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Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) announced in Japan today that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society.
“Compared to other regions, Europe has a high rate of electrified vehicle ownership and a high level of BEV ownership. As a result, there is a need to further strengthen BEV products. To accelerate the multi-pathway approach, after launching the all-new Urban Cruiser at the end of last year in Europe, Toyota will be launching the three new models as a lineup that can cover the B-, C-, and D-SUV segments, which are major parts of the European market,” Toyota said.
New Model Launches in Europe
Toyota C-HR+
- A BEV system has been introduced for the powertrain of the new Toyota C-HR+.
- It has sleek styling that draws attention and offers practicality with its spacious cabin and a luggage space with a generous capacity of 416 liters.
- Adopts the e-TNGA platform, the specially tuned suspension offers a driving experience with true satisfaction.
- It is installed with two lithium-ion batteries that include modified battery cells. The base specification has a battery capacity of 57.7 kWh for a cruising range of 455 km*1, while the specification with a longer cruising range has a battery capacity of 77.0 kWh to ensure a cruising range of 600 km (Toyota target). Together with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive types, a wide range of options are available to customers.
- The new Toyota C-HR+ is scheduled to launch in Europe in the second half of 2025.
Toyota bZ4X (European Specifications)
- Similar to the Toyota C-HR+, the bZ4X is installed with two lithium-ion batteries. The lineup includes a base specification with a battery capacity of 57.7 kWh and another with a battery capacity of 73.1 kWh for a longer cruising range. The battery options have been expanded in considering diverse customer needs. Together with making eAxle more efficient, the model with a battery capacity of 73.1 kWh extends the cruising range by ~70 km compared to the current model.
- It comes with battery pre-conditioning for the first time, with a development target of rapid charging in approximately 30 minutes under cold conditions by maintaining the battery at a temperature optimal for charging.
- Driving performance has also been improved by increasing the output of eAxle, reviewing the suspension setting, and other measures. The riding experience, including quietness, has also been brought to a higher level.
- The new bZ4X is scheduled to launch in Europe in the second half of 2025.
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Lexus RZ
- The new RZ has a fully redesigned BEV system:
- delivering increased motor output,
- an extended driving range,
- and reduced charging time.
RZ also introduces the next-generation Steer-by-Wire System*1, providing a completely new driving experience. Improvements to the platform enhance fundamental driving performance, while refinements to the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system further elevate its characteristics. These advancements refine the so called ‘The Natural’ driving concept, deepening the Lexus Driving Signature for a smoother, more intuitive, and exhilarating drive, Toyota claimed.
“A new addition to the lineup, the RZ 550e F SPORT, comes equipped with higher-output front and rear motors, achieving a maximum system output of 300 kW for a more powerful and exhilarating driving experience. Furthermore, Lexus introduces Interactive Manual Drive for the first time, a feature that enhances the excitement of shifting by synchronizing acceleration and deceleration with immersive sound. This innovation delivers a sportier, more responsive driving feel, offering greater engagement and driving pleasure,” Toyota claimed. [Footnote *1 F SPORT]
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X and Lexus RZ European Debuts
Click for more.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) announced in Japan today that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society.
“Compared to other regions, Europe has a high rate of electrified vehicle ownership and a high level of BEV ownership. As a result, there is a need to further strengthen BEV products. To accelerate the multi-pathway approach, after launching the all-new Urban Cruiser at the end of last year in Europe, Toyota will be launching the three new models as a lineup that can cover the B-, C-, and D-SUV segments, which are major parts of the European market,” Toyota said.
New Model Launches in Europe
Toyota C-HR+
Toyota bZ4X (European Specifications)
Click for more.
Lexus RZ
RZ also introduces the next-generation Steer-by-Wire System*1, providing a completely new driving experience. Improvements to the platform enhance fundamental driving performance, while refinements to the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system further elevate its characteristics. These advancements refine the so called ‘The Natural’ driving concept, deepening the Lexus Driving Signature for a smoother, more intuitive, and exhilarating drive, Toyota claimed.
“A new addition to the lineup, the RZ 550e F SPORT, comes equipped with higher-output front and rear motors, achieving a maximum system output of 300 kW for a more powerful and exhilarating driving experience. Furthermore, Lexus introduces Interactive Manual Drive for the first time, a feature that enhances the excitement of shifting by synchronizing acceleration and deceleration with immersive sound. This innovation delivers a sportier, more responsive driving feel, offering greater engagement and driving pleasure,” Toyota claimed. [Footnote *1 F SPORT]
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.