![Ageing Yakuzas will appreciate the raised ride height of the Toyota Century SUV 01]()
“The Toyota Century is the ultimate chauffeur experience, but it too will have to evolve as we move toward the future,” said Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Senior General Manager of Design, on the side during the presentation of the Alphard and Vellfire MPVs.
Unsurprisingly, evolution here meant taking the form of an SUV like its Crown cousin and the latest teaser from the carmaker all but confirms that. The Century-branded SUV will debut on 6 September 2023 and from the photo posted, it’s probably got its sights on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga.
The subtle teaser depicts a white-gloved chauffeur holding the rear door handle of a black luxury SUV with chrome accents on the bodywork, distinct LED taillights and styling that would make Cullinan designers sweat.
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On the other hand, the latest teaser shot shows the angular front end with a distinctive grille and the exclusive Century emblem.
![Ageing Yakuzas will appreciate the raised ride height of the Toyota Century SUV 01]()
It’s likely the Century SUV will ride on the TNGA-K architecture for large vehicles that already underpins the Avalon and Camry sedans, Highlander and Grand Highlander SUVs as well as the Alphard and Vellfire MPVs.
As for powertrains, the Century sedan currently uses a V8 hybrid but the Century SUV could get a plug-in hybrid setup.
Also Read: Same same but different. Find out what separates the 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire AH40
![Ageing Yakuzas will appreciate the raised ride height of the Toyota Century SUV 02]()
While the platform is predominantly front-wheel drive, it can support all-wheel drive like in the Grand Highlander and the Century SUV is expected to carry AWD as standard. Using a mainstream platform could also see it sold outside Japan, given that the sedan is strictly for the domestic market.
The Century has been Toyota’s flagship since 1967 and its typically Japanese understated stature has made it a permanent companion of Japanese royalty, government officials and captains of industry. However, its subtle demeanour has led to an unwanted association as the Yakuza have taken an affinity to the Century as well.
No additional information is available except for the countdown on Toyota’s YouTube page towards the launch on Wednesday.
Also Read: We experience true luxury in one of the few Toyota Century units in Malaysia
“Better late than never.” Some despise it, others begrudgingly agree with it but he swears by it… much to the chagrin of everyone around him. That unfortunately stems from all of his project cars not running most of the time, which in turn is testament to his questionable decision-making skills in life. A culmination of many wrongs fortunately making a right; much like his project cars on the rare occasions they run, he’s still trying to figure out if another project car is the way to go.
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