Grey Market Toyota Century SUV In Russia Costs More Than A Rolls Royce Cullinan
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Toyota’s ultra luxury Century SUV is already expensive in Japan, but things look completely different in Russia right now. A lightly used 2024 Toyota Century SUV has appeared for sale in Moscow with an asking price of nearly $737,000. Yes, that is Rolls Royce money for a Toyota badge.
The strange part is that the Century SUV actually starts at around ¥27 million in Japan, which converts to roughly $169,900. That means this Russian example costs more than four times its original Japanese price.
Why Is The Toyota Century SUV So Expensive In Russia?
The answer mostly comes down to parallel imports and limited availability.
Russia currently relies heavily on grey market imports for many luxury vehicles. Dealers import cars independently instead of through official manufacturer channels. That process increases costs, especially for rare vehicles like the Toyota Century SUV.
This particular SUV is being sold by Royal Motors in Moscow for 52.9 million rubles, which equals nearly $737,000 at current exchange rates.
To make things even crazier, the price reportedly sits above similar used examples of the Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II currently listed in Russia. That sounds almost unbelievable until you remember how rare the Century SUV actually is outside Japan.
Toyota never intended this SUV to become a global luxury status symbol. But the market clearly had other plans.
What Makes The Toyota Century SUV Special?
The Century SUV is basically Toyota’s answer to ultra luxury SUVs like the Rolls Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga. It focuses more on comfort and rear seat luxury than aggressive performance.
This 2024 example comes with:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Layout | Four individual seats |
| Interior Material | Brown leather with Alcantara headliner |
| Rear Features | Massage, ventilation, heating, electric legrests |
| Entertainment | Rear screens and premium audio |
| Climate Control | Four zone climate system |
| Roof | Glass roof |
| Wheels | 22 inch alloy wheels |
| Exterior | Full black finish |
The SUV also includes a glass partition between the passenger area and cargo section, something usually seen in chauffeur driven luxury vehicles.
Interestingly, this model does not get the dimming rear windows introduced on the updated 2025 Century SUV.
Toyota Century SUV Powertrain And Performance
Under the hood, the Century SUV uses Toyota’s TNGA K platform along with a plug in hybrid powertrain.
Powertrain Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 litre V6 |
| Hybrid System | Plug in hybrid |
| Combined Output | 406 hp |
| Transmission | e CVT |
| Drivetrain | E Four Advanced AWD |
| Battery Pack | 21.3 kWh |
| EV Range | 69 km |
The setup focuses more on smoothness and quiet operation than outright speed. Honestly, nobody buying a Century SUV cares about quarter mile times anyway. Rear seat comfort matters more here than launch control.
Another Century SUV Is Also Listed In Russia
The Moscow listing is not the only one.
Another left hand drive 2025 Toyota Century SUV reportedly appeared from a dealer called AutoKing. That SUV carries a lower asking price of around 38.5 million rubles, or roughly $541,500.
Even that “cheaper” example still costs far more than the SUV’s original Japanese pricing.
Meanwhile, the least expensive Century model currently listed in Russia is a first generation 1982 Century sedan priced at around $91,400. That sounds almost reasonable compared to the SUV sitting at three quarters of a million dollars.
Toyota Century SUV Is Becoming A Status Symbol
The Toyota Century has always been a special vehicle in Japan. Politicians, executives, and business leaders have used Century sedans for decades because of their comfort and understated design.
The SUV version changed that image slightly. It still stays classy, but now it competes directly with high end luxury SUVs from Europe.
Outside Japan, the Century SUV has become something much bigger. Its rarity alone makes it desirable. In markets with limited access, dealers can push prices to absurd levels because wealthy buyers simply want something nobody else owns.
A Rolls Royce is expensive. A Toyota that costs more than a Rolls Royce? That gets attention fast.
Sources and References
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Toyota Century SUV so expensive in Russia?
The price mainly comes from grey market imports, limited availability, and dealer markup. In Russia, this 2024 Century SUV is listed for 52.9 million rubles, which is nearly $737,000.
How much does the Toyota Century SUV cost in Japan?
The Century SUV starts at around ¥27 million in Japan, which converts to roughly $169,900. That makes the Russian listing more than four times the original Japanese price.
What makes the Toyota Century SUV special?
The Century SUV is Toyota’s ultra luxury SUV. It focuses on comfort, quiet driving, and rear seat luxury rather than sporty performance.
This example gets four individual seats, brown leather, an Alcantara headliner, rear massage seats, ventilation, heating, electric legrests, rear screens, premium audio, a glass roof, and four zone climate control.
What engine does the Toyota Century SUV use?
The Century SUV uses a 3.5 litre V6 plug in hybrid system on Toyota’s TNGA K platform. Combined output is 406 hp, and power goes through an e CVT with E Four Advanced AWD.
What is the electric range of the Toyota Century SUV?
The battery pack is 21.3 kWh, and the SUV is said to deliver 69 km of electric only range. It is built more for smoothness and quiet driving than hard acceleration.
Does the Russian Century SUV have any special luxury features?
Yes. It has a full black exterior, 22 inch alloy wheels, a glass partition between the cabin and cargo area, and a very upscale rear seat setup. One thing it does not have is the dimming rear windows added to the updated 2025 model.
Are there other Toyota Century listings in Russia?
Yes. Another left hand drive 2025 Century SUV was listed by AutoKing for about 38.5 million rubles, or roughly $541,500. The cheapest Century model in Russia was a 1982 sedan listed at around $91,400.
Why is the Toyota Century SUV becoming a status symbol?
The Century has always had a strong reputation in Japan, especially among politicians, executives, and business leaders. The SUV version keeps that luxury image, but outside Japan its rarity makes it even more desirable.
