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Al-Futtaim Toyota officially unveiled the Toyota bZ4X Touring at a launch event held at The Agenda in Dubai Media City. Starting at AED 184,900, the adventure-focused electric SUV combines strong performance, everyday practicality and advanced technology. Developed with feedback from the original bZ4X, the Touring variant aims to deliver greater versatility for urban driving and outdoor adventures. Speaking at the launch, Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, highlighted the growing interest in New Energy Vehicles among UAE customers and the company's commitment to offering more mobility choices. The introduction of the bZ4X Touring also supports Toyota's multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality, while maintaining its established focus on quality, durability and reliability.
Built on the e-TNGA electric vehicle platform co-developed with Subaru, the Toyota bZ4X Touring benefits from optimised battery positioning and a low centre of gravity, helping improve handling, stability and driving confidence.
The electric SUV features a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery powering front and rear electric motors. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces a combined 375 hp, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Toyota claims a WLTP driving range of up to 480 km on a full charge.
Silicon carbide semiconductors help reduce energy losses, while the advanced all-wheel-drive system continuously manages power distribution to improve efficiency, traction and refinement. Actual driving range and charging performance will depend on road conditions, driving style, temperature, vehicle load, air-conditioning usage and charging infrastructure.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring comes equipped with Subaru-developed X-MODE technology, designed to improve traction and control when driving beyond paved roads. The system offers three selectable settings to manage slippery surfaces, muddy tracks and steep inclines.
By coordinating motor output and braking, X-MODE helps maintain controlled progress over challenging terrain without requiring constant accelerator or brake inputs.
Downhill Assist Control further supports the driver by regulating vehicle speed on descents. For everyday driving, ECO mode prioritises energy efficiency by moderating power delivery, while NORMAL mode offers a balance between performance and comfort.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring features sleek body lines, Toyota's signature hammerhead front-end design and full LED lighting. Its styling shares several characteristics with the Subaru Solterra, reflecting their common electric vehicle architecture, although the larger Subaru Trailseeker is a closer counterpart to the Touring.
Personally, I find the overall silhouette appealing, but the oversized black plastic wheel-arch extensions are less convincing. They remind me of the exaggerated cladding seen on the Subaru WRX, giving the SUV a slightly overstyled appearance.
Other exterior highlights include black-painted 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels, bridge-type roof rails and full-width LED rear lighting that integrates the tail lamps, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights and rear fog lights.
A large roof spoiler, additional rear side spoilers and a sculpted lower bumper contribute to aerodynamic efficiency while reinforcing the SUV's adventure-oriented appearance.
Inside, the Toyota bZ4X Touring offers a modern and spacious cabin with a predominantly dark colour scheme, generous legroom and a low-profile horizontal dashboard designed to improve forward visibility.
My initial impression is that the interior feels pleasant and practical. There is plenty of plastic, but the overall design is more engaging than Tesla's rather plain, minimalist approach. However, it does not feel quite as accommodating as the Tesla Model Y, particularly when it comes to the sense of interior space.
The centrepiece is a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating navigation, climate controls, audio functions and vehicle settings. Other features include smartphone connectivity, dual wireless phone chargers, an available nine-speaker JBL premium sound system and a tray-style centre console with conveniently positioned controls.
The SUV offers 603 litres of boot space, complete with practical storage hooks for securing luggage and other items. Interior colour choices include Black and Light Gray, complemented by black woodgrain-style trim.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of active safety and driver assistance technologies designed to support safer driving.
Key systems include Pre-Collision Braking and Proactive Driving Assist. These features can provide automatic deceleration and steering assistance in certain situations, responding to vehicles ahead and changes in road curvature.
The technologies are intended to support the driver rather than replace active attention and control.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring is available in the UAE through Al-Futtaim Toyota, offered in VXR specification with prices starting from AED 184,900.
Customers can choose from six exterior colours: Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Brilliant Bronze Metallic and Ice Silver Metallic.
With 375 hp, all-wheel drive, a claimed 480 km WLTP range and a practical five-seat interior, the Toyota bZ4X Touring enters the UAE's increasingly competitive electric SUV market as an interesting alternative.
Although its prominent wheel-arch cladding may not appeal to everyone, the combination of strong acceleration, useful technology and everyday versatility makes the bZ4X Touring worth considering for buyers exploring electric SUVs in the UAE.
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