Toyota has confirmed that its Century sedan line-up will soon see the addition of an all-new Century SUV, which will see a global debut later this year. This development was confirmed by Toyota's management at the unveiling of the new Vellfire MPV. The new SUV will sit alongside the Century sedan that has been in existence since 1967.

• Toyota Century SUV will be more expensive than the Land Cruiser
• Will share platform with the Toyota Highlander

Toyota Century SUV: Japan’s answer to the Bentley Bentayga

This new SUV will be the second “Century-badged” product after the popular Century sedan, which is sold primarily in Japan. However, unlike the sedan, the Century SUV will be a global product and will be used to expand the Century brand in markets outside Japan, similar to what Toyota did by expanding the Crown brand, which is now available in many markets, including North America.

Reports suggest it will be a monocoque SUV, more suited to the city than off-road terrain, and primarily aimed at chauffeur-driven buyers. Expect the Century SUV to be big on space and creature comforts, offering a plush experience to customers.

As far as the platform goes, this new SUV is likely to use the same monocoque architecture that made its debut on the Toyota Grand Highlander SUV. Expect a similar wheelbase but larger dimensions overall for the Toyota Century SUV – according to sources, it will be around 5.2 metres long and two metres wide.

Toyota Century SUV: will not get a V12

The Century sedan, at the moment, comes with a V12 petrol engine, but that will not be the case for the SUV. Toyota will equip the Century SUV with a petrol-hybrid powertrain. 

Expect more details on the Toyota Century SUV to trickle in as its global debut nears.