2023-12-17 17:00:00
European premiere for the new 100% electric SUV coupe concept from Toyota! After a first appearance in Shanghai, we finally discover the Toyota Sport Crossover Concept. Our first contact in images with the premium future of the brand.
Presented at the Shanghai Motor Show last April, the Toyota Sport Crossover Concept is finally showing itself here. Well, right next door, since it is in Brussels during the Kenshiki Forum 2023 that it makes its first European appearance. Gone is the sparkling yellow livery, it gives way to gray paint to “better correspond to the European market”. Sad. But what is less clear is what he announces. The one that foreshadows a new 100% electric model gives us a great overview of the design evolution at Toyota. According to the manufacturer, the production model “will be aimed at customers who do not just want a large SUV”. In the absence of knowing its underlying features, a short presentation in images from all its… exterior angles.
Read also
Test – Toyota bZ4X: the cost of “homemade”
The Toyota Sport Crossover Concept in terms of looks: Crown 2.0
Our concept of the day therefore rides on the trend of the 100% electric SUV coupe, with a nice touch of originality. But before we talk regarding evolution, let’s talk regarding history. Connoisseurs of the brand have seen it: this Toyota Sport Crossover Concept is derived from the large touring Toyota Crown. A model little known on the Old Continent, but which is nevertheless in its fifteenth generation (appearing in 1955!). Back to the present. Among the array of Toyota concepts, this half-SUV, half-coupe mix is in tune with the times. It displays a slender and flowing silhouette, with a smooth and resolutely aerodynamic design. Its rather high beltline extends towards a rear part that is both sculptural and sober. Its elongated, pointed rear quarter is reminiscent of a certain Peugeot 408. Fortunately, its distinctive “Hammerhead” front end takes us back to Toyota.
We thus find this famous “C” light signature that we appreciated on the latest Toyota Prius. For the rest, large 22-inch wheels and dark rocker panels provide a little contrast. Very successful for our taste, this design with the lines of fastback is bold without overdoing it either. At least compared to current standards for concept cars. Unsurprisingly, such a look was designed with aerodynamics and therefore efficiency in mind. A premium roader at heart, this coupe SUV will obviously maximize space and the experience inside.
A coupe SUV from Toyota and BYD
Interior for the moment perfectly secret, since our semi-hollow model is devoid of it. Move along, there is nothing to see through the windows. The manufacturer still tells us a little more regarding its Toyota Sport Crossover Concept. “This elegant alternative to SUVs will offer maximum comfort, in addition to the practicality of a 5-door architecture. It will offer a large trunk, as well as generous legroom in the rear.” Let’s still hope for adequate comfort for the front seats. Who knows, the driver will perhaps benefit from the space freed up by the adoption of “by wire” steering like Lexus One Motion Grip! In the meantime, remember that this Sport Crossover was developed for the Chinese and European markets by a joint venture. BYD Toyota EV Technology (BTET for short).
What to expect from the expertise of the Chinese giant in terms of batteries, among other things. Designed around an evolution of the bZ4X electric SUV platform, the Toyota Sport Crossover Concept should arrive in 2025. We can therefore now imagine a range of between 500 and 600 km. This while waiting for solid-state batteries by 2027/2028, which might allow 1,000 km of autonomy! The SUV coupe will be part of a complete range of 6 100% battery electric models planned for 2026. Toyota reminds us of its objective to offer exclusively zero-emission vehicles by 2035, and to achieve total neutrality in carbon by 2040. So, do you like it?
Read also
Toyota prepares an electric car with 1000 km of autonomy for 2026
1702871577
#discovery #SUV #coupe