The Toyota Century has long been regarded as Japan's equivalent to a Rolls-Royce, representing the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. Since its debut in 1967, the Century has been a symbol of prestige and elegance, typically offered as a stately sedan. However, Toyota is now venturing into new territory by introducing the first Century SUV, targeting the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This off-road-oriented SUV has been meticulously designed with chauffeur-driven buyers in mind.

Distinctive Design

While the Century SUV shares its name with the classic sedan, it departs from tradition with a modern and rugged design. Notable design elements include an upright front end, squared-off quarter panels, and a contemporary front fascia. The front of the SUV features rectangular headlights with four LED accents and a honeycomb-patterned grille that gradually decreases in size. Bright trim accents and two-tone paint options underscore the Century SUV's flagship status and its connection to the Century sedan. The rear of the vehicle includes a roof-mounted spoiler, lights with four LEDs to match the front's lighting signature, and prominent "CENTURY" lettering on the hatch.

It's essential to note that the Century SUV is highly customizable, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles according to their preferences, similar to offerings from Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Luxurious Dimensions

The Century SUV is a sizable vehicle, measuring approximately 205 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 71 inches in height. It weighs a substantial 5,665 pounds, making it longer and taller than the standard-wheelbase Bentley Bentayga and nearly as wide. However, in this context, the emphasis is on luxury and space rather than seating capacity. The interior is designed for four passengers, with a particular focus on rear-seat comfort. The rear doors open at a 75-degree angle for easy entry and exit, and passengers can utilize power-operated running boards and integrated handles in each C-pillar for added convenience. Once inside, passengers are treated to business class-style reclining seats and a built-in drink cooler.

Even the trunk is designed to enhance passenger comfort, featuring noise-reducing clear laminated glass that separates it from the passenger compartment. In the front, where the chauffeur typically sits, the SUV offers a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment system display.

Hybrid Powertrain

While the Century sedan is propelled by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the Century SUV adopts a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain centered around a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Specific powertrain details have not been disclosed, but the vehicle comes standard with a four-wheel steering system and a new Rear Comfort driving mode that assists with braking control to minimize jolts when coming to a stop.

Pricing and Availability

The Toyota Century SUV is currently on sale, starting at a base price of 25,000,000 yen, including applicable taxes, which translates to approximately $170,000. However, it's worth noting that this prestigious model is unlikely to be offered outside of Japan. Additionally, potential buyers should be prepared to wait for quite some time, as these vehicles are highly exclusive, and demand is expected to exceed supply.

In summary, the Toyota Century SUV represents a bold expansion of the Century lineage, bringing luxurious off-road capabilities to the world of chauffeur-driven vehicles. With its attention to detail, spacious interior, and hybrid powertrain, it upholds the Century's tradition of excellence and exclusivity.

Some pictures of 2024 Toyota Century SUV

2024 Toyota Century SUV
https://hub.monenow.com/2023/09/09/introducing-the-toyota-century-suv-a-luxurious-off-roader/