Toyota has unveiled its ultimate flagship: the Century SUV and it will probably give the Rolls-Royce Cullinan a run for its money.
Dubbed “Century for the next century,” Toyota admits that changing customer tastes had a hand in its decision to add an SUV body style. With that, the third-generation Century sedan will still be retained in its line-up, but this new electrified Century SUV will join the Japan domestic line-up for a whopping 20.08 million yen (P 7.772 million).
Still riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture, which allows for better rigidity and overall comfort, Toyota engineers have given its cargo hold a separate isolated area via a “luggage compartment separate structure.” This adds a noise-reducing rear glass to properly separate the cabin from the cargo hold. If it sounds like something that first made its debut in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, that doesn’t seem too far off.
The Century SUV measures in like a full-sized SUV with a length of 5,205 mm, width of 1,990 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm (height is 1,805 mm). Yet, don’t expect it to seat seven or even five adults. It’s purely a four-seater. The rear compartment has a large panoramic glass roof with two ottoman seats separated by a high center console that doubles as the arm rest.
Designed as a chauffeur-driven SUV, the Century SUV’s front part is more simplistic, going instead for ease-of-use. Instead of a massive touchscreen, the Century uses more direct physical controls for the climate control, seats, and such.
As for the design, the Century SUV takes on a general profile that’s close to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Of course, Toyota designers managed to keep some of the sedan’s trademark cues like the shape of the grille, the Century script on the tailgate, and the engraved phoenix emblems. In addition, some of the painted surfaces are polished to achieve a mirror-like finish. The door panels also boast kichomen chamfering to accentuate certain lines for a smooth visual flow. Standard wheel size is 20 inches with 22-inch ones available as an option.
A big highlight of the Century SUV’s design is its ultra-wide rear doors that swing open up to 75 degrees. It also deploys automatic retractable side steps. Power sliding rear doors are also an available option.
In addition, Toyota is allowing customers to customize their Century SUV. “Century Meisters” can even create bespoke creations such as a GRMN (Gazoo Racing Masters of Nurburgring) package and even a convertible version.
Powering the Century SUV is an electrified 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid. The normally-aspirated 2GR-FXS outputs 412 horsepower. Power is routed through an E-CVT and an electric motor. An E-Four all-wheel drive system powers the rear axle.
Other driving-related features include Dynamic Rear Steering (rear-wheel steering) to help with maneuverability, while a Rear Comfort mode supports the driver’s control of the vehicle to make sure rear passengers remain comfortable by assisting braking control to suppress jolts when the vehicle comes to a halt.
Sales in Japan start in October with a volume target of just 30 units per month. Toyota mentioned no plans to offer it for export.
Toyota ruined the Century and they've turned into this abomination!š
ReplyDeleteWealthy Japanese executives,businessman and celebrities are still gonna buy a Mercedes Benz G63 or Range Rover instead of this.
Very powerful and at same time fuel efficient, japanese craftmanship at its finest. Unlike those trying hard chinese cullinan wannabe copycatš¤£š¤£š¤£
DeleteNot v12 so not a real Cullinan competitor.
ReplyDeletePipila po ang politiko dito at paghahanda po sa National and Local Elections. Halalan 2024. Karamihan po dun ang mga high profile politicians.
ReplyDeletePang RHD market lang to š
DeleteLocal politicians are already happy with their Mercedes Benz AMG G63 and Range Rover which doesn't look hideous.
Did you say power sliding rear doors?
ReplyDeleteYup. It can be specified with power rear sliding doors.
DeleteThe Toyota Century has minivan-like electric sliding rear doors.
DeleteJapan = a rolls royce competitor/fighter
ReplyDeleteChina = a rolls royce knockoff/copycat
Hmmm, indeed...
DeleteAre SUVs really going to replace cars?
ReplyDeletelooks like an abomination
ReplyDeleteThis is perfectly fine and shows Toyota's highend aspirations. Quite funny if this will be sold in PH, seeing it in the usual Toyota showroom alongside the disposable Daihatsus, though.
ReplyDeleteMaybe what you Mean are disposable china cars na nabubulok na sa repair area ng mga dealerships. Just look at the avanza taxi for reference on the reliability and durability of daihatsu DNGA. First gen avanza n wigo andyan parin sa kalye, china cars wala pa 3 years sira sira na.
ReplyDeleteWe're only talking Toyotas here, right? No need to stroke your fragile ego by comparing your fave to another brand. DNGA is disposable, especially when you crash, with the lack of any global safety rating. Good luck!
Delete