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The name of the new model is simply called Century, and the Phoenix emblem replaces all Toyota badges. The profile is inspired by Rolls-Royce and features a similar chrome-infused greenhouse and falling character line. On the other hand, the almost split LED headlights and taillights are reminiscent of the Genesis. The exterior is available in 7 different colors and 5 of them are dual-tone. According to Toyota, the bodywork has a "mirror look" achieved by "meticulously polishing" painted surfaces.

As with most chauffeur-driven vehicles, more attention was paid to the interior. The rear doors open at a wide 75-degree angle; Retractable power steps and C-pillar grips make it easy to jump into the spacious cabin. Interestingly, Toyota offers the sliding rear door option, but the press photos only show the SUV with front hinged doors.

The cabin is exclusively available in a four-seater layout, separated from the luggage compartment by noise-reducing clear laminated glass. Fully reclining, heated and ventilated rear seats with extendable footrests and a fold-down front passenger seat allow the passenger to lie down fully, while a "refreshment function" ensures they arrive at their destination with a renewed feeling.

Rear passengers also have access to an array of 11.6-inch displays, a cooled compartment, two smartphone-like touchscreen controls, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and an advanced audio system inspired by musical instrument manufacturing techniques. At the front, the digital cockpit consists of a 12.3-inch dual screen, with premium materials lining every interior surface.

At 5,205 mm (204.9 inches) long, 1,990 mm (78.3 inches) wide and 1,805 mm (71.1 inches) high, the Century SUV is longer than the Land Cruiser, but slightly shorter than the truck-based Sequoia. The 2,950 mm (116.1 inch) wheelbase, on the other hand, is nearly identical to the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX, based on the same TNGA-K architecture.

Under the hood is the 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain that sends power to all four wheels via the e-CVT gearbox and the E-Four Advanced AWD system. Toyota hasn't released output figures, but a similar setup produces a total of 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS) in the Lexus TX 550h+. The electric V6 may not sound as impressive as the V8 in the Century sedan, but it allows the SUV to behave like a quiet BEV in urban environments and transform into an HEV for longer journeys on the highway.

The Toyota Century SUV will be available at select dealerships in Japan with a target sales of 30 units per month. Pricing will start at 25,000,000 Yen ($169,580), which seems like a bargain when compared to competing offerings from Rolls-Royce or Bentley.

Source: https://www.carscoops.com/2023/09/toyota-century-suv-debuts-as-the-pinnacle-of-japanese-opulence/

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