Land Cruiser 300 series spied for the first time

Toyota is currently testing the next-generation LandCruiser in Russia, with these images obtained by website Autosport.

The Russian spies have also confirmed the LandCruiser test vehicle was fitted with a hybrid 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 powertrain.

Japanese media said earlier this week the new model will be offered with the hybrid V6 engine initially; while the 3.3-litre turbo diesel six-cylinder will likely follow.

It’s expected the engine will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission; sending around 310kW of power and 600Nm of torque to all four wheels.

As expected; the Land Cruiser brand brings a plethora of features complemented by a well laid out interior; with the use of premium materials all over the cabin.

The new-gen Land Cruiser’s exhaustive feature list is expected to comprise a new 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment unit with connected car tech, climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated three-spoke steering wheel and much more.

Physical buttons allow ‘Mode Select’, ‘Drive Mode’, and Toyota’s ‘Multi-Terrain System’ to be easily accessed. Auto descent control; a centre differential lock; turn to assist, and the all-important low-range gear selection sits next to the shifter.

For the driver, analogue gauges remain, with a central digital screen positioned between.
Semi-autonomous cruise control and lane-departure warning controls are mounted on the steering wheel, together with the typical stereo and Bluetooth phone buttons.

the vehicle is covered in plastic normally reserved for shipping, the iconic LandCruiser shape will clearly continue.
At the front, six LED headlights will light the night, with a more aggressive design than seen on previous LandCruiser models, and slimmer LED tail-lights reminiscent of the Toyota RAV4.

The LandCruiser 300 Series rumoured to be officially revealed in September, while a sporty-looking GR Sport grade is even mooted to be available for the first time.