Toyota C-HR+ revealed as 338bhp, 373-mile Ford Explorer rival
"Fun to drive" sibling to the bZ4X will arrive this year with prices set to start at less than £40,000 Toyota has revealed the C-HR+, the brand’s third electric car and, in top-rung 338bhp form, one of the most powerful cars it has launched in Europe. Described by Toyota as the “core” model in its EV line-up, it gives the firm a foothold in the popular electric C-SUV segment. The car was originally tipped to carry the bZ3X nameplate and is based on the bZ Compact SUV concept, unveiled in 2022. It remains largely true to that concept, with a long raked roofline and extended bonnet. Like its hybrid-powered C-HR range-mate, it is bookended by a full-width rear light bar and Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead’ front-end design. At 4520mm long, the C-HR+ will be positioned between the recently revealed Urban Cruiser crossover and the larger bZ4X in Toyota’s EV range. Its size pits it against the likes of the Volvo EC40, Smart #3, Mini Countryman and BMW iX2. Toyota’s new EV is likely to undercut these rivals, though, with pricing predicted to start from around £38,000. A 2750mm wheelbase results in cabin space that is a “class above” its rivals, according to Toyota. Although no exact measurements have been given, the firm claims the C-HR+ offers more than is “typically expected of a C-SUV”. However, at 416 litres, boot space is at the lower end of the class. Interior options include two wireless smartphone chargers, air-con controls for rear occupants and a panoramic roof. The C-HR+ is 168mm longer than the hybrid C-HR and is positioned as its electric alternative despite being technically unrelated. Toyota says that the ‘+’ suffix signifies “added versatility and practicality” over its namesake as well as the “specific qualities and benefits of the BEV powertrain”. At Toyota's annual Kenshiki conference in Brussels, Europe CEO Yoshihiro Nakata said: “We wanted to bring all the passion, emotion and success of the C-HR to the BEV segment, so in this space it shares the same DNA.” Based on the e-TNGA platform also used by the bZ4X, the C-HR+ is offered with either a 57.7kWh or 77.0kWh battery. Its WLTP range of up to 373 miles makes it one of the longest-range cars in the segment. An 11kW on-board charger is standard and high-spec models get a 22kW unit. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW. The C-HR+ can be had with front-wheel drive or, exclusively with the 77kWh pack, all-wheel drive. Power levels begin at 165bhp, rise to 221bhp and top out at 338bhp in dual-motor, all-wheel-drive form. This beats the standard 3.0-litre six-pot GR Supra by 3bhp. For power output, the EV is beaten only by the 429bhp GR Supra Final Edition as the most potent Toyota to date, although that sports coupé is sold in very limited numbers and not in the UK. Toyota claims the C-HR+ is “fun to drive”, thanks to the rigidity of the platform, bespoke-tuned suspension, stiffened anti-roll bars and responsive steering. This, says Toyota, is what sets it apart from the bZ4X. Full UK range details will be revealed closer to the car’s arrival later this year.
"Fun to drive" sibling to the bZ4X will arrive this year with prices set to start at less than £40,000
Toyota has revealed the C-HR+, the brand’s third electric car and, in top-rung 338bhp form, one of the most powerful cars it has launched in Europe.
Described by Toyota as the “core” model in its EV line-up, it gives the firm a foothold in the popular electric C-SUV segment.
The car was originally tipped to carry the bZ3X nameplate and is based on the bZ Compact SUV concept, unveiled in 2022.
It remains largely true to that concept, with a long raked roofline and extended bonnet. Like its hybrid-powered C-HR range-mate, it is bookended by a full-width rear light bar and Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead’ front-end design.
At 4520mm long, the C-HR+ will be positioned between the recently revealed Urban Cruiser crossover and the larger bZ4X in Toyota’s EV range. Its size pits it against the likes of the Volvo EC40, Smart #3, Mini Countryman and BMW iX2. Toyota’s new EV is likely to undercut these rivals, though, with pricing predicted to start from around £38,000.
A 2750mm wheelbase results in cabin space that is a “class above” its rivals, according to Toyota. Although no exact measurements have been given, the firm claims the C-HR+ offers more than is “typically expected of a C-SUV”. However, at 416 litres, boot space is at the lower end of the class. Interior options include two wireless smartphone chargers, air-con controls for rear occupants and a panoramic roof.
The C-HR+ is 168mm longer than the hybrid C-HR and is positioned as its electric alternative despite being technically unrelated.
Toyota says that the ‘+’ suffix signifies “added versatility and practicality” over its namesake as well as the “specific qualities and benefits of the BEV powertrain”.
At Toyota's annual Kenshiki conference in Brussels, Europe CEO Yoshihiro Nakata said: “We wanted to bring all the passion, emotion and success of the C-HR to the BEV segment, so in this space it shares the same DNA.”
Based on the e-TNGA platform also used by the bZ4X, the C-HR+ is offered with either a 57.7kWh or 77.0kWh battery. Its WLTP range of up to 373 miles makes it one of the longest-range cars in the segment. An 11kW on-board charger is standard and high-spec models get a 22kW unit. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW.
The C-HR+ can be had with front-wheel drive or, exclusively with the 77kWh pack, all-wheel drive. Power levels begin at 165bhp, rise to 221bhp and top out at 338bhp in dual-motor, all-wheel-drive form. This beats the standard 3.0-litre six-pot GR Supra by 3bhp.
For power output, the EV is beaten only by the 429bhp GR Supra Final Edition as the most potent Toyota to date, although that sports coupé is sold in very limited numbers and not in the UK.
Toyota claims the C-HR+ is “fun to drive”, thanks to the rigidity of the platform, bespoke-tuned suspension, stiffened anti-roll bars and responsive steering. This, says Toyota, is what sets it apart from the bZ4X. Full UK range details will be revealed closer to the car’s arrival later this year.
