The Toyota bZ4X has officially launched in South Africa, arriving as the Japanese brand’s very first fully electric model. Here’s what the newcomer costs in Mzansi…
- Toyota brand launches its first EV in SA
- New bZ4X available in 2 body styles
- Pricing starts at just under R1.2-million
South Africa’s best-selling automotive brand has finally entered the local battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment. Yes, the Toyota bZ4X has officially launched in Mzansi as the Japanese brand’s first EV – and it’s available in 2 distinct forms.
Though Toyota SA Motors already offers the battery-powered Lexus RZ in Mzansi, this new bZ4X – which rides on the same e-TNGA platform – is the first Toyota-badged EV to hit the local market. Interestingly, it arrives in facelifted form, having benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh in May 2025.
So, what does it cost in South Africa? Well, the all-paw Toyota bZ4X is priced from R1 182 800. For the record, that makes it R483 100 less than the base EX version of the Lexus RZ 500e (R1 665 900), though the latter offers a little more power plus a mite more range from its slightly larger battery pack.
Billed as a 5-seater crossover, the facelifted bZ4X measures 4 690 mm from front to back, making it around 90 mm longer than the new RAV4. This electric model’s luggage capacity comes in at 452 litres, while its ground clearance is listed as 215 mm.
Meanwhile, the more powerful bZ4X Touring – complete with a longer (4 830 mm) wagon-like body, model-specific exterior styling and chunky roof rails – is priced from R1 317 700. The two models, however, share the same 2 850 mm wheelbase.
Interestingly, however, they each feature a distinct powertrain. The bZ4X employs an electric motor on each axle, with total system outputs standing at 252 kW and 438 Nm. A 73.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers a single charge WLTP range of up to 481 km. The obligatory 0-100 kph sprint should take around 5.1 seconds, with top speed limited to 160 kph.
Meanwhile, the bZ4X Touring seemingly upgrades to more powerful electric motors (taking peak system outputs to 334 kW and 438 Nm) and a slightly larger, 74.7 kWh battery pack. This wagon-like derivative’s claimed WLTP range tops out at 487 km.
From what we can glean, the SA-spec bZ4X will ride on 20-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 235/R50 R20 rubber), shipping with a tyre-repair kit rather than a spare wheel. Inside, we expect to see a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, a 14.0-inch touchscreen and a 9-speaker JBL sound system, while leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera system and a panoramic sunroof should all be standard, too.
Other standard features will likely include front-seat heating (and ventilation), a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, automatic LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a digital rear-view mirror, “X-Mode” off-road driving settings and a raft of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) functions, from blind-spot monitoring to intelligent park assist.
What does the Toyota bZ4X cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Toyota bZ4X | R1 182 800 |
| Toyota bZ4X Touring | R1 317 700 |
The prices above include a 3-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 6-service/90 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the pricing and derivative options for the new Toyota bZ4X in South Africa?
A: Toyota’s first fully electric model arrives in Mzansi with a choice of two body styles. The standard bZ4X crossover is priced from R1 182 800, while the longer, wagon-styled bZ4X Touring starts at R1 317 700. Both options come standard with a 3-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 6-service/90 000 km service plan.
Q: How do the two Toyota bZ4X derivatives differ in terms of performance and dimensions?
A: While both models share a 2 850 mm wheelbase, the standard bZ4X crossover measures 4 690 mm in length and features dual electric motors pushing out 252 kW and 438 Nm. The larger bZ4X Touring measures 4 830 mm in length and boasts upgraded electric motors delivering a combined 334 kW and 438 Nm.
Q: What are the battery capacities, charging ranges and key standard features of the local bZ4X lineup?
A: The standard crossover is equipped with a 73.1 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering a WLTP range of up to 481 km, while the Touring uses a slightly larger 74.7 kWh battery pack to offer up to 487 km of range. Both variants ride on 20-inch alloy wheels and feature a premium cabin packed with standard amenities, including a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, heated and ventilated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Toyota’s “X-Mode” off-road system.
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