toyotanearme

Toyota made some improvements to the new Vellfire, added a PHEV model, and was scheduled to release it in June 2024, but the release date has been postponed to around October 2024. (This may change due to the certification fraud announced by Toyota Industries on January 29, 2024.) In other words, the production period for the initial lot will also be extended, with production initially scheduled to end in June 2024. It was thought that some improvements would be made around June. I am also waiting for the Alphard to be delivered, but I have been informed from the beginning that the delivery date will be extended. Also, although I don’t know if this is the timing, there seems to be a possibility that a new grade will be added. I will explain the details in detail.

I also want to read it

Toyota has made some improvements to the new 40 series Alphard and added the base grade “X” to be released in October 2024.Toyota has made some improvements to the new 40 series Alphard and added the base grade “X” model to be released in June 2024. It was originally scheduled to be released, but it has been postponed to around October 2024.

About Toyota’s new “Vellfire” partially improved 2024 model

A new “PHEV” grade has been added to the 2024 model Vellfire with some improvements. Additionally, new body colors will be added. There will also be price revisions, resulting in an overall price increase.

About Toyota’s new “Vellfire” PHEV model

The new Vellfire uses the GA-K platform, a new development from TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) . This is a common element with the RAV4, Harrier, and NX. In addition, the “2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + hybrid system” is also adopted like other models. Considering this common feature, it is highly likely that they will adopt the same plug-in hybrid system as the PHEV model.

The new plug-in hybrid system “THSⅡ Plug-in” is a model that adds a large-capacity lithium-ion battery (8.8kWh of electricity) and a powerful motor to the inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S . System output is 302 HP (225 kW / 306 PS), 83 HP (62 kW / 84 PS) more than the hybrid model. The cruising range in EV mode is approximately 90km/L in WLTC mode. Hybrid fuel efficiency WLTC is approximately 17.5km/L, and acceleration performance is 7.0 seconds from 0 to 100km/h. The range is expected to be 1,100km.

By utilizing a large-capacity battery, the Harrier PHEV can be used for more than just driving, and can be used for a variety of purposes by using an in-vehicle outlet or an external power outlet.

spec	Vellfire PHEV
full length	4,995mm
full width	1,850mm
Overall height	1,935mm
Wheelbase	3,000mm
Maximum output	130kW (177ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	219Nm (22.3kgfm) / 3,600rpm
Front motor maximum output	134kW (182ps)
Front motor maximum torque	270Nm (27.5kgfm)
Rear motor maximum output	40kW (54ps)
Rear motor maximum torque	121Nm (12.3kgfm)
system output	E-Four: 225kW (306ps)
transmission	Electric continuously variable transmission
battery	Lithium-ion battery 18.1kWh
Drive system	4WD (E-Four)
Riding capacity	7 people
WLTC mode fuel consumption	17.5km/L
EV range	Approximately 90km/L
Expected price	Approximately 8,200,000 yen

Will Toyota’s new “Vellfire” be a new grade with some improvements?

“ VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEPT ” will be exhibited at “JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023”, which will be held mainly at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26th to November 5th, 2023. It was released for the first time in the world. What is expected from this exhibition is that the “Vellfire PHEV” will be introduced in 2024 when it undergoes some improvements, and it is highly likely that it will be launched as a new grade.

VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEPT (Reference exhibit vehicle/World first exhibit)

“VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEP” is a top-of-the-line minivan equipped with hospitality equipment and functions that allow you to spend your time comfortably in a large space with only 4 seats. Meeting a wide range of needs from chauffeurs to leisure use.

• A dedicated rear seat designed for seating comfort provides approximately 500mm more leg space than a 7-seater model.
  
  There is also a floor tray where you can put your bags and a refrigerator.
• The table and all parts are equipped with a power source, allowing busy businessmen to comfortably conduct office work or hold web conferences while on the move.
• A partition curtain is installed between the front seat and the front seat to ensure privacy.
• The rear seat headrests are equipped with built-in speakers, making your travel time a relaxing time with immersive music.
• Create a large space full of luxury like a suite with a dedicated carpet
• The luggage is equipped with a dedicated hanger bar, allowing you to change clothes according to your destination.

VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEPT Impressions after seeing and riding

Although there are almost no changes to the exterior, the base vehicle was based on the “PHEV” model, which has not yet been released.

When I got into the interior, I found that the rear seats had a special design, and special armrests were installed on the sides.

It has about 500mm more space than the 7-seater model, and it is no exaggeration to say that the interior space is almost a room. Lexus will announce the domestic specifications of the new LM on October 19, 2023, and it is scheduled to go on sale around late December 2023. It has almost the same interior space as the new “LM”, but considering the differences in detailed specifications and brands, the 2-row, 4-seater “Vellfire” is suitable for people who do not want the level of “LM”. may be required as an option.

I also want to read it

Lexus new “LM” 3-row seat 6-seater “LM500h “version L” added. Released on May 9, 2024 Lexus’s first minivan new “LM” will be newly equipped with “LM500h (3-row seat 6-seater)”. It was added and released on May 9, 2024. The “LM500h EXECUTIVE” currently on sale has two rows of seats and luxurious…

Toyota new “Vellfire” partially improved price grade

Prices may be revised due to some improvements. You can choose from three grades for the new Alphard: the top grade “Executive Lounge”, the intermediate grade “Z”, and the entry grade “X”. (On the other hand, the previous model had eight types: “X”, “S”, “SC”, “SR”, “G”, “GF”, “SC”, and “Executive Lounge”).

You can choose from three grades for the new Vellfire: Spacious Lounge, Executive Lounge, and Z Premium.

alphard price grade

The price for the X grade is approximately 4,620,000 yen, which is a difference of approximately 4 million yen from the higher grade Executive Lounge, which is 8,500,000 yen.

grade	engine	Drive system	Price (10%)
X	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT	2WD	Approximately 4,620,000 yen
X	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT	4WD	Approximately 4,800,000 yen
G Car with side lift up tilt seat	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT	2WD	4,720,000 yen
G Car with side lift up tilt seat	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT	4WD	4,900,000 yen
Z	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT	2WD	5,400,000 yen
Z	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT	4WD	5,598,000 yen
X	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	Approximately 5,348,000 yen
X	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	4WD	Approximately 5,548,000 yen
G Car with side lift up tilt seat	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	5,448,000 yen
G Car with side lift up tilt seat	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	4WD	5,648,000 yen
Z	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	6,200,000 yen
Z	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	4WD	6,420,000 yen
Executive Lounge	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	8,500,000 yen
Executive Lounge	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	4WD	8,720,000 yen

Vellfire price grade

The price for Z Premium is 6,900,000 yen, which is about 2 million yen difference from the higher grade Executive Lounge’s 8,700,000 yen. It is also said that a four-seater Spacious Lounge will be added.

grade	engine	Drive system	Price (10%)
Z Premium	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	6,900,000 yen
Z Premium	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	4WD	7,120,000 yen
Z Premium	2.4L direct injection turbo engine + Direct Shift-8AT	2WD	6,550,000 yen
Z Premium	2.4L direct injection turbo engine + Direct Shift-8AT	2WD	6,748,000 yen
Executive Lounge	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	8,700,000 yen
Executive Lounge	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	4WD	8,920,000 yen
Spacious Lounge	2.5 L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THSⅡ (hybrid)	2WD	Approximately 13,000,000 yen
		4WD	Approximately 13,022,000 yen

About the new Toyota “Vellfire”

While maintaining the same concept as the old model, the new Vellfire’s exterior design has been changed, and the front and rear bumper designs have also been changed. Continuing from the previous generation, “ flowing turn signals (sequential turn lamps) ” are also adopted. The body size falls within the size limits for general mechanical parking lots, with an overall length of 4,995 mm, an overall width of 1,850 mm, an overall height of 1,935 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. It also uses the newly developed platform TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), which was adopted in the new Prius released in December 2015 .

The engine model is equipped with a “2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine)” that achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of over 40%, just like the new Camry. The hybrid model uses the same engine, but is equipped with the smaller, lighter “High Performance Multi-Stage THS II” to improve fuel efficiency. The new Alphard/Vellfire Hybrid uses the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L straight-4 DOHC+ motor as the Camry Hybrid, and has a WLTC mode fuel economy of 16.5-17.7km/L.

