Toyota Vellfire partial improvement, Japan’s first minivan, PHEV model added, postponed to December 20, 2024, release date January 7, 2025

Toyota has made some improvements to the new Vellfire, originally scheduled for release between June and October 2024, but the release has now been postponed to January 7, 2025. The powertrain will include Japan’s first PHEV minivan, and the launch will be on January 31, 2025. (This date may change due to the impact of Toyota Industries Corporation’s certification fraud, announced on January 29, 2024.) This means that the production period for the initial batch has been extended. Since production was originally scheduled to end in June 2024, it was thought that the partial improvements would be implemented around June. I am also waiting for delivery of my Alphard , but I have been informed from the beginning that the delivery date will be delayed. My car will be delivered at the end of July 2024. I will explain the details.

Summary of articles on the new “Vellfire” partial improvement

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Toyota’s new “Vellfire” partial improvement 2025 model

The 2025 model of the Vellfire will be partially improved, adding a new “PHEV” grade and a two-row “Spacious Lounge” model . A new, exclusive Precious Metal body color will be added to enhance the car’s aggressive look , and the digital inner mirror will be replaced with a digital inner mirror with front and rear recording functions , as used in the Harrier and other models. The Z Premier will be equipped with a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) and a 14-inch rear seat entertainment system . Prices will also be revised, resulting in an overall increase.

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About the new Toyota Vellfire PHEV model

The new 40-series Alphard will use the newly developed TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) GA-K platform , the same as the RAV4, Harrier, and NX . It also shares with other models the use of a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + hybrid system . Considering this commonality, it will also use a plug-in hybrid system like the PHEV model.

This model features the newly developed plug-in hybrid system “THS II Plug-in,” combining a 2.5L inline-four direct-injection D-4S engine with a powerful 51Ah lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor in the center of the vehicle. System output is 302 HP (225 kW / 306 PS), 83 HP (62 kW / 84 PS) more than the hybrid model. While specs are still estimates, the EV-only range achieves 73 km in WLTC mode. Hybrid fuel economy is approximately 17.5 km/L . While maintaining the same interior space, the center of gravity has been lowered by 35 mm compared to the HEV. This, combined with an optimized body frame, results in a more comfortable ride with less shaking and a stable driving experience. The new “Smooth Stop” control, which suppresses sudden nose-down movement just before stopping, stabilizes occupant posture and provides a high-quality ride.

The Harrier PHEV’s high-capacity battery can be used for more than just driving. In addition to being able to use the power stored in the vehicle via the outlet installed inside the vehicle, by inserting the included vehicle power connector into a standard charging inlet, it can be used with a 100V external power outlet, supporting up to 1500W in total.

Toyota’s new “Spacious Lounge” grade will be introduced for the “Alphard” rather than the new “Vellfire”

When the Alphard (HEV/PHEV) undergoes a partial redesign in 2024, a new grade called “Spacious Lounge” will be added, which will be released on January 31, 2025.

The VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEPT will have its world premiere at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, which will be held mainly at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26 to November 5, 2023. The VELLFIRE PHEV will be introduced during the partial model change in 2024, and will be added to the lineup as a new grade.

VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEPT (reference vehicle, world premiere)

The VELLFIRE Spacious Lounge CONCEP is a premium minivan equipped with hospitality features and functions that allow passengers to relax in comfort in a spacious space with only four seats. It meets a wide range of needs, from chauffeurs to leisure use.

• The special rear seats are designed for a more comfortable seating experience, with approximately 500mm more legroom than the 7-seater model.
  
  There is also a floor tray for placing bags and a refrigerator .
• The car is equipped with a table and power outlets in various locations, allowing busy businessmen to comfortably work and hold web conferences while traveling.
• A partition curtain is set between the seats in front to ensure privacy.
• The rear seat headrests are equipped with built-in speakers, allowing you to fully relax while traveling with immersive music.
• The special carpet creates a luxurious, spacious space like a suite.
• The luggage compartment 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 it

The exterior has remained almost unchanged, but the base vehicle is based on the yet-to-be-released “PHEV” model.

When I got inside, I noticed that the rear seats had a special design and special armrests on the sides.

There is approximately 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 model of the new “LM” on October 19, 2023, and release it around late December 2023. It has almost the same interior space as the new “LM”, but considering the differences in minor specifications and brands, those who do not require the level of the “LM” may want to consider the 2-row, 4-seater “Vellfire” as an alternative.

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Toyota’s new “Vellfire” partial improvement price grade

Due to some improvements, there will be changes to the grade structure and price revisions.

The new Alphard will be available in four grades: the top-of-the-line Spacious Lounge and Executive Lounge, the mid-range Z, and the entry-level X. (The previous model had eight grades: X, S, SC, SR, G, GF, SC, and Executive Lounge.) There will also be a choice of three powertrains: gasoline, hybrid, and PHEV.

