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.
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The new model is simply called Century, with the phoenix emblem replacing all Toyota badges. The profile is inspired by Rolls-Royce, featuring a similar chrome-infused greenhouse and a dropping character line. On the other hand, the nearly-split LED headlights and taillights are reminiscent of Genesis. The exterior is available in 7 different shades, with 5 of them getting a bi-tone treatment. According to Toyota, the bodywork has a “mirror finish” achieved from “meticulous polishing” of the painted surfaces.
A High-Riding Limo
As with most chauffeur-driven vehicles, more emphasis was given to the interior. The rear doors open to a wide 75-degree angle, with retractable power steps and C-pillar grips making it easier to jump inside the spacious cabin. Interestingly, Toyota offers the option of sliding rear doors, showcasing it in a GR-branded prototype during the official presentation.
The cabin is exclusively available with a four-seater layout, separated from the luggage compartment by a noise-reducing clear laminated glass. The fully reclining heated and ventilated rear seats with extendable footrests and the folding front passenger seat allow the passenger to lie down completely, while a “refreshment function” makes sure they will reach their destination feeling rejuvenated.
Rear passengers also get access to a set of 11.6-inch displays, a refrigerated compartment, two smartphone-like touchscreen controls, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a sophisticated audio system inspired by musical instrument manufacturing techniques. At the front, the digital cockpit comprises dual 12.3-inch displays, with top-notch materials covering every interior surface.
TNGA Underpinnings And Plug-In Hybrid Power
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 US-spec 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.
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Under the bonnet lies a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain, sending power to all four wheels via an e-CVT gearbox and the E-Four Advanced AWD system. Toyota says that this setup produces a combined 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS), and offers a zero-emission range of up to 69 km (43 miles). The V6 might not sound as impressive as the V8 in the current Century sedan or the glorious V12 in previous iterations, but allows the SUV to behave like a quiet BEV in urban environments, transforming into a HEV for longer journeys on the highway.
The model is also equipped with “Dynamic Rear Steering” making it easier to maneuver at low speeds. Furthermore, it introduces a new “Rear Comfort mode” which helps the driver make the journey as comfortable as possible for the rear passengers.
Limited Availability, Extensive Personalization Options
The Century SUV will be available in select dealers in Japan, with targeted sales of 30 units per month produced at the Tahara Plant. Order books are already open and the first deliveries are expected within 2023. Pricing starts from ¥25,000,000 ($169,580) which is quite steep for a Toyota but sounds like a bargain when you compare it to rival offerings from Rolls-Royce or Bentley.
Toyota plans on offering extensive personalization options for the Century SUV, going as far as creating one-off builds upon request. A group of salesmen and engineers called “Century Meisters” will help prospective buyers customize the vehicle according to their needs, while the special one-of-one commissions – like a cabriolet SUV that appeared on a teaser – will be built by “master craftspeople”. Interestingly, the press release mentions that the vehicle will be “fully customizable on a global basis”, meaning that interested parties outside Japan will also gain access to the flagship.
