The bZ4X is Toyota's first all-electric SUV

We saw the bZ4X first as a dramatically styled concept, with distinctive “hammerhead” front end, in April this year, and for fans of Toyota’s chunky styling the good news is it has changed hardly at all for production. Get used to that hammerhead look: it is going to be the signature design feature for future bZ (“beyond zero”) models, and 15 more of those are due by 2025.

The outside may not have changed but the interior has. The steering “yoke” of the concept has been replaced by a conventional wheel. But even then, Toyota is hopeful the yoke, and with it the first entirely by-wire steering system, will make it on to our roads at some point. Toyota says a digital rather than mechanical steering linkage is easier and more fun.

Going “beyond zero” for Toyota’s debut model of its fledgling bZ battery-electric sub brand brings together a new platform, a big 71kWh battery and, in one version,  motors on both axles for all-wheel drive – and what Toyota says is class leading off-road ability. With its (20-inch) wheel-at-each-corner stance and chunky wheelarch mouldings, it does look ready for the rough stuff.

The platform is called e-TNGA and like rivals houses the lithium-ion cells under the floor and integral with the chassis, where their temperature is kept in check by a water cooling system. The platform has been co-developed with Subaru whose new Forester 4x4 is likely to be based on it.

Toyota says it has drawn on its 25 years of battery experience to ensure not just that decent 280-mile range but also long-term battery durability and clever charging –  there’s a solar panel on the roof to help keep the battery topped up when the bZ4X is parked. Plugged in to a 150kW fast charger, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes. As for the batteries’ longevity, the firm says it expects them to continue operating at 90 per cent capacity after 10 years or 150,000 miles.

The entry front-drive version gets a single 150kW motor which delivers 201PS (148kW) and 265Nm (195lb ft) of torque, enough for 0-62mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. The all-wheel-drive model gets another motor on the back axle in a set-up that appears to be far more about off-road traction than performance. The two 80kW motors increase max power only slightly, to a system total of 214PS (160kW) and torque to 336Nm (248lb ft), bringing the 0-62 down to 7.7 seconds. A performance machine it ain’t.

How come they have squeezed so much room inside?  The bZ4X might be 85mm lower than the RAV4 but its wheelbase is a significant 160mm longer, which with a low and flat floor results in as much passenger sprawling room as SUVs of a class larger, says Toyota. It’s still only available as a five-seater, though one with 452 litres of luggage space with all seats in place.

Inside, a big touchscreen dominates the slim-line dash and, for now at least, there’s a round steering wheel. Behind it is a simple seven-inch TFT instrument display which you view from above, as with the latest Peugeots. Cabin materials are woven trim textures with satin-finish detailing. A new multimedia system with over-the-air (OTA) software updates will be available.

And what about that electronic steering? Despite potential regulatory issues, Toyota is adamant it will be available on the bZ4X in Europe “later”. The advantages of steering by what the company has dubbed “One Motion Grip” are said to be more room for the driver thanks to the absent mechanical linkage, more steering precision and full lock without having to cross your hands over, that bain of the learner driver. The perfect machine for taking the driving test in? Could be…