Toyota is touting the "human-centric" features of its bZ4X Concept car that will be crucial in helping the automaker to catch up with rivals such as Volkswagen Group that are ahead in the push to electrify their lineups.
The production version of the compact SUV will go on sale in mid-2022, targeting as key markets Europe and China where sales of EVs are growing fast. It will be a rival the Tesla Model Y, VW ID4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The development focus for the bZ4X Concept was to create "a comfortable and connected space where people can enjoy spending time together when making a journey,” Toyota said in a statement on Sunday, as the concept was unveiled at the Shanghai auto show.
"Our target customer is someone who places importance on time spent together with family and friends. When they want to enjoy such times, Toyota bZ4X Concept can serve as a hub for them," Toyota's Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima said in the statement.
The car was jointly developed with Subaru, which is 20 percent owned by Toyota. It leverages Subaru’s all-wheel drive technology to offer what Toyota claims is “best in class high all-wheel drive capability.” Subaru has said it will launch its own version of the car within the next five years.