The Toyota Century has long been a name whispered in the corridors of power in Japan. For decades, it was a car you couldn’t simply buy; it was a vehicle reserved for emperors, prime ministers, and the top-tier elite of Japanese society. However, 2026 marks a significant turning point as Toyota transforms this legendary nameplate into a standalone ultra-luxury brand, positioned even higher than Lexus.
With the recent introduction of the Century SUV alongside the traditional sedan, Toyota is shifting its focus toward a global audience. This move is particularly relevant for India, where the demand for ultra-luxury vehicles is reaching record highs. The 2026 Toyota Century aims to offer an alternative to European giants like Rolls-Royce and Bentley by focusing on “quiet luxury” and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
The Shift from Sedan to Ultra-Luxury SUV
For over 50 years, the Century was defined by its boxy, dignified sedan silhouette. While the sedan remains a staple for ceremonial use, the 2026 lineup is headlined by the Century SUV. This is not a typical sport utility vehicle; it is a “chauffeur-driven” lounge on wheels. It stands over 5 meters long and nearly 2 meters wide, commanding a massive presence on the road without the aggressive styling often seen in modern luxury cars.
The exterior design follows a philosophy of “minimalist elegance.” Instead of the standard Toyota logo, the car features the hand-engraved Phoenix emblem, which takes a master craftsman weeks to perfect. The paintwork involves a multi-layer process that is hand-polished to a mirror-like finish, ensuring the vehicle looks impeccable under any lighting.
A Sanctuary on Wheels: Interior and Comfort
The heart of the Toyota Century experience is the rear cabin. Unlike most SUVs that focus on carrying seven passengers, the Century is designed strictly for four. This allows for an incredible amount of space for rear-seat passengers.
- Lounge Seating: The rear seats are fully reclining and can fold almost flat, a feature Toyota claims is a world-first in this segment.
- Privacy and Serenity: The 2026 model features “dimming” privacy glass and world-class noise insulation. Triple-layered glass and advanced soundproofing make the cabin as quiet as a library, even at high speeds.
- Japanese Hospitality: The interior uses “Omotenashi” (wholehearted hospitality) as its guide. Passengers have access to rotating picnic tables, high-definition entertainment screens, and a refrigerator.
Performance: Silence Over Speed
The 2026 Toyota Century is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system. It produces a combined output of approximately 406 horsepower, delivered through an E-Four all-wheel-drive system. However, the focus here is not on 0–100 km/h times.
Toyota has engineered the powertrain for maximum smoothness. The car features a “Rear Comfort” mode, which adjusts the suspension and braking force to ensure that the passengers in the back don’t feel any jolts during acceleration or stopping. It also offers a significant electric-only range, allowing for silent, zero-emission travel in city centers or residential areas.
Why the Toyota Century Matters for India
India’s luxury car market is evolving. While brands like Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce have established a firm footing, there is a growing class of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) looking for something more discreet.
The “Century” brand represents a different kind of status—one that values craftsmanship and heritage over “loud” branding. If Toyota decides to bring the Century brand to India officially in 2026, it would likely enter as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). This means it would face high import duties, potentially pushing the price beyond ₹2.5 crore to ₹4 crore, depending on the level of customization.
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What Happens Next?
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has hinted that the Century brand will continue to expand with bespoke “One of One” creations. We have already seen concepts for a Century Convertible and even a high-performance GRMN version. As the brand rolls out globally throughout 2026, the focus will remain on keeping production numbers low—reportedly around 30 units a month—to maintain extreme exclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Toyota Century available in India?
Currently, the Toyota Century is primarily a Japan-exclusive model. However, with its transition into a global standalone brand, there are strong rumors of its debut in major luxury markets, including India, by late 2026 or 2027.
2. What is the difference between Lexus and the Century?
While Lexus is Toyota’s global premium brand, Century sits even higher in the hierarchy. Lexus focuses on modern technology and performance, whereas Century focuses on handcrafted traditional luxury and extreme exclusivity, similar to a “Japanese Rolls-Royce.”
3. Does the Toyota Century SUV have a V12 engine?
Earlier generations of the Century sedan used a V12, but the 2026 SUV and modern sedan use a highly refined 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system designed for silent and smooth operation.
4. How much does a Toyota Century cost?
In Japan, the Century SUV starts at approximately 25 million Yen (roughly ₹1.4 crore). If launched in India, taxes and import duties could easily double that price.
5. Why does it have a Phoenix logo instead of Toyota?
The Phoenix (Hō-ō) emblem is a symbol of the Japanese Imperial House and represents rebirth and prestige. It has been the signature mark of the Century since 1967.
