Toyota is a corporation that has existed since 1937 and, according to numerous reports, is the largest car manufacturer in the world in terms of sales volume. With a magnificent reputation and an enormous customer base, it is not a surprise that the Japanese corporation continuously seeks to surpass its high standards following the initial release of the bZ4X. Many customers around the world were excited upon hearing that Toyota updated the bZ4X with a longer range, upgraded battery, and enhanced comfort features.
Growing criticism: What compelled Toyota to update the original bZ4X?
When the Toyota bZ4X was first released, it received mixed reviews. On the one hand, customers criticized it for features like its performance and charging capabilities, whereas another group believed it was a masterpiece. Typically, the negative reviews outweighed the positive ones, leading the corporation to explore improvement strategies. The criticisms were so impactful that they created what is now known as the bZ4X crisis, speaking to the serious safety recalls and engineering flaws of the car. What exactly were the original features of the bZ4X?
A Brief overview of the original Toyota bZ4X before it was updated and upgraded
The original version of the Toyota bZ4X was an electric SUV built on the new e-TNGA platform. Among its key features was an X-MODE system, which amplified off-road performance of the car, a lithium-ion battery with a 71.4 kWh for FWD models and 72.8kWh for North American AWD models, and DC fast charging of up to 150 kW for FWD models and only 100 kW for AWD models. Its interior features consisted of a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display, roof-mounted solar panel, and remarkably, it was the first Toyota car ever to have the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which contained a pre-collision system and road sign assist.
It is mind-boggling to think that despite all of these advanced features on the original vehicle, customers were still critical of it. This is a testament to just how technologically advanced the contemporary world is that people always believe that there are more barriers to break. The discontent may have emerged from customers thinking that the car was overpriced, considering all of the things that it lacked.
Succumbing to the pressure: Toyota updates the bZ4X with an upgraded battery
Toyota finally wilted under all the pressure that customers were placing on the corporation to improve the bZ4X. The new version includes two lithium-ion batteries that are 57.7kWh and 73.1 kWh. This is particularly important because it gives people different options that align with their finances and driving requirements. The battery improvements allow the car to reach a longer range of approximately 569km. Additionally, the battery’s thermal system is capable of supporting pre-conditioning, which ultimately enhances and stabilizes its charging performance. Another critique that people had of the car was that it had an overall capacity, which has now been improved to 1500kg with the aim of allowing it to haul heavy loads. Nevertheless, Toyota is now accustomed to receiving backlash from customers.
Reviewing the enhanced comfort features inside Toyota’s supercar
The car now features a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, which is an improvement over the previous one. The suspension has also been altered to increase comfort when riding in the car. Lastly, an improvement that left many people in awe was the digital key, which allows drivers to lock and unlock the vehicle using a phone.
Toyota has once again justified its position as the most prominent car manufacturer in the world, setting an example for other corporations. The automotive industry is now highly competitive and filled with different options, so it is essential for manufacturers to cater to their loyal customers if they are unsatisfied with a product. From unveiling the new GR GT to improving models that are already part of its portfolio, Toyota refuses to easily relinquish its title as a leader in the car industry.
