Toyota will release the new “bZ2X” battery electric vehicle (BEV), part of its new EV series, in 2025. The company filed a patent application for the “BZ2X” (trademark application 2020-116943) with the Japan Patent Office on September 22, 2020.
Toyota Europe unveiled its new battery EV (electric vehicle) concept car, the Urban SUV Concept , on December 4, 2023 (local time). The Urban SUV Concept ‘s dimensions have been announced as 4,300mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,620mm high, and judging from its design and body size, I felt it could be called a fully redesigned Yaris Cross of the future .
Toyota’s new EV series, the new BEV (battery electric vehicle) “BZ” series
The “BZ” series currently confirmed by the Japan Patent Office and other sources includes the “BZ1X,” “BZ2X,” “BZ3X,” “BZ4X,” and “BZ5X,” with only the “BZ4X” on the market as of 2024. Considering that the body size of the “BZ4X” is the same as that of the “RAV4” and “Harrier,” the class below it is expected to be the same size as the “GA-C platform” used by the “BZ3X,” “Corolla Cross,” or “C-HR,” and the “BX2X” is expected to be the same size as the “GA-B platform” used by the “Yaris Cross.”
| TNGA | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| GA-B Platform | Yaris Cross | LBX |
| e-TNGA platform | bZ2X | – |
| GA-C platform | C-HR | UX |
| e-TNGA platform | bZ3X | – |
| GA-C platform | Corolla Cross | – |
| GA-K platform | Harrier | NX |
| e-TNGA platform | bZ4X | RZ |
| GA-K platform | Highlander | RX |
| e-TNGA platform | bZ5X | TZ |
| GA-K platform | Grand Highlander | TX |
| GL-F platform | Land Cruiser Prado | GX |
| GL-F platform | Land Cruiser 300 | LX |
It will likely be based on the ” Urban SUV Concept “ concept model unveiled in the B-SUV segment .
About the new Toyota “bZ2X”
Positioned in the B-SUV segment, it is manufactured based on the ” Urban SUV Concept . “ The platform is the e-TNGA BEV-specific platform. Incorporating the requirements unique to BEVs (battery electric vehicles) , the platform has a low center of gravity and high rigidity , and pursues smooth, responsive driving performance that is appealing as a car, rather than just being a BEV, and the off-road capabilities of a full-fledged SUV.
The lightweight, highly rigid body structure uses hot-stamped and high-tensile steel plates for the main structural components, and employs an e-Axle that integrates the motor, transaxle, and inverter.
Equipped with an evolved Toyota Safety Sense . The expanded detection range of the millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera has improved the performance of each function and added new functions that provide assistance on public roads. Equipped with advanced driving assistance technology, Advanced Park [Toyota Teammate Advanced Park] (with remote function) . Enhanced assistance for perpendicular parking. In addition to conventional reverse parking, it now supports forward parking and allows for forward or reverse exit.
Toyota Europe’s new EV “Urban SUV Concept”
The Urban SUV Concept’s body dimensions are 4,300mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,620mm high. The production model is scheduled for release in the first half of 2024 and will offer two battery options to suit driving range and customer needs. It will be available in 2WD and 4WD. The maximum driving range could be approximately 250 miles (402km).
Toyota plans to introduce six dedicated BEV models in Europe by 2026. The diverse portfolio of electrified products will propel Toyota Motor Europe towards its goal of offering only ZEVs by 2035 and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2040.
Body size comparison between the EV “Urban SUV Concept” and the current “Yaris Cross”
The Urban SUV Concept ‘s body dimensions are 4,300mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,620mm high. However, there is no doubt that it is an SUV in the same class as the current Yaris Cross, which is the next class up, as the current Corolla Cross is 4,490mm long.
| Specifications | Yaris Cross | Urban SUV Concept | difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,180mm | 4,300mm | +120mm |
| Overall width | 1,765mm | 1,820mm | +55mm |
| Overall height | 1,590mm | 1,620mm | +30mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650mm | -mm | -mm |
Current Yaris Cross
“Urban SUV Concept”
About the “Urban SUV Concept” exterior
The exterior of the ” Urban SUV Concept ” features a front design that combines functionality and design at a high level, based on Toyota’s common design motif, the “Hammerhead.”
This design is used in the new Prius and Crown , as well as the new Camry and C-HR , which have not yet been released in Japan , and there is no doubt that many of Toyota’s new models to be released in the future will adopt a design based on this “hammerhead” motif. In other words, since the body size is similar and it adopts the “hammerhead” design, it will undoubtedly be very similar to the future Yaris Cross . The only difference is that the “Urban SUV Concept” is an EV model, so it has a unique EV design without a front grille, but hybrid and gasoline models will likely adopt a design similar to a regular grille.
Furthermore, when looking at the overall silhouette from the side, it is clear that the concept is similar, based on the shape of the rear fenders and the angle of the tailgate.
The current Yaris Cross’s taillights have LED taillights extending to the left and right of the Toyota logo, but the Urban SUV Concept has the Toyota logo placed below and the LED taillights in a completely horizontal line, giving it a similar look to the new LBX.
As you can see from the photos of the LBX, Lexus has been introducing designs and technologies ahead of Toyota, so it is not strange that this design is being adopted several years later.
For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Lexus new “LBX” VS Toyota new “Yaris Cross” A thorough comparison of the differences
summary
Considering the above, it seems highly likely that the “Urban SUV Concept” will be very similar in design to the electric B-segment SUV “bZ2X.” We look forward to seeing how it evolves in the future.
For more details, please refer to this article.
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For more details, please refer to this article.
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→ Specifications revealed: Toyota new Yaris Cross minor change to be released on January 17, 2024
Yaris Cross
Toyota
