Toyota is no more luxurious than the Century, a full-size sedan positioned at the top of the food chain. The Japan-only model has been around since 1967 and entered the current generation in 2018 to follow the second-generation car and its mighty V12 engine. These low-volume saloons are mostly sold to important people in the Land of the Rising Sun with prices starting at 20 million yen. That worked out to be $152,000 or €142,000 at the current exchange rate.
A new report from Japan Best Car the magazine claims Toyota is preparing to launch a version of the Century SUV. Take the report with a pinch of salt but the outlet is confident it will be based on the Highlander. However, it is said to be longer than the donor vehicle and has two rows of seating with ample legroom for the rear passengers.
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The high-riding Century is believed to be 5.2 meters (204.7 inches) long, which would make it longer than the Land Cruiser. The large 3 meter (118.1 in) wheelbase was moot, so a very spacious interior was expected. Toyota’s absolute flagship SUV is reportedly 1,950 mm (76.7 in) wide and 1,750 mm (68.9 in) high, with a curb weight of around 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds).
Power can come from the 3.5 liter V6 engine inherited from the Lexus LC 500h and LS 500h. Toyota also intends to sell the Century SUV with a hybrid powertrain by installing an electric motor at the rear. It seems that there are no plans to put the 5.0-liter V8 sedan in the new generation Best Car believe in being driven by their owner rather than being a chauffeur driven vehicle like a sedan.
They cost between 10 and 15 million yen, so $75,800 to $114,000 (€70,600 to €106,000). Toyota allegedly intends to sell the Century SUV at home in Japan in early-mid-2023, without details about possibly exporting the vehicle to other markets. While the idea of giving a sports utility vehicle a fabled name may seem irreverent, keep in mind there’s now an entire family of Crown models in Japan.
