Toyota has launched its first fully electric vehicle in Qatar. The bZ4X Touring leads a five-model debut from local distributor Al Abdulghani Motors. In addition, the line-up includes the Lexus RZ 500e and an all-electric version of the new Lexus ES, so buyers in Qatar now have three more battery-powered options from the Japanese group.
What happened at the launch?
Al Abdulghani Motors is the authorised Toyota and Lexus distributor in Qatar. It revealed the five models at an exclusive evening at its Lexus Main Showroom. After that, the event opened to the public as a four-day showcase called the Al Abdulghani Motor Show. The show ran until 10 October 2026.
The full line-up covers the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, Toyota Hilux, Toyota bZ4X Touring, Lexus ES and Lexus RZ 500e. As a result, the event spans rugged off-roaders, a pickup, a luxury saloon and two electric SUVs.
Which of the new models are electric?
Three of the five launches offer a fully electric powertrain. The first is the bZ4X Touring, Toyota’s first fully electric car in the local market. Next comes the Lexus RZ 500e, an electric luxury SUV. Finally, the eighth-generation Lexus ES arrives with both hybrid and fully electric versions.
For a brand long associated with hybrids, that’s a notable step. Meanwhile, the distributor describes the move as an important milestone for the business. It also says the wider electric range gives Qatari customers more choice.
What does the bZ4X Touring offer?
The bZ4X Touring uses two motors and four-wheel drive, with a combined output of 280 kW. It draws power from a 74.69 kWh battery. Toyota quotes a range of up to 611 km on the NEDC test cycle. However, that’s a manufacturer estimate, not an independent result. NEDC figures also tend to be more generous than real-world driving, so owners should expect less in daily use.
Performance looks strong for a family SUV. Toyota claims 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, again a manufacturer figure. Besides that, the car includes X-MODE for low-traction surfaces, which should help on sand or loose gravel. Inside, there’s a 14-inch integrated display and more than 600 litres of cargo space.
What about the Lexus RZ 500e and ES?
The RZ 500e sits on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the same dedicated electric base used by the bZ4X. It has DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, with 167 kW from the front motor and another 167 kW from the rear. A 74.7 kWh battery supplies the power. On top of that, Lexus fits 20-inch alloy wheels, a colour head-up display and ventilated seats. The safety and comfort kit also includes Lexus Safety System+ and IR-cut glass, which helps reduce heat entering the cabin.
The new ES, by contrast, gives buyers a choice of drivetrain. The hybrid pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric assistance for 244 hp. Meanwhile, the fully electric ES produces 338 hp and drives all four wheels. The ES nameplate dates back to 1989, and Lexus says this generation builds on its focus on comfort and craftsmanship.
What else is new from Toyota?
The two remaining launches both run on combustion engines. First, the all-new Land Cruiser FJ is a smaller member of the Land Cruiser family. It has a 2,580 mm wheelbase, a 5.5-metre turning radius and selectable four-wheel drive. A 2.7-litre petrol engine provides 164 hp and 245 Nm of torque.
Likewise, the ninth-generation Hilux brings a redesigned cabin and improved ride comfort. Buyers can choose 2.7-litre or 4.0-litre petrol engines. There’s also a 2.8-litre diesel with 201 hp, available only with the Overland Package.
Why does the distributor see this as important?
Al Abdulghani Motors links the electric expansion to Qatar’s sustainable transport goals. Specifically, it points to the Ministry of Transport’s Transportation Master Plan for Qatar 2050 and the aims of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Chief executive Abdulghani Nasser Al Abdulghani said the industry is “rapidly transforming”. Even so, he stressed that quality, reliability and safety remain constant priorities. He also argued that the future of mobility rests on the wider ecosystem around the car. For that reason, the company plans to strengthen its aftersales services, customer experience and electric-vehicle infrastructure.
What don’t we know yet?
Several key details are still missing. The launch material doesn’t include prices for any of the five models. Similarly, it gives no DC charging speeds for the bZ4X Touring, the RZ 500e or the electric ES. Those figures are very important to anyone weighing up an electric car.
The company also hasn’t said what charging infrastructure it’ll add, or when. Its promise to support electric vehicles sounds positive. Still, buyers will want firmer detail before committing.
How can people see the cars?
All five models were on display at the Lexus Main Showroom until 10 October. The show opened from 4pm to 10pm, while final-day hours ran from 10am to 10pm. Now, customers can visit Toyota and Lexus showrooms across Qatar to learn more or book a test drive. Alternatively, they can call Toyota on 8001800 or Lexus on 8002929.
