Toyota has revealed a new sixteenth generation of its large luxury saloon, the Crown, though this time, with a raised ride height some four inches taller than its sibling, the Camry, it’s got a more crossover-like appearance than before. Given the Camry’s position in the market here, it’s unlikely the new Crown will make it to Ireland, being primarily destined for Japan, other Asian markets and the United States. Crown is Toyota’s oldest nameplate, first being used in 1955, and the Crown has for many years been the company’s non-Lexus equivalent of the Mercedes E-Class.
Two hybrid systems
The new Crown will be available in three different trim levels - XLE, Limited and Platinum - and will feature all-wheel drive and two different hybrid powertrains. XLE and Limited models (both of which ride on 19-inch wheels) employ a standard Toyota hybrid system (as seen on models such as the Highlander SUV) using a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors to send 239hp to the wheels through a CVT gearbox. Platinum models, however, sit at the top of the tree (the crown, so to speak), with not just a two-tone paint finish with a contrasting black bonnet and boot-lid but also a black panoramic glass roof, a set of 21-inch alloys and a high-performance Hybrid Max system featuring a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, six-speed automatic transmission with multi-plate clutch and a water-cooled rear motor all set up to develop 345hp.
Refined interior
Likely so as not to eat into Lexus sales, the Crown’s interior is spacious and well-appointed but not quite so plush as its luxury cousins. All models get a 12.3-inch driver’s instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen running the latest version of Toyota’s Connect system, so there’ll be wireless Apple CarPlay and over-the-air updates as standard. The electronic seats are heated and eight-way adjustable, and on Platinum models, are finished in black leather and ventilated too to provide cooling on hot days. XLE and Limited models make do with two-tone fabric seats. Engineers, Toyota says, paid particular attention when it comes to sound-deadening and reducing noise, vibration and harshness, with the steering mechanisms mounted in such a way as to reduce vibration and all models featuring acoustic glass to filter out external noise. The company said that rather than aiming for a specific decibel level, the engineers instead wanted to create a “calm atmosphere conducive to enjoying easy conversation or hearing music in cleaner detail,” meaning that the Crown ought to be a very refined and relaxing place to be, making it all the more of a pity that it probably won’t be coming to Ireland. Every trim also comes with a full suite of advanced driver assistance and safety features in the form of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes driver aids such as a blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise control.
More Crowns on the way
Because the Crown name isn’t especially well-known outside Japan, Toyota hopes to expand its global presence by launching the new crossover saloon in around 40 different markets worldwide and releasing other vehicles, including hybrid SUVs bearing the Crown moniker in the coming years.