Toyota has released an updated version of its flagship Century SUV, featuring no changes to the exterior or interior design but adding a new dimmable privacy glass feature. This allows rear-seat passengers to switch the windows between transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque modes, providing a higher level of privacy without sacrificing soft, natural light. In opaque mode, the interior atmosphere is designed to resemble the tranquility of a traditional Japanese room.
This unique feature is achieved by incorporating a special film into the laminated glass on both sides of the vehicle. The panoramic sunroof, however, does not use the same technology and retains its conventional electric sunshade.
The Century SUV remains Toyota’s pinnacle of luxury, with a strong focus on rear-seat comfort and convenience. Features include power-retractable steps, wide-opening rear doors, grab handles, ambient lighting, retractable tables, antimicrobial surfaces, coat hooks, and even a shoehorn holder. The rear seats can fully recline with a leg rest, allowing passengers to rest between meetings. They also have their own control panel and entertainment system with personal displays, connected to a premium 18-speaker sound system.
The powertrain is a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system with a total output of 412 horsepower (303 kW), delivered to all four wheels via the E-Four Advanced all-wheel-drive system. The battery provides a pure electric range of 69 kilometers, and the vehicle has a combined WLTC fuel consumption of 14.2 L/100 km.
The addition of the dimmable glass has increased the starting price by 2 million yen to 27 million yen (approx. 1.32 million yuan). This new version will be a limited release, available for order only at select dealerships in Japan, primarily targeting existing Century sedan owners.
Toyota has also officially confirmed that a high-performance GR version of the Century SUV, tuned by its Gazoo Racing division, is in development.