Toyota unveils bZ compact SUV concept

The United States (US) arm of Toyota unveiled the Beyond Zero (bZ) compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) concept at the ongoing Los Angeles (LA) Auto Show.

Its global debut not only made the opening day of the automotive expo more exciting but also gave fans of the brand a glimpse of what the Aichi-based company has in store for its customers in the future.

“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker. 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,” said Toyota Group Vice President (VP) and General Manager (GM) David Christ.

Per Toyota, the bZ compact SUV concept is designed as a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV), using a clean-vital design approach. This approach, Toyota explained, aims to express what’s special about battery electric vehicles while also offering fun-to-drive, exhilarating performance. It represents a vehicle with zero emissions, utilizing eco-conscious interior materials, that also brings dynamic performance, leading technology, and a stylish appearance.

At a glance, the bZ compact SUV concept appears like it’s moving even if it’s standing still. The wheels are pushed back to the corners and the short overhangs and swept-back angles make the futuristic SUV stand out. A narrowed-down cabin design also gives it an agile appearance and a low coefficient of drag.

The edgy styling extends to the interior with premium finishes resulting in a distinctive look. Notably, the design team included several eco-friendly touches, like seating made from plant-based and recycled materials to follow the Beyond Zero theme. And an in-car personal assistant named “Yui” connects the driver and passengers with the vehicle. With the use of audio and visual lighting cues that move around the cabin, it responds to requests or commands from the front or rear passengers.

Toyota envisions a future where carbon neutrality is achieved through a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative-fuel, and zero-emission powertrain technologies. Globally, Toyota plans to expand to around 30 dedicated BEVs, including five carrying the bZ brand moniker. This diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Photos from Toyota

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