The Toyota Land Cruiser Goes All-electric At The 2023 Japan Motor Show

Yes, it is happening. One of the most iconic nameplates, the Toyota Land Cruiser, is going all-electric! And the Japanese marque has just displayed the concept version of the SUV, called the Land Cruiser Se, at the ongoing 2023 Japan Motor Show. A lot is new here, so without wasting any more time, let’s dive into the deets. 

More Rounded Styling 

Land Cruisers have always been known for the butch and macho styling. But with the Land Cruiser Se, Toyota has made it more rounded and less butch. 

Up front, you get a flush looking front-end with a closed-off grille, above which is the sleek connected LED headlights and ‘Toyota’ badging. Look closely and you’ll find that the slatted DRL insignia flows down from the headlamps to meet the LED fog lamp housing.

In profile, the Land Cruiser now looks a whole lot sleeker and sharper than what we have been accustomed to. You get squared-off wheel arches housing the large spoked alloys and the overall side profile has smooth flowing lines. Presence of a sloping roofline and a blacked out D-pillar for the floating effect gives it a sporty touch. 

That sporty looking roofline meets on to a rake rear tailgate, which gets ‘Toyota’ badging and sleek connected LED tail lamps. A macho looking bumper rounds off the overall design. 

Monocoque Chassis And Powertrain! 

Yes, you read that right. The electric Land Cruiser relies on a monocoque platform instead of a body-on-frame chassis that the model is usually known for. Toyota attributes the shift of its architecture to the fact that monocoques offer highly responsive handling and confidence in tackling rough terrain. 

Powertrain details aren’t out yet, but it should be offered with dual motors, enabling all-wheel drive and certain modes and tricks to help it clamber over the rough stuff. 

It’s Still XXL-sized

At 5,150mm long, 1,990m wide and 1,705mm tall, the Land Cruiser Se is by no means small. It also sits on a long 3,050mm wheelbase, which means space should be plenty. And it can still seat up to seven occupants, making it practical.  

When Is It Going Into Production? 

No word on that, yet. But if it goes into production, which we suspect will happen, it will be an alternative to models such as the upcoming Mercedes EQG (electric G-Class), Jeep Wrangler EV and the Range Rover EV.