Toyota Century SUV teased ahead of September 6 debut

First-ever Century-branded SUV will be sold in a number of international markets, unlike the Century sedan, which is a Japan-only model.

Published On Aug 30, 2023 03:40:00 PM

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Toyota has released the first teaser of its upcoming Century SUV, and has also announced that it will make its global debut on September 6, 2023. The development of the Toyota Century SUV was confirmed a couple of months ago by the Japanese manufacturer at the global debut of the new Vellfire MPV, a model that went on sale in India earlier this month.

The new ultra-luxury SUV will sit alongside the Century sedan – which has been in existence since 1967 – in the brand’s lineup.

Century SUV to come with a monocoque platform
Will come with a petrol-hybrid powertrain
Potential for India launch exists

Toyota Century SUV aimed at Range Rover, Bentayga

Unlike the Century sedan, which is only offered in the Japanese market, the Century SUV will be a global model. It will be used to expand Toyota’s Century range of luxury models in markets outside Japan, similar to what the company did with the Crown brand – it’s now available in many markets, including North America.

The upcoming Toyota Century SUV will be based on a monocoque chassis that will be shared with the Toyota Grand Highlander SUV. That makes it more suited to the city than off-road terrains, and is primarily aimed at chauffeur-driven buyers. Expect the Century SUV to be big on space and creature comforts, offering a plush experience for buyers. Also, expect Range Rover and Bentley Bentayga levels of interior quality and NVH levels. The Century SUV will be around 5.2 metres long, and could have a three-row seating option as well.

Toyota Century SUV: no V12 expected

At the moment, the Century sedan comes with a V12 petrol engine, but that will not be the case for the Century SUV. Toyota will equip the Century SUV with a petrol-hybrid powertrain – it could be the same one seen on the Grand Highlander SUV. These include a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with two electric motors to make a combined 243hp, and a 2.4-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol coupled with an electric motor for a total of 362hp.

Toyota Century SUV: will it come to India?

Toyota and Lexus have been proactively introducing its global models in India within weeks of their international debuts. Examples include the Vellfire and upcoming Lexus LM MPV. If this is any trend to go by, Toyota could introduce the Century SUV in India in order to lure potential luxury SUV customers from brands like Range Rover and Mercedes-Maybach, among others.

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