Toyota Century: the new Japanese SUV with a 400 CV hybrid powertrain

In an exciting announcement on Japanese soil, Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the new Toyota Century 2023. This luxury model, which opens for orders from today, represents the culmination of decades of dedication to automotive excellence and hospitality. Scheduled to go on sale during 2023, the Century promises to maintain its legendary status while showcasing its capabilities for comfort and satisfaction, with features designed for a “chauffeur” experience.

Since its debut in 1967, the Century has earned a special place in the automotive world as the premium vehicle of Toyota designed to carry all kinds of passengers, hence its role as a “chauffeur” car. At a time when Western luxury brands dominated the Japanese chauffeur-driven vehicle market, Toyota entered the scene in earnest to create a symbol of Japanese luxury capable of competing globally. The result was the first-generation Century, an engineering marvel for its time, with exceptional design that incorporated traditional Japanese aesthetic elements and a focus on passenger well-being.

An SUV designed for chauffeurs, with a rich history

Over more than five decades, the Century became an emblem of Japanese hospitality, known as “omotenashi“, a gesture aimed at ensuring that passengers arrived at their destinations with unmatched comfort.

The highlight of the Century 2023 is its personalization. Toyota is committed to listening to each individual customer to offer “the utmost freedom of movement”. The vehicle has been meticulously designed to reflect a “majestic grandeur” in its styling, incorporating Japanese elements that shape its bodywork both horizontally and vertically. The result is a rolling work of art, adorned with handcrafted details including an exquisitely engraved phoenix emblem and a mirror finish that dazzles with its luxurious shine.

Interior designed to the last detail

Inside, the Century offers a space that places the human being at the center, with fully reclining rear seats and an audio system designed with the same precision as a musical instrument. The rear doors open to a wide angle of 75 degrees, facilitating entry and exit, while the retractable electric steps add a touch of elegance to the experience.

For drivers, the Century 2023 has been designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The cabin is equipped with control features that support even professional drivers, allowing them to concentrate on the road.

From V8 to V6

The Century’s performance has also received a significant upgrade. The 3.5-litre V6 plug-in hybrid system combines power and efficiency, delivering an exceptional driving experience. The “Dynamic Rear Steering” four-wheel steering ensures smooth handling, while the rear comfort mode enhances passenger comfort during stops.

Beneath its elegant exterior, the Toyota Century 2023 houses a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid propulsion system. Equipped with a powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, this vehicle delivers striking power to all four wheels through an advanced e-CVT gearbox and the E-Four all-wheel-drive system. The numbers speak for themselves: an impressive combined output of 406 horsepower (equivalent to 303 kW), translating into outstanding performance. In addition, this system offers an impressive emissions-free range, reaching up to 69 kilometres (43 miles) on a single charge. Although it is a V6, this engine holds its own in terms of power and efficiency, proving that the V8 tradition in the current Century sedan faces serious competition.

The body structure and suspension have also been refined to deliver unmatched ride comfort, with improved torsional rigidity and acoustic insulation that guarantees the privacy and tranquillity of passengers.

Century 2023 Toyota image gallery