Toyota Motor Europe (TME) revealed its latest electrified products and technologies at the Kenshiki Forum 2023 held in Brussels, Belgium. Apart from showcasing previously shown concept creations like the Toyota FT-3e and FT-Se, TME pulled the wraps off two more concepts, called the Urban SUV (global debut) and Sport Crossover (Europe debut). These will be a part of TME’s dedicated six-model BEV line-up for the European markets by 2026.
Toyota Urban SUV Concept
The new Urban SUV Concept is based on the same 27PL skateboard platform as the Maruti Suzuki eVX Concept shown at the Auto Expo 2023 in India. In fact, it’s the eVX’s Toyota counterpart. The Urban SUV Concept previews a midsize electric SUV that is bound to arrive in 2024. Reports suggest that both the eVX and the Urban SUV will enter production at Suzuki’s Gujarat facility for both export and domestic markets.
Once in production, the 4.3-metre B-segment SUV will be the most compact and accessible model in the previously-mentioned six-model BEV line-up. Toyota already has a good presence in the B-SUV segment in Europe, thanks to the hybrid electric Yaris Cross.
Though not much is known about the Urban SUV Concept so far, Toyota has confirmed that it will get both front and all-wheel drive powertrain options, along with two battery options (of different capacities) for more effective pricing and variant distribution.
Toyota bZ Sport Crossover Concept
The bZ Sport Crossover Concept made its European debut, previewing a new BEV that will enter production by 2025. The concept showcases a sleek aero silhouette and distinctive fastback lines, hinting at its role as a design template and benchmark for Toyota’s entire BEV line-up.
The bZ Sport Crossover Concept was first shown at Auto Shanghai in April this year. It has been developed by BYD Toyota EV Technology Co. Ltd. (BTET), a Chinese joint venture established between Toyota and BYD, for both the Chinese and European markets.
According to Toyota, the bZ Sport Crossover’s USP will be its availability as a practical solution to any comparable SUV that offers similar levels of comfort, space and performance.