丰田章男说,世纪SUV将吸引More Youthful Customers

Oct. 06, 2023 3:09 PM ET byJarryd Neves Luxury /6 Comments

Akio Toyoda says the latest addition to the Chauffeur Series will appeal to younger executives and VIPs to the Century nameplate.

Toyota recentlyintroduced the Century SUV, an ultra-luxury vehicle that forms part of the brand's exclusive Chauffeur Series. Chairman Akio Toyoda recently commented that the newcomer is a significant addition to the brand and told theToyota Timesthat it will attract a new clientele.

"This is the top premium, chauffeur-driven car not just within Toyota, but in Japan," said Chairman Toyoda. "I think this model will also suit younger people and those who previously felt that a Century was not for them." He recalls a time when every single vehicle in the Toyota executive parking lot was a stately Century.

First introduced in 1967, the luxury limo was Toyota's response to the popular luxury imports from Europe. Successful Japanese business people no longer had to opt for a Mercedes or Rolls-Royce. Instead, they could buy a domestic car without compromising their standards. The Century is the car of choicefor the Japanese royal familyand captains of industry.

However, the stately, old-school design may not appeal to more contemporary customers, who prefer a de rigeur SUV. While the Century SUV may appeal to a younger clientele, we don't expect it to sell like hotcakes. Not only will Toyota want to keep it exclusive, but we're guessing not many people can shell out approximately $170,000 for a chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Then again, the Century SUV is considerably cheaper than the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan but doesn't sacrifice comfort or luxury. Toyota describes it as a luxury car for the times. When you realize that more high-ranking executives and professionals are opting for the Vellfire andAlphard luxury vans, it makes sense that a Century SUV has been introduced.

With room for four occupants, the interior is fit for an emperor. The rear seats recline 77 degrees, allowing tired tycoons to stretch out comfortably. When upright, there are even heated ottomans for passengers to rest their feet on. The package includes retractable tray tables, an 18-speaker sound system, and 11.6-inch screens mounted to the front seatbacks. Want more? A refrigerator can be specified at an extra cost.

Power comes from a plug-in hybrid 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors. The combined output of 406 horsepower is respectable but not as impressive as the 43-mile all-electric range (calculated on the WLTP cycle). Power is sent to all four wheels via an e-CVT.

Performance is of little importance to Century owners. Refinement and comfort are what matters. The TNGA architecture - which underpins many Toyota models - has been fettled for improved ride comfort and superior rigidity.

Even the glass has been designed to reduce cabin noise. A clear laminated pane separates the passenger compartment from the trunk, suppressing unwanted noise from the rear suspension and wheels. This results in a harmonious environment for tired tycoons and discerning VIPs.

Sadly, we don't see the Century SUV coming to America. Wealthy individuals who want something from the Toyota stable can choose from theLexus LSand several large SUVs from other manufacturers. Then again, we neverexpected to get the quirky Crown, so there's always a possibility. Reports suggest the Century SUV is mechanically related to the Toyota Highlander and Lexus TX, so perhaps American customers will be treated to a TX with a four-seater layout and increased levels of luxury.

The Century SUV lineup could grow to accommodate several new models. Ahigh-performance GRMN-badged modelis a real possibility, but we're not sure why anyone would want a sporty version of a comfort-oriented model. On the other hand, theweird Century convertiblecould be quirky enough to work.

丰田章男说,世纪SUV将吸引More Youthful Customers

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丰田章男说,世纪SUV将吸引More Youthful Customers

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