Introduction
The upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser Se is undeniably a concept that brings a touch of randomness. It shares some strategic design cues with the recently released Land Cruiser 250 headed to the U.S., but in this concoction, we can also see various Range Rover Sport styling elements, making it a Toyota that catches the eye, something we’ve witnessed over the years.
Toyota Land Cruiser Meets Range Rover Sport
In fact, it was the first thing that struck me — what if a child was born to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Range Rover? The answer: Land Cruiser Se. With its sleek, strip-style headlights, grille-less front, bulging wheel arches, and clean-cut edges and lines, this concept undoubtedly represents the brand’s new electrifying design direction for SUVs.
Unveiling Toyota’s Electric Vision
Toyota unveiled several intriguing electric concept cars at the Japan Mobility Show last month. However, the Land Cruiser Se, an SUV beneath the radar, emerges like a shadow among the high-profile EVs, such as the FT-Se Sports Coupe. In short, the Se is Toyota’s second SUV offering after last year’s bZ4X launch.
Distinctive Identity: Toyota or Range Rover?
Indeed, if it weren’t for the Toyota Land Cruiser logo on its nose and its slim tail light band over the rear, one could be forgiven for thinking this is the next-generation electric Range Rover Sport. Especially with the distinctive headlight details and imposing presence on the front, coupled with robust surfaces and sharp edges, we find the Toyota Land Cruiser ‘Se’ concept quite appealing.
Toyota’s Electric SUV Offensive
So why is Toyota showcasing such stylish electric SUVs? Toyota aims to introduce one or two full-size electric trucks/SUVs to the market soon to compete with upcoming electric SUVs like the Rivian R1S, Tesla Cybertruck, Hummer EV, Audi Q6 e-tron, Buick Electra, Cadillac Escalade iQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV, Jeep Wagoneer S, Ford Explorer EV, Kia EV9, and Fisker Ocean, which are creating interest in the industrial circles.
Toyota’s Future: Electrifying the Drive
It is clear that Toyota wants to take strides towards the future of battery-powered Toyota Land Cruiser electric vehicles. However, the statements from the company suggest that they plan to pursue this goal over the coming years.
Toyota caught everyone’s attention a year ago when they previewed a group of next-generation EVs. Still, they later mentioned that when focusing on the form Toyota Land Cruiser EVs will take, they will continue to offer gas hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell options, using alternative fuels like hydrogen for internal combustion engines.
Toyota Land Cruiser Se Off the Beaten Path
So, what about Se’s eyes? Toyota only provides real technical details about the new Toyota Land Cruiser Se, stating that it features a “monocoque body,” which can be quite expensive for a versatile three-row Toyota Land Cruiser SUV with seating for seven. Toyota also suggests in its press release that this concept is not limited to road travel alone, as it includes a mention of “confidence in tackling challenging terrains.”
Technical Landscape of Toyota Land Cruiser Se
We are also told that the Toyota Land Cruiser ‘Se’ is 202.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 67.1 inches tall, with the same wheelbase as the 120.1-inch model. It is almost 8 inches longer than the previous 250 model, meaning there should be a considerable amount of rear legroom in the ‘Se.’
However, no information has been provided about the powertrain or range of the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV. Still, with Toyota working on its next-generation “Prismatic” battery tech with Panasonic, we can expect dual electric motors, 4WD, and a range of around 500 miles, prioritizing important aspects such as speed, comfort, and sustainability.
Conclusion
As Toyota celebrates its one-year birthday, the Land Cruiser Se stands as a testament to the company’s evolution and commitment to shaping the future of electric vehicles. While the specifics of its powertrain are yet to be revealed, the Toyota Land Cruiser Se symbolizes a bold step towards a future where elegance meets electrification. Toyota’s journey into the electric SUV realm is just beginning, and the Land Cruiser Se is a promising glimpse into what lies ahead.
For More Info: Tesla’s Cybertruck
