Toyota bZ4X: An electric Toyota Bangladesh may have to wait for
The bZ4X combines restrained styling, a well-equipped interior and entertaining acceleration. It delivers a natural driving experience without trying too hard to reinvent the electric SUV
The bZ4X marks Toyota's first mass-produced, dedicated EV. With China flooding the market with new EV models every six months, we look at what Japan has in its arsenal to compete.
Bangladesh is in a muddled state regarding EVs. The Import Policy Order 2026–2029, published on 24 August, prohibits the import of used and reconditioned electric vehicles, complicating the prospects of models such as the bZ4X.
The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has strongly opposed the decision, even organising a nationwide showroom shutdown on 17 September. The association argues that reconditioned EVs could make electric mobility more affordable and has proposed regulated imports with mandatory battery-health certification.
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The government, meanwhile, has raised concerns about battery disposal, inadequate charging infrastructure and limited maintenance facilities. Reconditioned vehicles have long been the backbone of Bangladeshi mobility, and the restrictions could make Japanese EVs considerably harder to obtain.
The Toyota bZ4X borrows styling cues from models such as the C-HR and Harrier but manages to look different through sharp body lines, particularly around the fenders. These angular sections surround the 20-inch wheels, while the bumper has a more rounded appearance. The headlights and daytime running lights follow the same sharp design language.
Unlike many Chinese EVs with their rather flamboyant designs, the bZ4X looks relatively mature. It faces competition from manufacturers such as BYD, Omoda, Deepal and Chery, alongside Japanese rivals from Nissan and Mazda.
The EV character becomes more apparent once you step inside. You are greeted by a squared-off steering wheel with numerous buttons, somewhat unusual by Toyota standards. Behind it sits a compact digital instrument cluster, positioned similarly to the new Prius, displaying speed and other driving information.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also two independent wireless charging pads, something I personally have rarely encountered in a car. Gear selection is handled through a rotary knob on the centre console.
Thankfully, Toyota has retained physical controls for the climate system, although adjustments can also be made through the touchscreen. Additional features on the Limited variant include a motion-activated power liftgate, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, 20-inch wheels and SofTex synthetic leather upholstery.
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is offered with either a single-motor front-wheel-drive configuration or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. Both use AC synchronous electric motors. The former produces 201 horsepower, while the latter increases output to 214 horsepower.
The front-wheel-drive version uses a 71.4 kWh battery, while the all-wheel-drive model gets a 72.8 kWh unit. However, usable capacity is lower, and the additional motor and larger wheels reduce the driving range. Depending on configuration and testing standards, claimed range figures vary considerably.
For this review, I drove the top-of-the-line 2025 Limited AWD variant.
Driving the bZ4X feels somewhat unorthodox compared to other EVs, partly because there is a noticeable sound from the front-mounted electric drivetrain. However, that does not mean the cabin is noisy. Most mechanical sounds remain outside once you are moving or sitting idle in traffic.
Now, the party trick of the bZ4X, or honestly almost any EV, is the acceleration. This puppy can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in approximately 6.9 seconds, and the immediate delivery of torque is very noticeable. It pushes you back into your seat like a roller coaster, making acceleration rather entertaining.
The steering response and suspension are on the tighter side, although I occasionally noticed inconsistencies in steering feedback. Then again, this is nearly a two-tonne SUV, and certain aspects are clearly tuned more for comfort than outright driving precision. Nevertheless, the overall experience remains enjoyable.
The wireless chargers work well, and having two is convenient. However, your phones might go flying during hard acceleration because the rubber lining does not provide enough grip.
The speakers are rather bass-heavy, a familiar Toyota trait even with JBL audio systems, although the bass does not completely overpower everything else. Overall, it is one of the nicer, true-to-self EVs I have driven in a while.
Despite its sharp body lines, the bZ4X has a restrained character. It looks futuristic enough to distinguish itself from Toyota's conventional SUVs without screaming that it runs on electricity. And although it is an EV, do not expect Tesla levels of performance. Instead, expect everyday convenience, refinement and zero tailpipe emissions.
As Toyota's first dedicated mass-produced EV, the bZ4X represents a significant departure for a manufacturer that spent decades championing hybrid technology. The company is finally embracing fully electric mobility, although competitors have already established a considerable head start.
With a price approaching Tk85 lakh and restrictions on reconditioned EV imports, the bZ4X will likely remain a relatively uncommon sight, despite several examples already being present in the country.
Its range is not particularly impressive compared to newer Chinese alternatives, many of which offer more equipment and longer advertised driving distances for less money. Although Chinese manufacturers' brochure figures should also be treated cautiously, owning an officially supported vehicle is generally less troublesome than maintaining a grey-market import.
Nonetheless, the bZ4X remains one of the most natural-feeling electric cars I have driven. It does not try particularly hard to reinvent the driving experience, and perhaps that is precisely what makes it so pleasant.