In the previous model, the only hybrid model was 4WD (E-Four), but this time, a 2WD (FF) model will also be added to the lineup for the first time. Additionally, the eight-seater model has been discontinued.

Toyota’s new “Vellfire” interior has significantly evolved

The front seats are equipped with the latest steering wheel and shift knob that shares the same design as the new Prius and Crown. The location of the electric parking brake and hold button is easy to use, and the drink holder and just-place-to-place charging location are conveniently placed. The meter is a large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter, and in addition to a 14-inch display audio and T-Connect SD navigation system, it is equipped with a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) . The rear-seat entertainment system includes an optional 13.2-inch display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. The DCM on-board communication device is standard equipment (particularly standard on Executive Lounge models).

The rear seats are equipped with a “super long overhead console” and “twin dimming panoramic roof,” as well as “LED roof color illumination,” just like the previous model. The rear seats of the top-of-the-line Executive Lounge are luxuriously equipped with seat reclining and relaxation functions, as well as an ottoman and armrest with a heated seat. Furthermore, two central control touch panels are used to intuitively operate various comfort equipment such as the TV.

A ” universal step ” is adopted
on both sides and is available as an option. The third-row seats are flip-up, and the two-stage mechanism allows for more movement in the second row than in the previous model, allowing for more variations in seat arrangement.

The moonroof shade has independent left and right shades in order to allow customers to simultaneously view the sky and block sunlight, depending on their wishes. Furthermore, the side sunshade is a descending type, a first for Toyota.

Toyota new “Vellfire” specs

The hybrid system for the 2.5L engine tuned to the specifications of the new Vellfire has been completely redesigned. This 2.5L THS II achieves excellent power performance and low fuel consumption at a high level through the synergy of compact, lightweight, low-loss technology and the high combustion efficiency and high output of the new TNGA engine. It has completely renewed the image of hybrid vehicle driving, achieving high start-up acceleration performance and a driving experience that is full of direct feeling. Furthermore, high-speed fuel efficiency has been improved by improving system efficiency during high-speed driving and by enabling intermittent operation of the engine even in high-speed ranges. Looking at the specs, it has attractive driving performance with fuel efficiency comparable to old compact cars (17.5-17.7km/L) and maximum system output of 184w (250ps). If you consider resale value, a hybrid vehicle is definitely your choice.

spec	Vellfire hybrid model	Vellfire
full length	4,995mm	4,995mm
full width	1,850mm	1,850mm
Overall height	1,935mm	1,935mm
Wheelbase	3,000mm	3,000mm
engine	In-line 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THSⅡ)	Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L turbo engine
Maximum output	140kW (190ps) / 6,000rpm	205kW (279ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm	430Nm (43.8kgm) / 1,700~3,600rpm
Front motor maximum output	134kw (182ps)	–
Front motor maximum torque	270Nm (27.5kgm)	–
System maximum output	184w (250ps)	–
transmission	Electric continuously variable transmission	Direct Shift-8AT
Drive system	2WD E-Four (4 wheel drive system)	2WD 4WD
WLTC mode fuel consumption	17.5-17.7km/L (2WD) 16.5-16.7km/L (4WD)	10.3km/L (2WD) 10.2km/L (4WD)
Riding capacity	7 people	7 people

Rumors about the delivery date of Toyota’s new “Vellfire”

There appear to be multiple factors behind the extended delivery date for the Vellfire. First, there is the impact of Toyota Industries’ certification fraud announced on January 29, 2024. This may have an impact on production and supply. Additionally, a lack of manpower at factories is said to be contributing to delivery delays. Finally, there are rumors that quality issues may arise if the number of units produced increases, so it is necessary to keep the number of units produced at a certain level.

These are all rumors and speculations, but I’m sure I’ll be ordering one in June 2023 and hoping to receive it soon. We can only hope that the factory issues and quality concerns are resolved and delivery times are restored appropriately.

What I think about Toyota’s new “Vellfire”

The Alphard and Vellfire are car models that have extremely strong sales power in the Japanese market. This model has undergone normal evolution as a Toyota, and incorporates elements such as interior changes and the addition of a powertrain that make you feel more evolved when you drive it than it looks. Furthermore, we have strengthened our position as a reliable vehicle by enhancing safety equipment and introducing the latest equipment.