The plug-in hybrid SUV represents the next generation of chauffeur vehicles serving as a high-riding alternative to the Century sedan
September 6, 2023 at 03:52
Toyota unveiled the much-anticipated Century SUV in Japan, a luxurious offering that will be produced in limited numbers alongside the Century sedan. The new flagship SUV comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a four-seater cabin, and a 5,205 mm (204.9 inches) long body sending Rolls-Royce vibes.
According to Toyota, the market for chauffeur-driven cars has evolved in recent years, with passengers seeking to “utilize” their time on the road more effectively by resting or participating in online meetings. This is why the company decided to develop a new model, adopting the SUV stance as a Japanese alternative to the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Bentley Bentayga.
The new model is simply called Century, with the phoenix emblem replacing all Toyota badges. The profile is clearly inspired by Rolls-Royce in terms of the greenhouse, and the dropping character line. On the other hand, the split LED headlights and taillights are reminiscent of Genesis. Toyota designers opted for a bi-tone treatment for the exterior which comes with a “mirror finish”.
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Measuring 5,205 mm (204.9 inches) long, 1,990 mm (78.3 inches) wide, and 1,805 mm (71.1 inches) tall, the Century SUV is longer than the Land Cruiser, but slightly shorter than the Sequoia. On the other hand, the wheelbase of 2,950 mm (116.1 inches) is nearly identical to the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX which are based on the same TNGA-K architecture.
Under the bonnet lies a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain. This might not sound as impressive as the V8 of its sedan sibling, but allows it to behave like a quiet BEV in urban environments, transforming into a HEV for longer journeys on the highway.
The Toyota Century SUV will be available in select dealers in Japan, with targeted sales of 30 units per month. Pricing will start from ¥25,000,000 ($169,580). The company plans to offer extensive personalization options and will go as far as creating one-off builds based on the customer’s preferences.
This is a developing story and will be updated…
