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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