Lohnt sich ein KAUF? Wie schlägt sich der Toyota bZ4X Touring AWD wirklich? Die ersten 6.700km

Toyota bZ4X Touring AWD — First 6,700 km

Key specifications and price

• Tested over six weeks and approximately 6,700 km in family and work use.
• AWD version with 380 hp, an approximately 75 kWh battery, 255-width tires, and 20-inch wheels.
• The test car, with Lounge trim and AWD, had a listed price of €61,040.

Range and charging

• Realistic range during the test:
  • Around 300 km on the motorway, potentially up to 350 km.
  • Around 400 km on country roads.
• Average consumption was about 20.5 kWh/100 km overall: roughly 16–17 kWh/100 km on country roads and 23–24 kWh/100 km on the motorway.
• DC fast charging is rated at 150 kW. The car often reached about 150 kW and occasionally 159 kW. The reviewer’s usual routine—charging from 7% to 70% in about 23 minutes—added roughly 200 km of driving.
• 22 kW AC charging was a standout everyday benefit. With suitable equipment, the car could be charged at home in about three hours. The presenter found this more useful in daily life than the peak fast-charging rate.
• Battery preconditioning worked well.

Performance and driving

• The AWD car accelerates very strongly. The presenter described it as exceptionally quick, though performance falls as the battery empties.
• Power begins to reduce at around 40% battery charge. At roughly 15–20%, the car may have only about 200 hp available.
• The presenter would choose AWD over Lounge trim if ordering, while noting the cost and reduced performance at low charge.
• The small steering wheel, matte controls, regenerative-braking paddles, and handling were all praised.
• Ride comfort was good, but the presenter thought 18-inch wheels might suit the suspension better than the attractive 20-inch wheels.
• The turning circle is large, making the car somewhat cumbersome in tight spaces.
• Wind noise becomes noticeable above roughly 140–150 km/h. At around 130 km/h, the car felt comfortable and quiet enough.
• The permanent high-beam system worked effectively, though its sharply defined lighting pattern made the presenter worry it might dazzle others. Other drivers did not flash their lights.

Interior, technology, and family use

• The seats were described as very comfortable on long journeys, with effective heating and ventilation. The presenter would have liked massage but did not miss a head-up display.
• Apple CarPlay connected reliably, charged quickly, and did not crash during the test. The presenter wished for map display in the driver’s display.
• The infotainment system was generally stable, but sometimes changed distance units from kilometres and metres to miles and yards unexpectedly. System and navigation language settings are separate, so they can differ.
• The Toyota app was the main technology weakness: it could load slowly, and remote stationary climate control worked only about half the time. Once connected, other functions generally worked. The digital key itself was reliable.
• Wireless phone charging worked, but the phone could get quite hot.
• The automatic climate-control display can be confusing: the A/C indicator may not light even when the system is operating automatically. The windscreen de-icer is located in the climate menu.
• The screen can be switched off for night driving; the presenter found it too bright otherwise.
• The JBL audio system was enjoyable, though not presented as a high-end system. The presenter also thought visibility might improve if the lower area near the mirror were glass.
• Family practicality was praised: the boot accommodated the family’s equipment, rear-seat space was good, and the child seats were easy to access. A nearly six-year-old could get in and buckle up independently.
• Perforated seats and floor mats were easier to vacuum than expected.

Reliability and build quality

• In six weeks and nearly 7,000 km, no vehicle error messages appeared—a major positive for the reviewer, especially compared with experiences in a VW Multivan and BMW 3 Series.
• Interior and exterior panel gaps looked good overall, but two trim areas showed visible wrinkles or bulges that had already been noticed during an earlier drive.
• Tire wear appeared even and not excessive so far, though the test was too short to draw firm conclusions.

Design and ownership impressions

• The exterior styling divided opinion: the presenter liked it overall but found the rear light-strip detail unusual; Tim thought it looked better inside than outside.
• The car’s appearance does not convey how quick it is or how well its interior space is used.
• The presenter would choose the khaki interior and the no-cost silver exterior colour. They would prioritize AWD over Lounge trim.
• The car’s motorway range requires planning, but the presenter felt regular charging breaks were manageable, especially with children. The family found the car comfortable, practical, and enjoyable, and expected to miss it when the test ended.

Verdict

The review was strongly positive: the bZ4X Touring AWD proved comfortable, quick, family-friendly, and unusually trouble-free over the test period. Its main drawbacks were the unreliable Toyota app, the large turning circle, some trim imperfections, reduced power at low battery charge, and limited motorway range.

The presenter would be reluctant to give it back—even comparing it favourably with some cars costing €100,000—and would recommend considering AWD. A further winter test was still needed to assess cold-weather performance and 18-inch wheels. No numerical rating was given.

Different speaker perspectives

• Presenter: Praised the car’s performance, comfort, family practicality, charging flexibility, and fault-free operation. Highlighted the app as its biggest weakness and favoured AWD over Lounge trim.
• Tim: Said the charging capability would suit his commute of just under 90 km per day. He was less enthusiastic about the exterior design and suggested he might consider buying one as a used second- or third-owner car.