Toyota has just pulled the curtains back to reveal a glimpse of what could be a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) space, particularly in the rugged terrains that the Land Cruiser has dominated for decades.
The Land Cruiser Se concept, set to make its first appearance at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, merges the enduring legacy of Toyota's hallmark SUV with the cutting-edge allure of electric power. Here's a closer dive into what this electric iteration brings to the table and why it's turning heads even before hitting the roads.
Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept
The Land Cruiser Se features the high-torque driving performance characteristic of BEVs, paired with an elegant, suave design. This concept vehicle not only retains the Land Cruiser's iconic rugged appeal but elevates it with a modern, stylish demeanour.
The Se concept is a three-row BEV that offers a seating arrangement for seven. With dimensions reading 5,150mm in length, 1,990mm in width, and 1,705mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 3,050mm, the Se concept notably outstretches the new LC Prado in size, albeit standing shorter in height. This electric behemoth not only promises ample room for passengers but also ushers in a new era of electric SUVs that don't skimp on space or comfort.
Veering a bit from tradition, the Land Cruiser Se introduces a monocoque body, a departure from the ladder-frame structure that has been synonymous with the Land Cruiser lineage. This shift might spark debates among off-road enthusiasts, but Toyota is betting on the unibody construction to deliver highly responsive handling and confidence in navigating rough terrains.
Design-wise, the Land Cruiser Se carries echoes of the new LC Prado, albeit with a modern twist. The more raked A and C pillars and a two-tone colour scheme lend the Se concept a less boxy, more contemporary appearance. The inclusion of an LED light bar at the rear accentuates its modern aesthetic, aligning with today's automotive design trends.
Toyota will reveal the Land Cruiser Se in full at the 2023 Japan Mobility show beginning this week. We'll also get our first look at another concept - a compact electric ute, as well as an all-electric version of the Hiace.