Toyota BZ Compact SUV electric concept revealed

The Toyota BZ Compact SUV concept has been revealed in Los Angeles overnight, previewing an electric car which is expected to be known as the BZ3X.

Unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show, the BZ Compact SUV concept is Toyota’s third BZ – for ‘beyond zero emissions’ – electric concept, and follows two BZ production cars: the BZ4X SUV revealed last year, and Chinese BZ3 sedan.

The Toyota BZ Compact SUV was previewed in December last year (under the same BZ Compact SUV name) when the Japanese car giant announced its plans to launch a wave of new electric cars – and showed 16 concepts including a pick-up, a sports car, and a range of family SUVs.

Toyota has also claimed it will introduce 30 battery-powered cars to the global market – five of which are planned to be BZ-branded vehicles.

The BZ Compact SUV concept’s exterior incorporates design elements from the BZ4X SUV and China-focused BZ3 sedan, such as its headlight and tail-light designs, side profile and sharp edges.

There are also hints of the new fifth-generation Toyota Prius – revealed earlier this week – in the BZ Compact SUV’s design.

There is no word on whether the BZ Compact SUV will reach showroom floors – however the concept looks production ready.

Japanese publication Spyder7 speculates the BZ Compact SUV could be badged as the Prius EV (electric vehicle) when it launches as a production-ready car, though this may not happen until 2024.

Given its high-riding nature, the electric car could also be known as the Prius Cross – similar to Toyota’s Yaris and Corolla models which have spawned Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross SUV spin-offs.

However, what is more likely is a BZ-branded name such as BZ3X, denoting it's a vehicle in the BZ family, is smaller than the mid-size BZ4X, and is an SUV (thus the 'X' suffix).

Toyota’s latest concept is also equipped with a radically-different interior compared to its battery-powered siblings, combining ‘eco-conscious’ plant-based and recycled materials with an ultra-modern design.

Rather than a traditional round or flat-bottomed steering wheel, the BZ Compact SUV is fitted with an aircraft-style ‘yoke’ control – a design which has been adopted by the latest Tesla Model S and Model X, the Toyota BZ4X in overseas markets, and the new Lexus RZ450e (the BZ4X’s luxury twin).

A pair of curved screens function as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, while the rest of the cabin is relatively minimalist – save for the push-button gear selector between the driver and passenger.

Toyota did not provide details about the concept's electric motors or battery. The BZ4X develops up to 160kW in its flagship all-wheel drive grade, while the range-topping BZ3 is powered by a 179kW motor.

As previously reported, the Toyota BZ4X has been delayed for Australia until the second half of 2023, with its Lexus RZ450e and Subaru Solterra twins also due to arrive in local showrooms next year.

Last month, Toyota Australia confirmed the BZ3 will be a China-only model and is not under consideration for a local launch.

In September, a detailed set of patent images published in Australia appeared to preview a new small Toyota SUV – but it remains unclear if it is Toyota’s next BZ model, possibly badged BZ2X, or instead the next petrol-powered C-HR.