This sleekly-styled all-electric crossover from Toyota will first go on sale in Europe later this year.
While Toyota has certainly taken its time in joining the EV party, it has finally decided to expand beyond just one (or technically two) tailpipe-less cars in its lineup. The latest addition comes in the form of this all-electric crossover, somewhat confusingly dubbed the C-HR+.
Starting with its rather strange name, the reason for its oddity is that this all-electric C-HR+ is technically unrelated to the hybrid crossover of the same name. In fact, this model was initially expected to carry the bZ3X nameplate and is essentially the production version of the bZ Compact SUV concept, which Toyota first showcased in 2022.
No official rationale has been provided by the Japanese automaker for deviating from the bZ naming convention, though it could be an implicit admission that “bZ4X” was not exactly the most user-friendly name. Toyota has, however, stated that the “+” suffix in the C-HR+ signifies “added versatility and practicality” over its hybrid namesake, as well as the “specific qualities and benefits of the BEV powertrain.”
Moving on to the car itself, the C-HR+ measures 4,520 mm in length — 168 mm longer than the standard C-HR. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 110 mm to 2,750 mm. Toyota claims that this e-crossover’s cabin space is “a class above” its rivals, though its 416-litre boot capacity places it at the lower end of the segment.
In terms of exterior design, the C-HR+ sports an extended bonnet featuring Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead’ front-end design, while its long, raked roofline culminates in a full-width rear light bar. The front doors retain conventional handles, whereas the rear doors are equipped with hidden handles integrated into the C-pillar.
Inside, the C-HR+ boasts a large 14-inch floating touchscreen and a high-mounted digital instrument cluster positioned ahead of its distinctive, bulbous steering wheel. Other notable interior features include a rotary gear selector situated aft of a pair of wireless chargers in the floating center console. Toyota has also confirmed that the C-HR+ will offer a panoramic roof and rear cabin USB ports.
During its eventual launch, Toyota will be offering the C-HR+ with three powertrain configurations. The base model features a front-mounted 167 PS electric motor paired with a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering a 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds and a WLTP-claimed range of 455 km.
Stepping up, the more powerful front-wheel-drive variant comes with a 224 PS electric motor and a larger 77-kWh battery, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds and the longest range of the lineup at 600 km.
Topping the range is the flagship dual-motor AWD variant, which produces a combined 343 PS—incidentally, 3 PS more than the standard 3.0-liter straight-six GR Supra. This variant completes the century sprint in just 5.2 seconds. It also comes exclusively with the 77-kWh battery, delivering a WLTP-claimed range of 525 km.
An 11 kW onboard AC charger is standard for the lower tier trims, while higher-spec cars get an upgraded 22 kW unit. Regardless of the variant, DC fast charging peaks at 150 kW. Toyota is further claiming that the battery will retain at least 70% of its performance even after 10 years of use.
One other thing to note regarding how this C-HR+ drives is that despite being based on the same e-TNGA platform as the bZ4x, Toyota has stated that this model is to be graced with its own bespoke suspension setup, featuring stiffened anti-roll bars and more responsive steering than its larger sibling. The automaker is looking to position this model as being more suited to singles and couples, in contrast to the larger, family-oriented bZ4X.
The C-HR+ will first go on sale in Europe later this year before an eventual launch in North America and Asia. Pricing for this e-crossover is expected to start at around £38,000 (RM 220,000).
