Toyota bZ4X facelift in Malaysia – FWD only, 227 PS, 269 Nm, 525 km WLTP range, priced at RM220k

The trio of Toyota EV launches in Malaysia continue with the debut of the facelifted bZ4X. Its arrival marks a full circle for the electric SUV, which was previewed here in its original form back in 2023 before its launch was called off over pricing concerns.

Not that it’s affordable now – CBU fully imported from Japan, the bZ4X is priced at RM220,000 on-the-road without insurance for the sole front-wheel-drive variant. This figure includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-mileage battery warranty, and buyers are able to extend the latter to a total of ten years of coverage at RM5,700.

That considerable amount of money at least buys you a more capable EV than before, thanks to the mechanical changes on the facelift. Outputs are up 23 PS (17 kW) and 3 Nm to 227 PS (167 kW) and 269 Nm of torque, while the NMC battery has grown marginally from 71.4 kWh to 73.1 kWh. This, along with a more efficient motor, boosts range from 436 km to 525 km on the WLTP cycle when equipped with the standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

The bZ4X continues to support up to 150 kW of DC fast charging, so topping up the battery from 10 to 80% charge takes 28 minutes. It also now accepts up to 22 kW of AC charging (previously only 6.6 kW), taking just 2.2 hours to charge the car to the same level.

Under the skin, the revised suspension settings and adjustments to the bodywork have delivered lower noise and vibration levels and improved comfort and driving dynamics, while a quieter motor and acoustic glass front side windows lead a series of noise-insulating measures. Suspension continues to be handled by MacPherson struts at the front and a double-wishbone setup at the rear.

Meanwhile, the bZ4X’s polarising design has been ever so slightly homogenised. Toyota’s distinctive “hammerhead” horizontal front blade has been retained, but the LED daytime running lights are now C-shaped, while the main LED headlight projectors have been cast off, integrated into the vertical air curtains.

Elsewhere, the polarising angular plastic wheel arch trims are now painted in gloss black instead of unfinished plastic for a classier, more homogenous look. Available colours include Attitude Black Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal and Emotional Red II – the last three cost RM800 extra.

The bZ4X is slightly larger than the usual C-segment norm. Measuring 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall, it straddles the gap between the BYD Atto 3 (4,455 mm long) and Sealion 7 (4,830 mm long). The same is true of its 2,850 mm wheelbase (Atto 3 2,720 mm, Sealion 7 2,930 mm). Kerb weight is quoted at 2,020 kg, while its boot measures 452 litres in volume.

Inside, there’s a redesigned dashboard, sporting a new 14-inch touchscreen that incorporates the air-con controls and physical temperature control knobs, similar to what you’ll find on Lexus’ models. However, the instrument display – mounted high up above the steering wheel, akin to Peugeot’s i-Cockpit concept – is still rather small at seven inches across. You also get a completely revised centre console featuring twin 15-watt Qi wireless chargers for the first time.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, eight-way power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, faux leather upholstery, dual-zone auto air con with rear vents, Panasonic nanoe X air ionisation, a digital rear-view mirror, a panoramic glass roof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, a 360-degree camera system, front and rear dash cams and a hands-free powered tailgate.

In terms of safety, the bZ4X comes with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, curve speed reduction, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parking AEB, a door opening warning and adaptive high beam. Eight airbags (including centre and driver’s knee airbags) and stability control are also standard.

GALLERY: Toyota bZ4X facelift in Bangkok 2026

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