All-New Toyota Crown Introduced In Japan, Connectivity Services As Standard

Toyota has introduced the fifteenth generation Crown in Japan, continuing the nameplate that was first introduced back in 1955.

The all-new Crown’s key highlight is its dedicated Data Communication Module (DCM) that comes as standard fitment for all variants, bringing 24/7 vehicle connectivity to a whole new level. Toyota’s T-Connect Service, on the other hand, is offered free of charge for the first three years.

Amongst the services offered are :

• e-Care Driving Guidance – Call Centre or dealer will provide guidance to drivers when warning lights are activated, according to information transmitted from the vehicle.
• e-Care Health Check Report – Drivers can use their smartphone to check the engine oil level and smart key battery level when warning lights are activated. Dealers will also provide maintenance guidance to drivers based on vehicle data.
• Connected Maintenance Package – Offers maintenance at optimal timing based on vehicle mileage on top of periodic inspections
• Helpnet – Similar to the emergency call function that 's available in all BMW models sold by BMW Group Malaysia, dedicated operators will connect drivers with emergency services when an accident occurs.
• Toyota Connected Car Insurance Plan – Insurance rate is calculated based on the driver’s driving style, obtained by data from the vehicle.
• Operator Service – Drivers can utilize this service to set destinations in the navigation system or set a restaurant reservation.
• Agent (Voice Recognition Service) – Various parameters, including destination setting, news, and weather searches can be done via voice command, which can be activated via the vehicle’s on-board navigation system or Agent.
• Hybrid Navigation – The Crown’s navigation will pull live traffic information from Toyota Smart Center, allowing for a more effective navigation.
• Line My Car Account – Drivers can set navigation destinations via the Line app and receive information during the journey, such as fuel level and weather.

As for the Toyota T-Connect Service, below are some of the features included :

• Driving Diagnoses – Driving patterns are transmitted to the driver’s smartphone and is coordinated with an insurance plan where the premium is calculated based on driving style.
• My Car Security – Drivers can check, via their smartphone, the status of their vehicle, including door and trunk status, hazard lights, and auto alarm. Drivers can also lock the door and turn off the hazard lights through the app.

On-board vehicle technology aside, the all-new Toyota Crown is also the first Toyota model to be equipped with the company’s 3.5-litre V6 with the Multi-stage Hybrid System, first fitted on the Lexus LC 500h and LS 500h. The V6 engine in the all-new Crown does 299 PS and 356 Nm, while the electric motor contributes another 180 PS and 300 Nm. Combined system output is 359 PS.

The second engine choice is a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force hybrid engine. This new engine does 184 PS and 221 Nm, aided by an electric motor that outputs 143 PS and 300 Nm, allowing for a combined system output of 226 PS. Under the JC08 test cycle, the Dynamic Force-equipped Crown returns 24 km/L.

If hybrids are not your thing, the all-new Toyota Crown can also be had with a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine that does 245 PS and 350 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic.

Various trim levels are offered with the all-new Crown, including the sportier RS Grade. RS Grade Crown variants are fitted with 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, plus specially-tuned front stabilizer bars. Adaptive Variable Suspension, rear performance damper, rear floor brace, and a rear spoiler help complete the handling aspects of the all-new Crown.

Toyota’s second-generation Safety Sense is also fitted as standard to all Crown models. The second-generation Safety Sense package includes :

• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Automatic High Beam (AHB)
• Adaptive High Beam System (AHS)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake

Prices start from JPY 4,606,200 for the base Crown B Grade, climbing all the way up to JPY 7,187,400 for the Crown G-Executive. 

The company aims to shift 4,500 units of the all-new Crown in Japan per month. The all-new Toyota Crown will be assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi plant alongside the Mark X and Estima.