Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 breaks cover

The much anticipated Land Cruiser 300 made its global debut in a YouTube-hosted worldwide premiere. As the successor to the ‘200-series’, the all-new flagship Land Cruiser 300 ushers in a new design direction – accompanied by all-new petrol and diesel powertrains.

Featuring a very distinctive profile, the exterior design employs an attractive rectangular theme with a prominent front façade – reinforcing Land Cruiser’s Master of Africa status. Stylised light guides, alongside large horizontal slats with either black or chrome accents (model dependant), maximise the visual impact. The U-shaped front radiator openings form an integral part of the design and create a strong, solid appearance. In the rear, trapezoidal LED lamps help enhance the athletic look.

Amidst much global debate and speculation, the LC300 also introduces two all-new engine options. A 3.5- litre twin-turbo Petrol V6 and 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 are on offer. Both engines feature the latest technology and promise excellent performance, NVH-levels and exemplary refinement.

The Petrol V6 is borrowed from the Lexus LS500 (an engine praised for its velvety smoothness and strong, linear power delivery). It delivers a substantial 305 kW of power and 650Nm of tractive effort. While the new oil-burner is poised to deliver even greater levels of performance and efficiency. Outputs are quoted as 227 kW and a whopping 700Nm – representing a 32 kw increase and 50 Nm hike (versus the outgoing 4.5 turbodiesel V8).

Both engine options are coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission (with obligatory low-range included).

Underneath, the new model adopts a new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the first body-on-frame execution thereof. By using key TNGA design traits, pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while also being significantly lighter compared to its predecessor. The development team focussed on not only improving off-road capability, but on-road performance and driving comfort too.

Three grades will be offered locally; utility-minded GX-R, the urban-focussed ZX (replacing the VX-R) and off-road biased GR Sport. Each variant will feature a bespoke specification line-up, in accordance with usage and customer requirements.

Local introduction is set for August 2021. Detailed specification, pricing and model line-up will be issued at launch timing.