Toyota is rolling out a 48V mild hybrid across its fifth-generation Land Cruiser line-up while also launching a Commercial LCV variant. The mild hybrid powertrain arrives following the
Toyota is rolling out a 48V mild hybrid across its fifth-generation Land Cruiser line-up while also launching a Commercial LCV variant.
The mild hybrid powertrain arrives following the AWD 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine that’s been available since the all-new Land Cruiser launched last year and marks the first electrified powertrain to be featured in the SUV icon in Europe. All UK Land Cruiser models will adopt the Hybrid 48V system, including the upcoming Land Cruiser Commercial.
Already seen in the Hilux pickup debuted earlier this year, the mild hybrid powertrain combines Land Cruiser’s existing 2.8-litre diesel and eight-speed direct shift automatic transmission with an electric motor-generator, lithium-ion hybrid battery and a DC-DC power converter.
The components are designed and positioned to withstand harsh environments, so the vehicle’s capabilities are retained – including deep water wading up to 700mm deep.
The new mild hybrid set-up brings multiple benefits to the driving experience, both on-road and off.
The electric motor-generator, which is driven by the engine and in turn charges the lithium-ion battery, provides a regeneration function, recovering energy every time the driver comes off the throttle using engine braking. This is then used to provide the engine’s stop-start function and support acceleration, while also improving efficiency.
On rougher, offroad surfaces, the motor-generator adds to the Land Cruiser’s ability to tackle obstacles. The operating status is indicated in the driver’s multi-information display with a read-out showing CHG (energy regeneration), ECO or PWR (providing assist in both cases).
The Hybrid 48V system also enables quicker and quieter engine stop-start performance, and drivers can set their preference for stop and start performance, selecting Normal or Long in the vehicle’s multi-information display. When choosing Long, the engine’s idling stop time is increased when the air conditioning is operating.
Pricing and ordering details for the Hybrid 48V, initially for the passenger version, will be announced shortly, with the first models expected to be with customers from the end of this year.
The new powertrain will also be adopted at a later date by the newly revealed Land Cruiser Commercial, which goes on sale in August priced at £51,729.17 (commercial vehicle OTR) and available solely as a five-door, long wheelbase version.
The new model is a factory conversion of the passenger car debuted last year and also a new halo model for the Toyota Professional range of light commercial vehicles.
Positioned at the top of the range, it’s aimed at customers who do not require the load-carrying capabilities or additional seats of the Hilux pickup, but want the benefits of off-road performance, “on-road poise” and an array of comfort, safety and convenience features as standard.
The conversion process, carried out at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston production facility in Derbyshire, includes removing the rear seats, rendering the rear opaque with interior steel panel inserts and installing a full-height metal bulkhead with a mesh top section.
Load space measures 1,090mm high, 1,685mm long and a maximum 1,286mm wide, giving a cargo capacity (VDA measurement) of up to 2,000 litres. The Land Cruiser Commercial can also tow loads up to 3.5 tonnes.
Initially, the Commercial adopts the Land Cruiser’s 2.8-litre engine, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and featuring permanent all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes to suit the journey. Off-road performance systems include Crawl Control, Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control. The driving assistance features include a Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear parking sensors and Safe Exit Assist.
At a later date, the powertrain will be upgraded to incorporate the Land Cruiser’s mew Hybrid 48V mild hybrid system, which will deliver refined performance with no reduction in the car’s performance capabilities.
Equipment specification comes in at a higher level than the previous Land Cruiser Commercial and carries across many of the technology, comfort and convenience features of the passenger model, together with the Toyota Safety Sense package of safety and driving assistance systems.
Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power back door with opening window hatch, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake and automatic dual-zone air conditioning. The multimedia system includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
First deliveries of the new Land Cruiser Commercial will start from September.
