Last week at the LA Convention Center, the Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept made its world premiere when it kicked off the opening of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. Already an industry leader in electrification, Toyota provided consumers with a glimpse of what the future may hold in the form of the Toyota bZ Compact SUV, an extension of the vision under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella.
“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said David Christ, Vice President and General Manager of Toyota Group. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles.”
Designed as a complete battery-electric vehicle, the Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept uses a clean-vital design approach. At its core, this approach aims to express what’s unique about battery-electric vehicles while simultaneously providing exhilarating performance in fun-to-drive vehicles.
Further enhancing the futuristic concept of the bZ is its aerodynamic form, pushing the wheels out to the corners of the body, producing an aggressive stance. Aside from its sporty posture, the short overhangs and sweepback angles give the bZ a striking appearance that stands out as an advanced technology vehicle. The bZ’s narrowed-down cabin design complements the look, adding to the vehicle’s agile appearance and improving drag.
The interior of the bZ concept boasts premium finishes that create a distinctive look. Some of the design team’s most notable features include a multitude of eco-friendly touches, like seats made from plant-based and recycled materials that perfectly align with the Beyond Zero mantra. Further enhancing the experience of the interior is “Yui”, an in-car personal agent that connects the driver and passengers with the vehicle. Utilizing audio and visual lighting cues that move around the cabin, Yui responds to requests or commands from both front and rear passengers.
Toyota envisions a future where carbon neutrality is achieved through a portfolio of products featuring advanced, alternative-fuel, and zero-emission powertrain technologies. The automaker plans to expand globally to roughly 30 dedicated BEVs, including five carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) branding. This electrified product portfolio will assist in propelling Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.