All-new 2024 Toyota Century SUV launched in Japan with V6 plug-in hybrid

Although many know Lexus as Toyota Motor Company’s luxury division, the brand’s ultimate luxury vehicle is only available in Japan.

For over 55 years, the Toyota Century has been the epitome of what the Japanese carmaker can offer – a regal yet understated, chauffeur-driven luxury sedan that doesn’t merely ferry the heads of multinational corporations, but even the Japanese Imperial family.

Although the Century continues to be available as a sedan, an all-new Century sport-utility vehicle (SUV) was launched on Sept. 6, 2023 in Japan.

‘Stately grandeur’

Despite the taller body, the all-new Century SUV manages to retain its dignified road presence.

Toyota said in a press statement that the new model epitomizes a new generation of “chaffeur car,” while integrating Japanese aesthetic elements.

Up front, the rectangular Century grill is flanked by square headlight clusters, each containing four LED lights. Down the side, the sedan’s squared-off beltline is carried over, including the prominent fender flares and formal rear-quarter window.

Out back, the large, four-light LED taillights mimic the front end, with only a subtle tailgate spoiler and a raked rear windscreen revealing any hint of sportiness.

Other fine touches include the two-tone paint scheme and the 17-spoke alloy wheels.

Plush, relaxing cabin

Unlike modern Bentleys and Rolls-Royces with acres of wood and generous lashings of chrome, the Century SUV follows a more subdued and distinctly Japanese style.

Up front, the expansive dashboard is dominated by horizontal lines, with digital displays for the gauge cluster and the touchscreen infotainment system being just the right size. A traditional gear selector takes one side of the expansive center console.

But the real goodness is in the back, with the higher roofline offering greater headroom than the Century sedan. The Century SUV’s rear doors also open up to 75 degrees, while the power-retractable side steps help passengers get in and out with ease.

Rear passengers also enjoy fully reclining seats and a premium audio system that integrates the “finely honed auditory sensibilities and exemplary techniques of a musical instrument manufacturing master.”

In addition, the Century SUV is the first to get the Rear Comfort mode that helps ensure a comfortable ride for passengers in the back. This mode assists braking control to suppress jolts when the vehicle comes to a halt.

Toyota said the new luxury SUV rides on a stiffened Toyota New Global Architecture shell that doesn’t compromise ride comfort.

Noise-reducing clear laminated glass is used on the cabin side of the cargo space separator “to properly separate the cabin from the cargo area and achieve the privacy and astounding quietness associated with chauffeur-driven vehicles.”

V6 PHEV

Whereas Century models of old had enormous V8 or V12 engines, the Century SUV is bang up-to-date for the electrified era.

Under the hood is a 3.5-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve V6 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. The combined output is 415 PS, which is coursed through a continuously variable transmission to all four wheels.

The Century SUV is also a plug-in hybrid, allowing owners to charge their vehicles without running the engine.

“The new plug-in hybrid system is designed to function as a BEV [battery-electric vehicle] for everyday use and as an HEV [hybrid-electric vehicle] for long-distance travel, making it the ideal powertrain for a chauffeur-driven vehicle,” Toyota said.

The Century SUV is equipped with a four-wheel steering system called "Dynamic Rear Steering" that provides easy handling at low speeds and seamless, natural handling at medium to high speeds.

Modest production

Toyota said it plans to produce 30 Century SUVs a month, exclusively for the Japanese market.

"Century Meisters," a group of sales and engineers with extensive knowledge of the Century brand, will be available at select Toyota dealerships.

“The Meister in charge of sales at the dealership will carefully communicate with each customer and propose a car that meets their needs,” the carmaker said.

In the future, customers will be able to customize the body color and interior to their liking and plans will also be available to create a one-of-a-kind Century that will be built by master craftspeople. 

In addition to three body colors with a mirror-like finish, four exclusive body colors are available for the KIWAMI LINE, an option that offers a distinctive look to customers seeking a more unique, chauffeur-driven car.

Is this all-new 2024 Century model the ultimate JDM luxury SUV?

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