Scoop: Toyota Vellfire may not be killed off - TNGA-based model to be launched in May 2023

• Toyota Vellfire sold poorly against the Alphard in the past 3 years
• There are rumours the model could be discontinued, absorbed into the next-gen Alphard, or soldier on
• Next-gen model could be launched in Japan by May 2023

Back in 2020 when Toyota decided to streamline all 4 of its sales channels into one synonymous dealer network in Japan, a few models exclusive to these dealers were culled. One of those models planned for discontinuation is the Toyota Vellfire.

A favourite among Malaysian politicians (pre-GE14), the Vellfire suffered from poor sales in Japan while its intimidating sister, the Toyota Alphard climbed up the sales chart to put itself in the Top 5 best-selling cars in Japan at one point.

So, it feels almost certain that the Vellfire’s time is nearing its end as the all-new TNGA-based successor went into development. We even put out an obituary to the sporty twin of the luxury mobile breadboxes but this newest scoop from Japan seems to make our obit sound premature.

Also read: Sayonara, Toyota Vellfire. You’ll be missed by Malaysian politicians, celebrities, and businessmen

According to Best Car Web, the Vellfire will continue on to the next generation which is said to be launched in Japan as early as May 2023. Sources close to the Japanese automotive publication do not reveal much about the next-gen Vellfire but its rendering shows that the familiar split headlight look would be carried over.

At the same time, Best Car Web also reported that some sources said there might be no difference in design between both the next-gen Alphard and Vellfire. Perhaps the Vellfire name might only be retained as a sort of trim?

Whatever it may be, both the next-gen Alphard and Vellfire would share the same powertrains and platform. Built on the TNGA-K architecture, the next-gen breadboxes on wheels are rumoured to be offered with a choice of two turbocharged engines.

Also read: After 7 years, Toyota Alphard and Vellfire removed from UMWT site, signs of new gen 2023 model coming?

One is the turbocharged hybrid version that is carried over from the Toyota Crown Crossover that delivers a combined system output of 340 PS and 542 Nm. The other turbo powerplant could be the 2.4-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine from the Lexus NX that makes 279 PS and 430 Nm. As exciting as these numbers are, there is a possibility the power output might be reduced.

Also read: 340 PS mega van? 2023 Toyota Alphard Hybrid could debut by May

Leaks for what the next-gen Alphard could look like both inside and at least in the rear have surfaced from China. From what we can see, the next-gen luxo-MPV will look both familiar and also more opulent.

Also read: Take note VIPs, all-new TNGA-based 2023 Toyota Alphard interior and rear leaked!