-80% in approx. 40 mins[G65] |
| Standard charging | 10-100% in approx. 21 hrs[G65] | 10-100% in approx. 21 hrs[G65] |
Source: Toyota Australia
Enticing deals
Apart from the bZ4X’s remarkable technologies, Toyota also offers enticing deals to attract Australian customers.
For instance, the Japanese automaker has launched a limited-time “Fully Charged Offer” with a 3-year full-service lease. As per the report, this deal integrates the following into one monthly payment:
- Service and maintenance costs
- Registration fees
- CTP
- Tire replacements
- Toyota Insurance
- Roadside Assist
In addition, Toyota is also trying to draw in customers with a complimentary JET charge 7 kW ABB home charger and Toyota Connected services for three years.
Toyota bZ4X vs. Tesla Model Y
Toyota set its eyes on the top-selling Tesla Model Y with the launch of the bZ4X in Australia. The entry-level bZ4X’s price is higher than the base Model Y RWD. However, the Toyota e-SUV will undercut the Tesla crossover if we factor in the $1,400 shipping and another $400 order fee.
Meanwhile, the bZ4X AWD is $3,500 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y AWD. Refer to the table below for comparison:
| Electric Vehicle | Starting Price (Australia) | Range (WLTP) |
| Toyota bZ4X FWD | $66,000 | 271 mi (436 km) |
| Toyota bZ4X AWD | $74,900 | 255 mi (411 km) |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $65,400 | 283 mi (455 km) |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range | $78,400 | 331 mi (533 km) |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $91,400 | 319 mi (514 km) |
It would be interesting to see how the Toyota bZ4X would fare in the Australian market, considering the strong lead of the Tesla Model Y. Nonetheless, its arrival in the local market will undoubtedly aid the Australian government’s efforts to boost the electric vehicle uptake with new model options for customers.
