Toyota has released the first set of official images as well as details of the all-new Vellfire MPV, after it was leaked last month. The new Toyota Vellfire is a sister product to the more luxurious second-gen Lexus LM350h MPV that made its debut a few weeks ago. The new Vellfire will go on sale in Japan initially, followed by other markets.
- New Vellfire can sit up to six passengers
- Gets petrol hybrid powertrain
- Comes with an innovative partially opening sunroof
New Toyota Vellfire platform, exterior styling
The latest-gen Vellfire MPV is a grounds-up new vehicle just like the Lexus LM. It now sits on Toyota’s TNGA-K modular platform and is lighter than its predecessor. The new Vellfire retains its boxy styling and is slightly longer than the outgoing model, at just under five metres. Thanks to its cab-forward design, the Vellfire has a three-metre-long wheelbase with ample room for up to six people.
The overall body style of the Vellfire is quite similar to the Lexus LM, including the glasshouse. As far as design goes, the new Vellfire seems to have taken up from where the previous model left off. The overall profile of the MPV is unmistakably Vellfire, however, look closer and you will notice a lot of differences. First up, the glasshouse on the side is now a single unit with a prominent kink, merging with the front door windows, and does not get a prominent divider aft of the driver’s door. The pillars are also blackened with a chrome outline giving the MPV a more premium look.
There is a humongous six-slat grille that takes up most of the fascia of the MPV, including some parts of the bumper. A large Toyota logo takes centre stage on the grille, while the headlamps flanking the grille on each side are placed in two layers, with the top one being a bit longer and housing the main projector headlamp set-up. The chin gets a prominent connected chrome strip that starts vertically below the headlamp on one side and connects to the other forming a U-shaped pattern.
At the back, the MPV gets a very familiar-looking, V-shaped tail-lamp enclosure with generous chrome trim, prominent Vellfire badging, and a big Toyota logo at the centre. At the top, a large spoiler is placed that houses the third stop lamp and gets a chrome border. The U-patterned chrome surround continues at the back as well starting vertically on one side and connecting to the other.
Toyota Vellfire interior and passenger comfort
Passenger comfort remains the key for the new Vellfire, similar to its predecessor. It gets a new and more comfortable seat design, a large overhead console for the passengers for controlling various vehicle functions, multiple AC vents and newly designed pull-down sun shades.
Toyota says the new Vellfire has lower vibrations and more sound deadening material than before. The new Vellfire gets a much simpler-looking dashboard with fewer buttons than the outgoing model as most of the vehicle functions are now integrated into the large touchscreen that sits on the centre of the dashboard.
The gear lever on the centre console is surrounded by the electronic parking brake button, drive modes and traction control buttons. The driver now gets a digital instrument cluster and the steering wheel design is new as well. The new Vellfire now gets a Super- Long Overhead console (as Toyota calls it). It consists of interior ambient lighting elements, assorted switches and AC vents on the centre of the roof rather than on the sides which was the case on the earlier Vellfire. The new Vellfire’s sunroof uses independently openable right- and left-side shades.
The Vellfire’s Executive Lounge package, which is also offered in India on the outgoing model, continues with captain chairs with a retractable table as well as heating and ventilation for the seats. There’s also a new detachable control panel that allows passengers to adjust media climate settings and sunshades.
New Toyota Vellfire: petrol hybrid powertrain
The new Vellfire comes with two engine options – there’s a turbocharged 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 279hp and 430Nm of torque, and comes mated to a CVT gearbox. The second powertrain on offer is the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid that has a combined power output of 250hp, and comes mated to an e-CVT transmission.
New Toyota Vellfire: India launch details
The outgoing Toyota Vellfire has been a popular model for the brand in India and it currently has no direct rival. While there is no official confirmation from the brand, we expect Toyota to bring the new Vellfire to India sometime next year.
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