by Update of the Toyota Century Flagship Sedan
The Century brand has firmly established itself as a separate ultra-luxury division of Toyota, occupying the highest rung in the hierarchy of the Japanese conglomerate, above Lexus. Although the lineup has been expanded with an SUV, and a coupe will appear soon, the company has not forgotten about the representative sedan that has borne the Century name since 1967.
The current G60 generation, introduced in 2018, has remained virtually unchanged. Now, seven years later, the Japanese analog of the Rolls-Royce Phantom is receiving a moderate but important update, focused primarily on safety, accompanied by a noticeable price increase.
Key Changes and Safety
The latest version of the 5335 mm long Century sedan receives the newest Toyota Safety Sense safety suite, already implemented on most of the brand’s models. New features include an enhanced pre-collision system with an expanded detection range for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles, which now also works at intersections.
The Proactive Driving Assist system additionally supports steering and braking in case of a sudden appearance of a pedestrian or cyclist, and also facilitates slowing down behind slower vehicles or when approaching a turn.
Interior Updates and Technical Part
In the interior, an 8-inch multimedia system screen is now standard equipment. It supports connected navigation, although its modest size may even seem nostalgic, considering modern expectations from luxury cars in 2026.
Furthermore, the interior and exterior design has remained untouched. There are no new trim materials or color options, and the sedan did not receive the tinted rear glass now available for the Century SUV.
Under the hood remains the previous self-charging hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the previous generation Lexus LS 600h. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine and electric motor together develop 425 hp, transmitting power to the rear axle via an electromechanical continuously variable transmission (eCVT).
As befits a flagship, the Century has a standard electronically controlled air suspension and an active noise cancellation system.
Cost and Market Availability
Unlike the Century SUV, and despite the brand’s global ambitions, the sedan remains exclusive to the Japanese market. The slightly improved model costs from 23 million yen (equivalent to approximately $149,000 at the current exchange rate). This is 2,920,000 yen (about $19,000) more expensive than the previous version. However, it is still cheaper than the SUV, which starts at 27 million yen.
Special GRMN Version
The Century lineup has also inspired the creation of several rare models, including a unique convertible built for the Emperor, and a high-performance GRMN variant owned personally by Akio Toyoda. The latter recently appeared at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 with a slightly updated grille.
The Century GRMN features a lowered suspension, exclusive wheel design, and subtle carbon fiber body kit. The package includes a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a spoiler.
The GR-badged model is not listed on the official website, although, undoubtedly, it can be built to order if a client can utilize the services of the “Century Meisters,” who offer unlimited personalization options and take on unique projects.
The Century update, despite its modesty, clearly demonstrates Toyota’s strategy: to preserve the model’s sacred status and DNA while providing it with the necessary minimum of modern technologies, primarily in the field of safety. The sharp price jump only emphasizes the exclusivity and positioning of the car as an unattainable status symbol, mainly for the domestic market. Interestingly, even in the luxury segment, where the trend is towards electrification, Toyota retains the proven hybrid V8 setup, betting on reliability and ride smoothness rather than the latest trends. The existence of the GRMN version, essentially created for the company’s chairman, reveals another, emotional facet of the Century — it is not just an official limousine, but also a car capable of evoking personal attachment.