2025 Improved Model Alphard Price and Grade

The price for the “X” grade is 5,100,000 yen, while the higher-end “Executive Lounge” grade is 10,650,000 yen, a difference of 5,550,000 yen. This is the car with the biggest price difference among Toyota cars. A new “X Side Lift-Up Tilt Seat Model” has also been introduced as a welfare vehicle.

Vellfire price grade

The new Vellfire is available in three grades: Spacious Lounge, Executive Lounge, and Z Premium.

About the new Toyota Vellfire

While maintaining the same concept as the previous model, the new Vellfire has a revised exterior design, including changes to the front and rear bumper designs. Continuing from the previous model, it also features flowing turn signals (sequential turn lamps) . The body size fits within the size restrictions for standard mechanical parking lots, maintaining a total length of 4,995mm, width of 1,850mm, height of 1,935mm, and wheelbase of 3,000mm. It also uses the newly developed platform, TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) , which was adopted for the new Prius released in December 2015.

The engine model will be equipped with the same 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) as the new Camry, which achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of over 40%. The hybrid model will also use the same engine, but will be equipped with a smaller and lighter high-performance multi-stage THS II to improve fuel economy. The new Alphard/Vellfire Hybrid will use the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L inline 4 DOHC + motor as the Camry Hybrid, and will achieve a WLTC mode fuel economy of 16.5-17.7km/L.

The previous model only had a 4WD (E-Four) hybrid model, but this time, a 2WD (FF) model will also be added to the lineup for the first time. Also, the 8-seater model has been discontinued.

Toyota’s new “Vellfire” interior has undergone significant evolution

The front seats are equipped with an updated steering wheel and a shift knob with the same design as the new Prius and Crown. The electric parking brake and hold button is conveniently located, and the drink holder and drop-in charging station are conveniently located. The meter features a large 12.3-inch full-LCD digital meter, a 14-inch display audio system, a T-Connect SD navigation system, and a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) . The rear seat entertainment system features a 13.2-inch display (optional) and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A DCM in-car communication device is standard (especially on the Executive Lounge model).

The rear seats feature a “super long overhead console” and a “twin dimming panoramic roof,” and are also equipped with “LED roof color illumination” just like the previous model. The rear seats of the top-grade “Executive Lounge” model are luxuriously equipped with “seat reclining” and “relaxation” functions, as well as an ottoman and armrest with “heated seats.” In addition, two “central control touch panels” are used, allowing intuitive operation of various comfort features such as the television.

” Universal steps ” are available
on both sides as an option. The third-row seats are flip-up type, but the two-stage mechanism allows for more movement in the second row than the previous model, increasing the variety of seat arrangements.

The moonroof shade is a separate type that allows customers to simultaneously enjoy the sky and block out the sunlight, depending on their preference. Furthermore, the side sunshades are a descending type, a first for Toyota.

Toyota’s new “Vellfire” specifications

The hybrid system for the 2.5L engine, tuned to the new Vellfire specifications, has been completely redesigned. This 2.5L THS II achieves superior power performance and fuel economy at a high level through compact, lightweight, and low-loss technologies, combined with the high combustion efficiency and high output of the new TNGA-based engine. It completely redefines the hybrid vehicle’s driving experience, delivering excellent starting acceleration and a direct feel. Furthermore, improved system efficiency at highway speeds and the ability to operate the engine intermittently at high speeds improve fuel economy. Looking at the specs, the hybrid offers impressive driving performance, with fuel economy on par with that of older compact cars (17.5-17.7km/L) and a maximum system output of 184W (250hp). When considering resale value, a hybrid is the obvious choice.

Rumors about delivery dates for the new Toyota Vellfire

There appear to be several factors behind the delay in the delivery of the Vellfire. First, there is the impact of Toyota Industries’ certification fraud, which was announced on January 29, 2024. This may be affecting production and supply. Furthermore, factory labor shortages are also said to be contributing to the delivery delay. Finally, there are rumors that quality issues may arise if production volume is increased, so it is necessary to limit production to a certain number.

These are all rumors and speculations, but hopefully the factory issues and quality concerns will be resolved and delivery times will be restored appropriately.

Thoughts on the new Toyota Vellfire

The Alphard and Vellfire are vehicles with extremely strong sales power in the Japanese market. This latest model represents a normal evolution for Toyota, incorporating elements that make the evolution feel more apparent when you drive it, such as changes to the interior and the addition of a powertrain. Furthermore, the enhanced safety features and the introduction of the latest equipment have strengthened the car’s position as a reliable vehicle.

Vellfire

https://toyota.jp/vellfire