Rounding off UMW Toyota Motor's party today is this, the all-new 2023 2023 Toyota Vellfire (AGH40) that's just been launched in Malaysia. Like its dearer Alphard sibling (details here), it's also fully-imported (CBU Japan) and available in just one variant, priced from RM 438,000 sans insurance.

Exterior: Distinctive new look

The new Vellfire is slightly larger than the previous generation. That also means it benefits from a roomier cabin as well, but first, these are the measurements:

The 'Forceful x IMPACT LUXURY' language dictates the styling, and a significant part of this is attributed to the prominent front grille, accented with dark chrome trim and integrated LED daytime running lights.

Also read: Overwhelming demand - Orders for all-new AH40 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire suspended in Japan

The front also features Tri-LED headlamps with sequential signal lights and cornering lights for enhanced visibility during low-light conditions. Additionally, there's also LED front fog lamps too.

Moving to the rear, there's a distinct set of LED tail lamps. Slightly similar in breadth with the Alphard it may be, but it also has its own unique details, and buttons along its sides to work the tailgate.

Completing the overall aesthetics are the 19-inch wheels, and a choice of three body colours: Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, and Black.

Interior: Roomier, executive seats, and more

Within the Vellfire's huge sliding doors is room for 7, promising for an equally cushy time for both passengers and driver.

Synthetic leather wraps all the seats; the seats up front are 8-way powered with memory for the driver, and 4-way electrically-adjustable for the front passenger. Readouts are courtesy of a sharp 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle, sitting behind the leather and wood grain steering wheel.

Also read: Same same but different. Find out what separates the 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire AH40

The 14-inch large digital display screen is part of the package as well, coming with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and pipes in your favourite bangin' tunes via a 15-speaker JBL-branded system.

Ambient lighting is present too, with the same 64-colour setup illuminating the ceiling and sections of the cabin. Air-conditioning is automatic dual-zone for both the front and rear, with Nanoe X purification.

Two 'Executive Power Seats' with Ottoman function make up the second row; complete with heating and ventilation capabilities for those rainy or warm long-hauls.

For added comfort and practicality there's an armrest and side table by the second row seats.

Also read: Expect a PHEV version of the AH40 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire

There's 1 240W AC plug point within, and 7 USB-C ports: 2 in front, 1 in the centre console box, 2 for the second row, and 2 more at the third

Powertrain: Fuel-efficient 2.5L + CVT

Powering the 2023 Vellfire is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, codenamed 2AR-FE. The Dual VVT-i engine has an output of 182 PS and 235 Nm, linked to a CVT automatic with 7 virtual ratios.

Toyota claims it will return a fuel economy figure of 9.1 litres per 100 km (11 km/litre). 

Chassis: TNGA-K, performance brace

You may have read and watched the video about the Alphard and Vellfire's similar-but-different tact to the MPV recipe; the Alphard is the plush one, while the Vellfire leans a bit closer to the sportier side of things.

Tying the two models together is the TNGA-K platform, and all the extra structural and high-rigidity adhesives at certain spots along the body to reduce body deformation and improve body rigidity up to 50% better compared to its predecessor.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Altis' TNGA platform, what is it and does it make any difference?

But in terms of specific upgrades, the Vellfire earns an additional Front Performance Bar which connects the radiator support and side members, controlling body pitch and bounce under acceleration, for better comfort.

Safety: TSS 3.0, 6 airbags

Besides the requisite 6 airbags and active safety kit, the AH40 Toyota Alphard comes with the full list of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 items, as below:

• Pre-collision system (PCS, now enhanced with intersection support)
• Lane departure alert (LDA)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC)
• Road sign assist (RSA)
• Adaptive high-beam system (AHS)
• Blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert (BSM, RCTA)

TSS 3.0 is enhanced by an upgraded front camera that feeds higher-resolution image and wider angles, working together with an improved radar sensor for a further and wider field of view.

Aftersales and deliveries

Order books for the 2023 Toyota Vellfire are open, and deliveries should commence soon. As with anything else UMW Toyota Motor sells, the Vellfire is backed by a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

At the same time, the 2023 Toyota Alphard was launched alongside. Further details can be read in the article below.

Also read: 2023 Toyota Alphard (AH40) launched in Malaysia; from RM 538k, 2.4T, VIP seats, improved TSS

@wapcar_zamil Makin mewah, makin besar, dan makin mahal 🤙🏻 #carmalaysia #fypmalaysia #keretabaru #malaysia #cartok #wapcar #toyota #toyotaalphard2023 #toyotavellfire2023 #alphardmalaysia #vellfiremalaysia #alphard #vellfire ♬ Sport Trap Background(781699) - TimTaj