Used Toyota Century (G60) review

The G60 Toyota Century is a full-size luxury car and limousine produced from 2018 primarily for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota’s flagship model within Japan. Unlike more ostentatious luxury offerings from Europe, the Century embodies a uniquely Japanese approach to luxury—one steeped in tradition, craftsmanship, and understated elegance. It is primarily targeted towards Japanese dignitaries, heads of industry, and the ultra-wealthy, offering an unparalleled chauffeured experience rather than a driver-focused one.

Thanks to the grey import market, this otherwise Japan-exclusive model is now available in select international markets. While it is often compared to the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, Bentley Mulsanne, and various Rolls-Royce models, the Century distinguishes itself by delivering a similarly bespoke and luxurious experience at a price that can be tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars lower.

Produced in extremely limited numbers, each Century is meticulously crafted, often tailored to the specific wishes of its owner. As a result, there is an extensive array of features and optional equipment, making it safe to assume that no two imported examples are identical in specification.

At its heart, the G60 Century is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 paired with a hybrid-electric system, derived from the previous-generation Lexus LS 600h L. This powertrain is mated to an eCVT, ensuring the smoothest and most seamless driving experience possible, further reinforcing the Century’s primary mission of delivering absolute comfort for its rear-seat occupants. This hybrid setup not only prioritizes refinement but is also regarded as one of the most durable and reliable petrol-hybrid powertrains in existence.

Beyond its mechanical excellence, the Century represents Toyota’s pinnacle of craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced luxury cars, the Century is predominantly hand-assembled, with only seven robots involved in its production. The remaining work is entrusted to Toyota’s most skilled artisans, who must “audition” to earn the privilege of working on the Century.

Yet, despite this obsessive attention to detail, fewer than 10 percent of Century owners will ever drive the car themselves. This is a vehicle designed for those who experience it from the back seat, and as such, its interior philosophy diverges from conventional luxury norms. While most high-end cars drape their cabins in leather, the Century’s interior is trimmed in wool—like a fine tailored suit. Toyota considers leather to be noisy, ostentatious, and even uncouth, whereas wool provides a quieter, more dignified ambiance.

The car’s exterior receives the same fanatical level of attention. The Century is not just painted—it is hand-painted, then wet-sanded and polished by hand to achieve a flawless mirror finish. Only four individuals in the world are certified to paint a Century, though two apprentices have recently begun training under them. The process incorporates seven distinct materials, taking inspiration from traditional Japanese lacquerware techniques, with select craftsmen having undergone specialised training at a high-end lacquerware workshop for six months.

This relentless pursuit of perfection extends to every aspect of the car. The body panels are hand-finished and precisely adjusted by master technicians. The wood trim inside the cabin is hand-cut and meticulously sanded, requiring over 15 hours of dedicated woodworking per vehicle. Even the doors are individually aligned by hand to ensure absolute precision.

However, such extreme levels of craftsmanship come with challenges. Due to the Century’s bespoke nature, sourcing spare parts—especially body panels—can be an issue in markets where the model was never officially sold. While the Century offers an experience unlike any other luxury car, being a grey import means that ownership comes with its own set of considerations. Read on to learn more.