According to a new report out of Japan, Toyota is planning to launch an ultra-luxury vehicle on par with the Century, except it will be an SUV. Spurred by a global shift from sedans to crossovers and sport utility vehicles, it will be Toyota’s highest priced SUV and a flagship for the brand. 
The report comes from a small article on Yahoo Japan and describes the car as a Century-class ultra-luxury vehicle. It goes on to say that it will utilize the same level of craftsmanship employed on the Century, and that it will satisfy a global demand for VIP vehicles. Only 1,000 would be made each year, with production set to begin in 2023.
That seems to imply that Toyota is going to offer this car overseas. Speaking hypothetically, it would have to be badged as a Lexus in the US, in which case it would replace the Lexus LX now that the Land Cruiser has been discontinued for the US market. It certainly would be interesting to see a car like the Rolls Royce Cullinan with a Japanese take on luxury.
Fortunately, the article doesn’t say that it would replace the Century, so Japan’s flagship sedan won’t meet the same fate as the Crown. For now.
You’re two months early! 😀
Haha, I wish this was the case.
I would very much like to know what architecture it will be built on. If they go for the same platform as the Century it would fit with the Toyota corporate directive to rationalize and slash Japan-only or oddball platforms. If it’s a new platform, would that mean the Century shifting over? (Making the third-generation Century the shortest tenured generation of the model.)
I WAS FECKING RIGHT!!
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/qotw-what-should-toyota-do-with-the-land-cruiser/#comment-267628
You called it!
With our collective knowledge of what Japan and the world make, or use to make, we can speculate.
The Subaru Outback sedan, the Acura ZDX or the Honda Accord Tourer for inspiration. And lets not forget the BMW GT, a SUV sedan for the 3-series, 5-series and 6-series along with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the Maserati Levante. The Bentley Bentayga.
The Mercedes Benz R-Class MPV, or the Mercedes Benz V-Class minivan, which Toyota already builds as the Alphard Royal lounge; a minivan with only four seats and the rear seats fully recline with an integrated footrest that extends. It competes with the Nissan El Grande Highway Star and the Honda Odyssey Absolute. The top trim package Sienna could easily accommodate a Lexus badge; have you seen the luxury and space in the latest minivans lately?
The Ford Flex/Lincoln Lincoln MKT luxury SUV.
Something else to consider; the Toyota Sequoia/Tundra platform is 12 years old, having been introduced in its second generation in 2008, and the Lexus LX and GX were also introduced in 2008.
Just one word. Yes sir. Are you listening? Yes sir I am. “ALPHARD”
…oh, and please also add “Executive Lounge”
Toyota is already selling a Lexus version of the Alphard, the LM.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/off-topic/4264255-2020-lexus-lm300h.html
Toyota could call it a Centurion.
My guess is that Toyota will develop a new platform, since the TNGA-K platform might not be able to scale up to a full-size SUV, like a Bentayga or Cullinan.
Also, they may not even make it available for North America, like the Century, seeing there may not be a market for a $250,000 Lexus.
That’s actually a great name.
Also the name of a Japanese bicycle manufacturer back during the steel frame road bike heyday. For a cool connection (and trivia contest answer).