Toyota has introduced the updated Land Cruiser 300 Series in Japan with the self-charging hybrid now joining the range as the main mechanical change. The earlier petrol-only 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 has been removed leaving the new hybrid and the 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel as the two powertrain choices. Sales in Japan will start on October 1 across GX, ZX and GR Sport trims.
Prices start at ¥6,300,800 (Rs. 38.43 lakh) for the diesel-powered GX. The ZX diesel is priced from ¥8,750,500 (Rs. 53.38 lakh), and the GR Sport diesel costs from ¥9,150,900 (Rs. 55.82 lakh). The ZX HEV starts at ¥9,801,000 (Rs. 59.79 lakh), and the GR Sport HEV sits at the top of the Japanese LC300 range at ¥10,200,300 (Rs. 62.22 lakh).
The features list has also been revised across the lineup too. The diesel variants have five seats whereas the hybrid versions uses a seven-seater layout. Wireless smartphone charging, road-to-vehicle communication and a Cold Weather Package now feature as standard. The ZX and GR Sport versions also include dual 12.3-inch screens, a colour head-up display, 14-speaker JBL audio, a cool box, rear-seat entertainment, front and rear dashcams and two accessory power outlets.
The hybrid combines a 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 with an electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission and a 6.5 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery mounted below the cargo area. Combined output stands at 457 PS with 790 Nm of torque. Toyota has also fitted electric power steering to the hybrid. Water-wading depth remains at 700 mm and the V6 can still propel the SUV if the hybrid system suffers a critical failure.
The exterior changes centre on the ZX HEV. It gets a redesigned front bumper extension, revised fog-lamp garnishes and side intakes that extend towards the skid plate. The ZX diesel keeps its earlier exterior treatment with both versions riding on 20-inch Super Chrome Metallic alloy wheels. The GX gets silver 18-inch wheels and the GR Sport retains its Toyota-lettered grille, body cladding, skid plates and matte-black 18-inch wheels.
Toyota has also introduced a new Modellista package for the LC300. The kit adds revised front and rear bumper extensions, flared fenders, side steps, a tailgate garnish, a roof spoiler and dedicated 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. The hybrid weighs 170 kg more than the earlier non-electrified V6 and carries a smaller fuel tank with capacity reduced from 80 litres to 68 litres. The 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel now stands as the sole combustion-only engine and develops 303 hp with 700 Nm.
