Toyota has released the first set of images and details of its future midsize electric SUV in concept form. Called the Toyota Urban SUV concept, this new model is a sister to the Maruti Suzuki eVX SUV. Both SUVs are expected to see a global debut in production form next year.
- Toyota Urban SUV to be made in India
- Will sit on 27PL skateboard platform
- Will be built alongside the Maruti eVX
Toyota Urban SUV to have a lot in common with Maruti eVX
The Urban SUV concept will be built on the shared architecture with Maruti's eVX to facilitate greater economies of scale. This commonality will not just be limited to the platform or mechanicals but also include exterior body panels and interior trim, just as the existing shared models between both brands.
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Toyota has revealed that the Urban SUV concept measures 4,300mm in length, 1,820mm in width and 1,620mm height, which is quite similar to the Maruti eVX – the latter has the same length but is 20mm shorter in height and width. Both models are also expected to share the same 2,700mm wheelbase.
As far as styling is concerned, the concept looks quite similar to the newer crop of Toyota EVs such as the bZ compact SUV concept that was showcased last year. It has edgy surfaces and wears C-shaped LED daytime running lamps up front, along with a minimalist-looking front bumper. It has flared wheel arches and a typical upright SUV silhouette with a rugged appeal. The rear end is particularly similar to the eVX; the doors and glass house also seem to be quite similar, although the rear door handles here are placed on the C-pillar.
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While the interior of the Toyota Urban SUV concept has not yet been revealed, Suzuki has given us a look at the eVX’s interior. It's safe to expect something similar from the Toyota – it will have plenty of space and flexibility thanks to its born-EV skateboard platform. The eVX-based SUV will also have plush interiors and an expansive list of creature comforts, safety features and tech.
Toyota Urban SUV: platform and powertrain
Just like the eVX, the Urban SUV from Toyota will sit on the 27PL skateboard platform that will be heavily localised and built in India at Suzuki’s Gujarat facility, for both export and domestic markets, and, as we reported last year, this plant has a target to manufacture over 1.25 lakh vehicles annually. There will be two battery pack options, with the higher-spec variant offering 400km-plus range. Toyota says that the SUV will have both FWD and dual-motor AWD options for some markets.
Toyota Urban SUV: launch timeline
This SUV in its production form will be Toyota’s entry-point to its electric SUV line-up in some European markets. Toyota has said it is readying three EV SUVs for Europe and the made-in-India Urban SUV will be one of them. Two more electric SUVs, the bZ Sport Crossover and the Compact SUV Crossover, are the other two EVs being readied for launch there. Expect Toyota to introduce the Urban SUV in our market a few months after the production-spec Suzuki eVX hits Maruti showrooms sometime in 2024.
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