Toyota Mark X GRMN: the sports saloon with 318 CV that we would have liked to see in Europe

The saloon segment is being squeezed by the relentless arrival of SUVs, yet brands such as Toyota continue to stay faithful to this type of vehicle. Nowadays several models pursue sporty performance regardless of the segment they belong to, and the Japanese firm has shown it with the Mark X GRMN. This long and unusual name, for us Europeans, refers to the latest sports saloon from Toyota. This new model incorporates many traits faithful to the brand’s most sporting vehicles and, although it offers a superb package, unfortunately it will not reach our continent.

Toyota has used the Mark X as the basis to develop this exclusive and radical version, of which only 350 units will be produced. Many of you are surely wondering why this variant is not coming to Europe and why the Japanese company has chosen a limited edition for its sale. The answer? Gazoo Racing.

The company’s performance department set out to work on the saloon until it achieved a result worth admiring, where aesthetics and mechanics join hands to offer a winning formula. The Mark X GRMN has been carefully prepared and slow-cooked in the kitchens of Toyota, which has made this vehicle not only the dream of every European petrolhead, but also a tough rival for models such as the Infiniti Q50S, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

An aesthetic that exudes old-school sportiness

However, Toyota has drawn on its experience in the sports car field to give its saloon a different touch. A clean and provocative front greets us with a black grille topped by the Gazoo Racing emblem, alongside a sharp splitter that signals carefully crafted aerodynamics. This same impression is complemented by the lightness conveyed by the sides, where 19-inch forged BBS wheels seek to minimise weight as much as possible. To continue the diet, Toyota lets customers opt for a roof finished in carbon fibre, resulting in significant weight savings and a more radical look.

Last but not least, we must highlight the rear, where a small but promising splitter hints at the character of this very special Mark X. This task also falls to the diffuser, which houses a quad exhaust outlet that prepares us to be delighted by a sweet melody emanating from the cherry on top of this Japanese cake, its engine.

A naturally aspirated heart capable of producing 318 CV

Toyota has wanted to be rebellious with the Mark X GRMN, and the powerplant that brings this very special saloon to life demonstrates it. Deep inside lies one of those engines in danger of extinction, capable of making the hair on your neck stand up: a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 capable of delivering 318 CV of power and 380 Nm of torque.

At the same time, all this power is transmitted to the rear wheels, causing the sportiness of the Japanese saloon to rise exponentially. Without a doubt, the Toyota Mark X GRMN is a product that would win over more than one motoring enthusiast but, as we mentioned, it will only be available for the Japanese market at a price of 5.13 million yen, the equivalent of 41,000 euros.