Hot on the news of tax exemptions for EVs in Malaysia, Toyota has unveiled its full-electric car (EV), called the Toyota bZ4X. This is the first of seven bZ battery electric vehicles (BEVs) the Japanese carmaker plans to introduce by 2025.

It's also a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru and this will be the second Toyobaru twin after the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ. The bZ4X's twin is called the Subaru Solterra.

The bZ4X sits on the EV-dedicated e-TNGA platform, which boasts low centre of gravity and greater rigidity. It houses a 71.4 kWh battery placed flat under the floor. Both variants support a maximum DC fast charging rate of up to 150 kW, which is able to charge to 80% in 30 minutes.

Two electric drivetrains will be offered – a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup with 204 PS and an all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a combined output of 218 PS. Driving range for the FWD variant in the WLTP cycle is 500 km while the AWD variant gets 460 km.

The FWD bZ4X does the century sprint in 8.4 seconds, the AWD variant trims the time down to 7.7 seconds.

Inside, the instrument cluster is positioned high to enhance visibility, to which Toyota says it emphasizes ease of viewing by reducing eye movement and enabling a distance point of focus. There’s also a fighter-jet style steering wheel.

Speaking of steering wheel, it’s a steer-by-wire system, meaning there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tyres. Toyota says it improves front legroom, driving position freedom, and ease of entry and exit. It also filters out unnecessary vibration with less steering input from lock-to-lock.

In terms of ADAS, the bZ4X will feature the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense. Toyota says they’ve enhanced the performance of each function and added new functions to assist on ordinary roads, with the aim of "zero fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents."

The Toyota bZ4X is scheduled for launch in international regions from mid-2022. As for Malaysia, it’s too early to tell if we’ll be getting it but you’ll be the first to know as soon as we hear about it.

Also read: 2022 Subaru Solterra teased – Second Toyobaru twin after 86/BRZ