Subaru and Toyota have formed an alliance (once again) to make the leap into the electric age and, incidentally, the premium brand of the second, Lexus, has also been included in the garlic. As a result, it is a trio of twin models that, yes, are not exactly the same.
We are going to analyze Toyota bZ4x, Subaru Solterra and Lexus RX 450e to reveal what are the common areas between them, what aspects are similar (if not identical) and what features are used to differentiate themselves.
Dimensions
Since they share the same platform and are essentially the same car, you would think they are the same size, but they are not: Solterra and bZ4x are identical, but the RZ 450e has larger dimensions.
The first two have a length of 4.69 meters, a width of 1.86 meters and a height of 1.65 meters. The third is longer (4.80 meters) and wider (1.89 meters), but also lower (1.63 meters). What the three do agree on is the same wheelbase: 2.85 meters.
Design
Seeing the silhouette against the light, we doubt that anyone can tell what car we are talking about with just a glance, something that is logical, since its proportions and format are the same, but each brand has done its part to distinguish its creation with specific details, mainly in the front and rear lights.
The Toyota bZ4x is the one with the friendliest and most neutral face, with an almost completely faired bumper, small vertical air intakes on the sides and slim headlights joined by a black central section.
The Subaru Solterra shows the more country side of the trio, incorporating aluminum reinforcement in the bumper and fog lights in the lower part. In addition, it replicates the brand’s characteristic hexagonal grille and its ‘C’-shaped headlights follow the line of its combustion models.
The Lexus is by far the sportiest of the trio. Its front is exaggeratedly aggressive when using, even in sheet metal, the shape of the company’s huge grills. The taillights are extremely sharp and the lower guards, instead of plastic, are finished in gloss black, giving it a very distinctive touch.
The steering wheel
A minor detail in most cars, but not in this case. The first model of the trio to be announced was the Toyota bZ4x, which brought with it the One Motion Grip, a split-top ‘yoke’ steering wheel that also employs an electric steering system, rather than a traditional mechanical one.
In their domestic market, all three are going to offer it, but it is not going to be like that in Europe. Toyota will bring it, but it won’t be available at launch; Subaru has announced that a priori it has no intention of marketing it in the Old Continent and Lexus has confirmed its arrival.
Mechanics
All three have been developed on Toyota’s eTNGA platform and, therefore, have the option of using the same mechanics, but the brands have chosen not to do so.
The bZ4x is the only one available in a 4×2 version, with an engine coupled to the front axle that develops 204 hp, but you can also opt for the 4×4, which uses two smaller blocks and together develops 218 hp.
It is the only alternative offered for the Solterra, with a 109 hp front engine and an identical rear engine.
The Lexus is also exclusively 4×4, but its system has considerably more power, since the front motor has 150 kW and the rear 80 kW, achieving a combined 313 hp (230 kW).
Yes, the battery is common to all of them, with a capacity of 71.4 kWh, although the autonomy it gives them varies due to differences in power and traction.
Price
The last aspect in which they will differ. The Toyota will have the cheapest starting rate, since it is the only one with a rear-wheel drive version, but the prices of the 4×4 and the Subaru will be very similar and will enter the Moves Plan (45,000 euros before taxes at most). The Lexus, with more power and premium positioning, will be the most expensive.
