Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept would slot below bZ4X in EV lineup

LOS ANGELES — After a stumble out of the gates with its first-in-a-series 2023 bZ4X, Toyota is introducing a smaller concept with a similar shape likely to one day slide beneath the back-on-sale bZ4X in an expanded battery-electric lineup for the Japanese automaker.

The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept shown late Wednesday before the start of the Los Angeles auto show is roughly comparable in size to the Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact crossover, smaller than the RAV4-sized bZ4X.

An earlier version of the concept was one of 16 EVs displayed behind Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda late last year when he laid out the automaker's battery-electric future. A production version will likely be sold as the bZ3X.

"We have only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker," Toyota brand head David Christ said in a statement. "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."

Toyota says the concept was designed using a "clean-vital design approach," which "aims to express what is special about battery electric vehicles while also offering fun to drive, exhilarating performance."

The bZ features short overhangs and a narrowed cabin to improve aerodynamics and ride performance, and it would carry over a number of styling cues from the bZ4X.

The cabin features seating made from plant-based and recycled materials, while the infotainment system employs a personal agent named Yui to connect the driver and passengers with the vehicle. It also features audio and visual lighting cues that move around the cabin to respond to commands from front- or rear-seat passengers, the automaker said.