There are plenty of ultra-luxury cars out there. From the Rolls-Royce Phantom to the Mercedes-Maybach S, there’s no limit on what you can have or how much you can spend. Most of these cars are European though. If you want something from other parts of the world — or have an irrational hatred of hyphenation — Toyota’s got a new Century limousine for you.
This is the first new Century since 2006, and only the third generation since 1967. While we mostly think of Toyota as a brand that gives us cars like the beige Camry and indestructible HiLux, the Century is in a league of its own. It’s the ultimate in Japanese luxury and is also the car of choice for Japan’s Imperial Family.
The new Century draws from that rich history. Instead of going for a futuristic, modern design, it’s a simple update to the classic body style. Put it side-by-side with the previous generation and they’re hard to tell apart.
But why mess with perfection?
This new Century also features design cues from the history of Japanese art. Pulling mainly from the Heian Period (794 – 1185 CE), it makes use of simple lines to form an elegant shape.
The paint also helps complete the look. Using a color called Kamui black, it gives the appearance of lacquer paint. With hours of hand finishing, it’s also mirror smooth.
On the inside, it’s as plush as you’d expect from an ultra-luxury car. No leather like those other common choices in the class, though: the Century uses 100% wool. Complete with a unique heather pattern, it covers nearly every interior trim along with the seats.
If you still want leather, Toyota will build you one with it.
Since the Century is a limousine, the focus is all on the rear passengers. The entire car is longer than its predecessors, giving more leg room to its VIP occupants.
In addition to the room, the rear seats are also about as plush as they come. They feature things like a leg rest and massage function built in.
To keep riders entertained, there’s also an 11.3-inch monitor complete with 20 (!) speakers.
With all this, the Century is fairly heavy, which means it needs a powerful engine. Given Toyota’s commitment to being eco-friendly, it shouldn’t surprise you that the car also gets a hybrid system.
The petrol engine is a 5.0-liter V8 putting out 376hp and 376lbft of torque. On top of that, the electric motor adds another 221hp and 221lbft. Working in tandem, the numbers are a bit less, although 425hp is still nothing for Jeeves to sneeze at.
Due to the hybrid system, the Century gets an impressive (Imperial) 38.4 mpg. Not a Prius, but still almost double a Phantom’s consumption.
The engine is also fitted with a unique system that actively dampening it too. This reduces the vibrations upon start-up so as not to disturb the passengers.
For even more comfort, the air suspension is also electronically controlled for the smoothest possible ride.
But far and away our favorite feature? That phoenix badge on the nose. Toyota’s craftsmen engrave it by hand, and it takes six weeks alone.
So what is the price for this hand-built luxury? You’d expect it to be astronomical, but really it’s only ¥19,600,000 ($180,000) which is on par with the current Mercedes-Maybach.
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