A Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept has been revealed and it is an interesting take on a three-row unibody EV similar to the new Kia EV9.
Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept
This concept was unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility show along with several other mobility ideas AND a very interesting Toyota EPU concept as a possible Ford Maverick competitor.
For the Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept, the details are scant.
Toyota says this concept “offers the high-torque driving performance unique to BEVs, together with an elegant, stylish design. Toyota further broadens the Land Cruiser brand’s appeal with a three-row SUV that caters to the world’s diverse needs.”
They also laud the quietness of a BEV and a more comfortable cabin space.
Also, the unibody “offers highly responsive handling and confidence in tackling rough terrain.”
And it should drive as a more planted vehicle thanks to the EV battery being in the center of the vehicle instead of having an engine making the center of balance near the front of the vehicle.
This means it should corner much better than say a Toyota Grand Highlander, absorb road bumps better and have more floor space without the need for a transmission tunnel.
Toyota gave out some basic specifications for the SUV.
Length: 202.76″
Width: 78.35″
Height: 67.125
Wheelbase: 120.08″
Passenger capacity: 7
For reference, the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is:
Length: 193.7″
Width: 84.2″ with mirrors
Height: 73.2″
Wheelbase: 112.2″
Passenger Capacity: 5
Basically, this concept is longer in length, shorter in height and holds more people than the 2024 Land Cruiser.
What about range and price? Again, concept. However, Toyota is working on a solid state battery plan which could result in EVs with double the range of most EVs on the market right now. We are talking about 745 miles or more on a single charge.
It will be an expensive SUV for starters, but economics of scale should bring that number down in the future.
The bottom line
A three-row EV SUV has been a focus for many brands who are trying to crack the code on what consumers want out of an EV. While range, charging infrastructure and a host of other issues are standing in the way of mass EV adoption, these concepts show what’s possible when/if consumer’s appetite for EVs changes.
