Scoop: Toyota Estima to return in 2024 as a possible egg-shaped EV concept

Who would’ve thought that an oval source of protein currently in shortage would be a design icon in the automotive world? We’re talking of course about the Toyota Estima, one of the most recognisable MPVs in Malaysia.

Sadly, the iconic eggmobile has been discontinued for 4 years but is far from forgotten as Japanese media got an inside scoop on its imminent revival.

The team at BestCarWeb received information that the egg-shaped MPV would be revived as an electric vehicle (EV). It is rumoured that the all-electric Estima could be one of the 7 bZ (beyond Zero) models to be introduced by 2025.

Also read: Checkmate? Toyota to sell 3.5 million EVs by 2030, unveils 16 models, 14 more coming - world's largest EV player?

An electric MPV could make sense but its market is likely to be limited to Asia where the minivan is still thriving amid the rise of SUVs and crossovers. From a design standpoint, it might appear the iconic egg shape would be retained.

Also read: Supercharged, mid-engine, AWD - Here's why the first Toyota Estima is a modern classic

Like the rest of the bZ series, this all-electric Estima could be built on the e-TNGA platform which is a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. That would also mean that this all-new Estima is unlikely to be offered with an internal combustion engine.

Also read: Toyota bZ4X EV debuts in Europe - 1 million km batt warranty, remote parking

Unfortunately, the all-electric Estima might not keep the iconic name if it were to be slotted under the bZ series. Currently, the two models launched under Toyota’s beyond Zero series are the bZ4X and the bZ3, so based on these two names, the bZ MPV won’t likely be called Estima/Previa.

Also read: China-only Toyota bZ3 EV sedan to be 30 percent cheaper than Tesla Model 3

The Japanese automotive publication speculates that the all-electric MPV could be shown to the public initially as a concept as early as 2024 and could go on sale a year later. With boxy MPVs taking the reign as everyone’s favourite people carriers, perhaps it’s time to restore order and give egg-shaped minivans the comeback they deserve.

Also read: Toyota Estima – Long live the Malaysian king of MPV