What Luxury Car Does Toyota Make? Exploring the Toyota Century and Lexus Lineup

If you’re wondering about Toyota’s luxury cars, you’re not alone. Toyota is known worldwide for its reliability, durability, and innovation in vehicle engineering, but it’s also a key player in the luxury car market. 

Though Toyota has typically been associated with more affordable and mainstream cars, its influence in the luxury segment is significant, primarily through its Lexus brand and the rare, ultra-luxurious Toyota Century. So, what luxury cars does Toyota make? Let’s dive into these premium vehicles and explore why they stand out.

The Toyota Century: A Japanese Icon of Luxury

what luxury car does toyota make

A. What Is the Toyota Century?

The Toyota Century is Toyota’s flagship luxury sedan and a significant cultural icon in Japan. Often compared to cars like the Rolls-Royce and Bentley in terms of exclusivity, the Century represents the epitome of Japanese luxury. It is a vehicle designed for Japan’s elite, including business magnates and members of Japan’s Imperial Family. First introduced in 1967, the Toyota Century has gone through minimal changes over the decades, emphasizing tradition and craftsmanship rather than technological flash.

B. Features and Unique Selling Points

The Toyota Century is meticulously hand-built and embodies Japanese craftsmanship with details like:

  • Exquisite Materials: High-quality wool seats, hand-engraved wooden interior trims, and a refined, quiet cabin.

  • Hybrid V8 Engine: The latest Century model combines a V8 engine with Toyota’s hybrid technology, providing smooth power delivery and an eco-friendly option in the luxury segment.

  • High-Tech Features: Despite its classic appearance, the Century includes modern amenities like a touchscreen for rear-seat passengers, massage seats, and advanced safety systems.

C. Why the Toyota Century Isn’t Sold Outside Japan

Toyota restricts Century sales to Japan, which adds to its exclusivity and appeal. This luxury sedan represents a reserved elegance and prioritizes comfort and refinement over speed. The Century isn’t designed to compete with the sporty luxury sedans in the U.S. and European markets; instead, it caters to those who appreciate the subtle, luxurious ride Toyota has perfected over generations.

Lexus: Toyota’s Global Luxury Brand

While the Toyota Century represents Toyota’s pinnacle of luxury in Japan, the automaker’s Lexus brand delivers luxury to a broader, global market. Established in 1989, Lexus quickly gained recognition for its quality, innovation, and luxury appeal, making it one of the top luxury car brands worldwide. Here are some of the standout Lexus models that showcase Toyota’s dedication to luxury.

A. Lexus LS: The Flagship Luxury Sedan

what luxury car does toyota make

The Lexus LS is Lexus’s flagship sedan and is designed to compete with top luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Here’s what sets the Lexus LS apart:

  • Impeccable Interior Craftsmanship: The LS’s interior is crafted with precision, offering high-quality leather, wood trim, and ambient lighting that provides a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Smooth and Powerful Performance: With a choice of a turbocharged V6 or hybrid powertrain, the LS provides a smooth, powerful ride that balances performance with fuel efficiency.

  • Advanced Technology: The LS includes Lexus’s advanced safety systems, voice-activated controls, and infotainment technology, blending luxury with practicality.

B. Lexus LX: Luxury in an SUV

what luxury car does toyota make

The Lexus LX is an excellent choice for those seeking both luxury and off-road capability. This full-sized luxury SUV offers:

  • Robust Off-Road Performance: With a V8 engine, advanced 4WD capabilities, and multiple driving modes, the LX handles rough terrains with ease while keeping passengers comfortable.

  • Luxurious Interior with Space: The LX boasts spacious seating, high-quality materials, and entertainment options for rear-seat passengers, making it ideal for family trips and long journeys.

  • Comprehensive Safety Features: Lexus integrates state-of-the-art safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system.

C. Lexus LC: A Blend of Luxury and Performance

The Lexus LC series includes both the LC 500 and LC 500h (hybrid), both stunning sports coupes that exemplify Toyota’s commitment to design and performance:

  • Striking Design: The LC’s exterior combines elegant curves and bold details, creating a head-turning look that emphasizes Lexus’s innovative design.

  • Performance-Focused Engineering: With a naturally aspirated V8 or a hybrid powertrain, the LC offers an exhilarating driving experience, blending high performance with luxury features.

  • Premium Cabin: With a driver-focused cockpit, fine leather upholstery, and advanced controls, the LC’s cabin is crafted for both comfort and engagement.

Why Toyota Focuses on Lexus for International Luxury Markets

A. Lexus as Toyota’s Global Luxury Brand

While Toyota itself is synonymous with affordable reliability, Lexus is Toyota’s answer to the luxury demands of the international market. Lexus models are available worldwide and cater to varying tastes, from high-performance sports cars to family-friendly SUVs. With a reputation for reliability and value retention, Lexus models attract luxury car buyers seeking quality and longevity.

B. A Broader Range of Models to Suit Diverse Needs

Through Lexus, Toyota offers a versatile range of luxury vehicles, from sedans to SUVs to high-performance coupes. This range allows Toyota to compete with other luxury brands on a global scale, making it more accessible for luxury buyers outside Japan.

Conclusion: Toyota’s Luxury Offerings Through the Century and Lexus

In short, Toyota does produce luxury cars — with the Toyota Century being the pinnacle of Japanese luxury and exclusivity within Japan, and Lexus serving as the global face of Toyota’s luxury brand. The Toyota Century remains a special, high-status vehicle designed for a specific market, while Lexus has successfully made Toyota a recognized name in the global luxury car industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toyota Century: A rare, hand-crafted luxury sedan available only in Japan, representing traditional Japanese luxury.

  • Lexus Lineup: A diverse and globally available range of luxury vehicles that cover everything from high-end sedans to performance coupes and SUVs.

So, the next time someone asks, “What luxury car does Toyota make?” — the answer is more than just a single car. It’s a blend of iconic craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and global appeal through both the Toyota Century and Lexus, making Toyota a unique player in the world of luxury automobiles.

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