Europe has Rolls-Royce, the Americans, Cadillac, but the Japanese, they prefer to arrive in a Toyota Century. And yes, Toyota is unveiling the all-new, third-generation luxury limousine where else, but at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

Named to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries, the Toyota Century is the ride of both the Prime Minister of Japan and even the Imperial House of Japan. Not meant as an ostentatious display of wealth, the Century is meant for quiet, understated luxury.


Riding on an all-new platform, the Century is now longer in both overall length and wheelbase while also offering wider front and rear tracks. The styling remains true to its heritage, but updated by blending the grille, lamps, and other elements together. More emphasis has been given to the back where the trim of the rear combination lamps has been blackened.

Inside, the Century is certainly fit for royalty. The seats are covered in 100 percent wool making them flexible and soft. Of course, soft-textured leather is available for those with more plebeian tastes. There’s also heather-patterned upholstery on the backs of the front seats and door trims. The strict 2-seater rear quarters offer adjustable power leg rests and adjustable rear seats with built-in massagers as well as an LCD panel located in the center armrest that controls all of the seats, air conditioning, and audio controls.


And of course, the Century is fitted with all sorts of features such as a writing table, reading light, rear-seat entertainment system and a 20-speaker audio system.

The biggest change for the Century is a move from V12 to V8 power, specifically a 5.0-liter V8 with an electric hybrid system. The 2UR-FSE V8 engine uses D-4S direct-injection technology while the hybrid system uses a two-stage motor speed reduction device for a quieter, smoother drive.


Coupled with the new V8 engine, the Century rides on a highly-rigid body. A specially-tuned suspension along with newly-developed tires optimize it for ride comfort and reduced road vibrations. An active noise control system further reduces noise and vibration.

And of course, the Century comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense P collision avoidance support, blind sport monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

In Japan, the Toyota Century retails for around 11.5 million yen or around P 5.2 million pesos making even more expensive than the Lexus LS sedan.