Will Euro-spec Toyota Land Cruiser 300 HEV be similar to what PH gets?

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 HEV officially launched for Europe

We already know that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is preparing to launch the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid. Not only did TMP receive regulatory approval for it last year, but the electrified SUV has already been recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

With the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid already securing several approvals, it might only be a matter of time before TMP officially launches it. But before Philippine customers get their hands on it, Toyota has revealed the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid for Europe, and it's our best look yet as to what TMP will launch in the near future.

Like the Lexus LX 700h, the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid comes with a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that's assisted by a single electric motor, which is positioned between the engine and the 10-speed automatic gearbox. This translates to a combined system output of 464 PS and 790 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Land Cruiser Hybrid yet. In comparison, the twin-turbo diesel-powered Land Cruiser 300 in the Philippines makes 306 PS and 700 Nm of torque.

Thanks to the electric motor assist, Toyota claims the Land Cruiser Hybrid has a 40% improvement in throttle response compared to the 3.3L twin-turbo diesel V6 variant, which is what TMP currently offers in the Philippines. More importantly, the electric motor can drive the vehicle at speeds of up to 30 km/h with a fully charged nickel-metal hydride battery.

Speaking of battery, the hybrid's battery pack is housed in a waterproof case, which preserves the SUV's 700mm of water wading depth. Another important change Toyota made to the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid is a new electronic power steering system to provide more precise steering under any road conditions.

Design-wise, the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid looks the same as the non-hybrid variants. The only telltale signs that it's the HEV include the “HEV” badge on the tailgate, as well as a redesigned body kit that gives the SUV a more discerning look. Surprisingly, the European version of the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid will only be offered as a five-seater, meaning the third-row seats have been removed. This makes us wonder if the PH-spec Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid will also be offered as such.

When it comes to the equipment list, the range-topping versions will come with plenty of niceties. These include a power tailgate, a 1500W AC wall outlet for the rear passengers, full LED sequential headlights & taillights, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a four-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system.

With the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid now available in select European markets, we're hoping TMP launches the electrified Land Cruiser 300 soon for the Philippine market.