Toyota’s first dedicated EV-only model, the Toyota bZ4X is an important milestone model for the biggest Japanese carmaker in the world. The electric crossover is currently sold in Europe, Japan, and the USA but could Indonesia be the first market in Southeast Asia to receive the model?

A bZ4X has been spotted in Indonesia in what appears to be a commercial shoot. According to OtoDriver, the black crossover is spotted around Padang Indah Kapuk II, a suburb on the outskirts of Jakarta.

The Toyota bZ4X has been shown in Southeast Asia at the 2022 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) back in August and the Vietnam Motor Show (VMS) over the weekend.

Also read: Launching in Thailand before us, Malaysia-bound Toyota bZ4X shown at Bangkok Motor Show

The first model from Toyota’s bZ (beyond Zero) series, the bZ4X is the second model to be jointly developed with Subaru after the GR86/BRZ whereby the twin bearing the blue Pleiades logo is called the Subaru Solterra.

Also read: Second Toyobaru twin after BRZ/GR86 is the Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X is built on a dedicated e-TNGA platform and packs a 71.4 kWh battery placed flat on the floor with a DC fast charging rate of up to 150 kW. Charging from 0-80% takes only 30 minutes under those rates.

Also read: Confused by EV terms? Here's everything you need to know

There are two variants of the bZ4X offered – the front-wheel drive (FWD) variant which makes 204 PS and the all-wheel drive (AWD) version which has a combined output of 218 PS. Driving range for the FWD variant is 500 km while it’s 460 km for the AWD variant with both figures according to the WLTP test cycle.

Also read: Price of electric Toyota bZ4X announced at RM 178k for USA, deliveries to start soon

Besides the Toyota and Subaru models, there is also the more upmarket version that is badged as the Lexus RZ. Even without the symbol of perfection on the car, the bZ4X won’t be cheap especially around this region.

Also read: EV fans can expect the Lexus RZ to launch in Malaysia in 2023 – registration of interest opens

However, it seems that it's the Thais that would be getting the all-electric Toyota SUV first before the rest of Southeast Asia with its launch expected to be announced on 9-November. Prices in the Kingdom are estimated to range between THB 1.6 million to 1.8 million (~RM 199k - 224k).

Though the likes of the Wuling Air have been instrumental in raising awareness of EVs in Indonesia, they still account for only a small percentage of the total vehicle sales in the archipelago. With the government recently increasing prices of subsidised petrol and diesel, some might be considering switching to electric power.

Also read: A Chinese micro-EV sold 6x more units than Perodua Myvi's Indo twin in August 2022!

The Toyota bZ4X is also planned for launch in Malaysia with UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) confirming its arrival alongside the Lexus UX 300e. We estimate that it will be priced higher than a Toyota Camry which starts from RM 209,800 even though imported EVs in Malaysia will be tax-free until 2023 (pending any changes from the government).

Also read: UMW Toyota to launch 2 EVs starting 2022 – Lexus UX 300e and Toyota bZ4X for Malaysia

Besides, UMWT has also installed a few fast chargers at its headquarters which further hints at the imminent arrival of at least one fully-electric model arriving in Malaysia soon.

Also read: UMWT now has 3 DC fast chargers installed at its HQ, getting ready for Toyota bZ4X EV?