When Toyota introduced the all-new Land Cruiser for 2024 over the summer time, we lauded it for its retro-inspired glance and for resolutely sticking to a diesel-powered, body-on-frame answer (if it ain’t broke and many others). It gave the impression of a courageous selection on the time – however now, with the divulge of the brand new Land Cruiser Se thought forward of subsequent week’s Tokyo display, it sort of feels that the producer has allowed itself abundant room for a normal manner through placing all its futuristic eggs in an electrical display automobile basket as an alternative. 

You’ll make your individual thoughts up in regards to the styling effort, however we’re vulnerable to suggest the design route Toyota is it appears heading towards with its most famed full-size SUV. Positive, there’s a cliff face of a entrance finish in your eyes to barter, however that’s hardly ever inconsistent with the established Land Cruiser aesthetic, and we somewhat just like the abnormal design cue that particularly hark again to the type’s biggest hits – now not least the dramatic kink within the window line. 

However obviously, the Se could also be about ushering in a brand new technology of Land Cruiser, one in line with an all-new, zero-emission drivetrain and (additionally for the primary time) a monocoque physique that Toyota says will be offering ‘extremely responsive dealing with and self belief in tackling tough terrain.’ Except for confirming that the concept that is certainly a BEV, the producer doesn’t move into any more element on what its configuration of electrical motors and batteries may appear to be, even though point out of the auto’s comparative ‘quietness’ in city spaces means that Toyota is desirous about broadening ‘the Land Cruiser logo’s attraction with a three-row SUV that caters to the arena’s numerous wishes.’

That’s more likely to imply a distinguished shift upmarket for the seven-seater as any incoming manufacturing by-product seeks to compete head-on with an incoming technology of all-electric SUVs, an manner that more than likely accounts for a distinguished whiff of Vary Rover affect within the dapper styling. For sure, the Se is not going to need for presence or internal area: Toyota signifies that it’s greater than 5 metres lengthy and just about two metres vast with a three,050mm wheelbase. Be expecting to listen to extra in regards to the grittier main points when the auto is formally unveiled along a bunch of alternative ideas – together with the hotly expected FT-SE sports activities automobile – which can be supposed to sit up for Toyota’s next-generation lineup.