Toyota Century SUV road testing begins ahead of late 2023 debut

Fresh spy shots reveal some design cues of Toyota’s upcoming flagship SUV.

Published On Jul 15, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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We recently reported that Toyota has confirmed an all-new SUV that will sit beside its popular Century flagship sedan line-up. This new Century SUV is now being tested on public roads on the outskirts of Japan. A global debut is likely to take place in the coming months.

Century SUV to be positioned above the Land Cruiser
Will be a city SUV aimed at chauffeur-driven buyers
Will come with petrol-hybrid powertrains

Toyota Century SUV: what do the spy shots reveal?

The Toyota Century SUV test mule seen in this first set of spy shots is heavily camouflaged but gives us a clear hint at its overall silhouette. The SUV gets steeply raked front and rear windshields, similar to its sedan sibling, but the nose is upright with large headlamps, which could get a dual-layer treatment. The grille seems to be large and equally upright too.

In profile, the SUV looks simple with minimal cuts and creases and subtly flared wheel arches. The multi-spoke alloy wheels shod on this test mule look quite similar to the ones seen on the Century sedan. The roof is flat but has a slightly slanted glasshouse at the back, while the rear seems to be upright.

Toyota Century SUV: what else is known?

This will be the second Century-badged offering after the sedan, which is sold only in Japan. However, unlike the sedan, the SUV will be a global product and will be used to expand the Century brand in markets outside Japan, similar to what Toyota did by expanding the Crown brand that's now available in many markets, including North America.

As reported earlier, this new SUV will have a monocoque chassis and will share its platform with the recently unveiled Grand Highlander SUV. The Century will be more suited to the city than off-road terrain, and primarily aimed at chauffeur-driven buyers. It is expected to be big on space and road presence, as seen in these spy shots.

The Century sedan, at the moment, comes with a V12 petrol engine, but that will not be the case for the SUV, which will be equipped with a petrol-hybrid powertrain.

Toyota Century SUV: positioning and rivals

The Century SUV, according to reports, will likely be priced higher than the Land Cruiser 300. With this new Century product, Toyota seems to be aiming to provide an ultra-luxurious SUV as an alternative to the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and also the Bentley Bentayaga.

Expect more details on the new Century SUV to be revealed closer to the launch, which is slated to take place later this year.

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