Toyota has revealed its bZ4X electric SUV, which arrives in 2022 with a 450km range.

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The bZ4X, which was revealed in concept form at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, is the first model to be developed by Toyota entirely as a battery electric vehicle and is the inaugural model in its new bZ sub-brand – which stands for ‘beyond Zero’.

It’s based on a new e-TNGA platform, co-developed with Subaru and making use of the latter’s expertise in all-wheel drive. The platform, which has been designed for potential future bZ models and will also underpin the forthcoming Subaru Solterra EV, incorporates the battery unit as an integral part of the chassis beneath the vehicle floor.

As a result, the bZ4X benefits from a low centre of gravity, front/rear weight balance said to be excellent and high body rigidity, advancing safety and ride and handling quality.

The platform also provides a long wheelbase developed for impressive passenger space and capacity, including an adjustable deckboard. Boot space stands at up to 452 litres with the rear seats in place.

A range of versions will be offered, including a front-wheel drive variant powered by a 204hp electric motor that enables 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h under provisional figures.

The all-wheel drive model features separate 109hp motors driving the front and rear axles, giving maximum power of 218hp. Top speed is unchanged, while acceleration to 100km/h is reduced to 7.7 seconds. It also provides an XMode function with different drive modes, accommodating settings for snow/mud; deep snow and mud (below 13mph); and Grip Control for tougher off-road driving (below 20km/h).

The 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery is expected to deliver a driving range of more than 450km and draws on Toyota’s near-25 years’ experience in electrified vehicle battery technology. After 10 years of driving, the battery is expected to still operate at 90% of its original performance.

The bZ4X will be equipped with a 6.6kW onboard charger from launch, while from Q4 2022, a new 11kW three-phase charger will be introduced. It can also be rapid-charged at up to 150kW, giving an 80% charge in around 30 minutes. A solar panel roof will also supplement range, charging the battery while driving or parked.

Technology will include the third-generation Toyota Safety Sense package with new and improved active safety and driver assistance systems.

The bZ4X will also be the first production Toyota to offer a steer-by-wire system – One Motion Grip – dispensing with the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels and due for introduction in Europe at a later date.

The cabin includes a human-centred cockpit featuring a 7.0-inch TFT instrument and information display, and a new multimedia system with over-the-air software updates will be available.

The bZ4X launches as part of Toyota’s multi-technology approach to meet different mobility requirements by offering customers a full line-up of electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

The official European premiere of the bZ4X takes place on 2 December, followed by the opening of online reservations in Europe.