Electric Toyota LandCruiser unveiled as concept
A concept for an electric Toyota LandCruiser – with car-derived underpinnings rather than a heavy-duty ladder frame – has been revealed, as the iconic off-road SUV embraces a new era.
An electric Toyota LandCruiser concept has been shown off ahead of its physical debut at the Tokyo motor show this week.
Named the LandCruiser Se, it comes with seven seats and offers "high torque performance" according to Toyota – suggesting the SUV is fitted with multiple electric motors to provide four-wheel-drive traction.
While also being the first-ever factory-built electric LandCruiser, it is also believed to be the first-ever LandCruiser to have a car-derived monocoque chassis – akin to a Toyota Kluger, where the body shell forms the chassis to mount the engine and suspension – rather than a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis onto which the body and components are bolted, akin to a 300 Series or Prado.
This suggests the vehicle is either based on the company's e-TNGA electric architecture – which underpins the Toyota BZ4X, the Subaru Solterra, and the Lexus RZ – or the Japanese car giant's next-generation electric-car platform due in 2026.
As with the company's latest off-road models, the LandCruiser Se comes with a 'TOYOTA' badge on the front grille, rather than using the company's logo.
The Japanese car giant says the concept "broadens the LandCruiser brand's appeal" and "caters to the world's diverse needs" while delivering a quiet and comfortable drive in "urban areas and other on-road situations".
The LandCruiser Se appears to be debuting new 'All Terrain Adaptive Laser' headlights, though no further information has been provided on the technology at this stage.
The concept also appears to have digital cameras replacing the wing mirrors, and, curiously, no handles for the rear doors.
The LandCruiser Se concept measures 5150mm long, 1990mm wide, and 1705mm high, while riding on a 3050mm wheelbase.
Compare that to the diesel-powered LandCruiser 300 Series at 5015mm long, 1980mm wide and 1950mm high, with a 2850mm wheelbase.
While no dates have been announced for production, if it comes to showrooms the electric LandCruiser would directly compete against the likes of the Kia EV9 and electric Cadillac Escalade – while being sold alongside the LandCruiser 300 Series and LandCruiser Prado (250 Series).
Stay tuned to Drive as more information on the Toyota LandCruiser Se is expected to be released later this week.
In the meantime, let us know what you think of the electric LandCruiser concept in the comments section below.
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