Meet Toyota’s first fully electric vehicle, the bz4x, now available at Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach.

The bz4x is Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle in South Africa, but it’s not an EV that’s built for the future; it’s made for right now. This capable, all-wheel drive SUV is just as comfortable off-road as it is on urban roads.

It isn’t made to cope with South African conditions; it’s here to tackle them head-on.

I had the opportunity to test-drive this mean, silent machine, and wow, I was amazed. It’s instant power when your foot touches the accelerator, with no delays in the all-electric, all-powerful bz4x.

The bz4x is powered by a 73.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, with a projected driving range of 450–480km, and an electric motor power of 255.3 kW.

Meanwhile, the bz4x Touring is powered by an 80.5kWh lithium-ion battery with an approximate driving range of 411km, with an electric motor power of 160kW.

Both models are driven by a dedicated dual-motor E-Four all-wheel-drive system, delivering power to all corners with the kind of confidence to tame any road. Yes, the all-wheel-drive variants of the Toyota bz4x use a dual-motor setup that can deliver power and spin on all four tyres.

With a 750kg (braked and unbraked) towing capacity in both the bz4x and the bz4x Touring, it doesn’t ask you to change how you live or drive; it just elevates the experience.

With a panoramic roof, a flick of the button opens it up to stretch light and space across the cabin to give passengers an incredible view.

The premium JBL sound system with nine speakers means the soundtrack to your getaway is as thrilling as the destination itself.

Also, the high-resolution, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, heads-up display and dual wireless charging pads all add to an elevated driving experience, even when you’re roughing it.

A digital rearview mirror takes driver visibility up a notch with a rear-mounted camera to stream live video to a screen on your rear view mirror. It provides a wider, obstruction-free field of view and superior night visibility.

Visit Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach and experience the bz4x for yourself.

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