Toyota has announced that order books for the 2023 Toyota Crown Sedan are now open in Japan. Two versions are available – a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), priced at JPY 8,300,000 (around RM 262k) and JPY 7,300,000 (around RM 230k) respectively.

Unlike the Crown Crossover and Crown Sports, which are based on the front-wheel drive TNGA-K platform, the 2023 Toyota Crown Sedan is underpinned the TNGA-L platform that facilitates the rear-wheel drive (RWD) proportions.

At the front, a combination of a hammerhead design and a large grille with a vertical pattern creates an imposing front fascia. The rear features taillights that stretch in a straight line from side to side, emphasizing the car's width.

Inside, a large wood-grain panel extends from the instrument panel to the doors. Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of omotenashi, or hospitality, are evident in the illumination design with 64-colour ambient lighting.

As for the powertrain, the 2023 Toyota Crown Sedan incorporates the same fuel-cell system as the Toyota Mirai. With three high-pressure hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, it can cover around 820 km on just a three-minute hydrogen refill. Further details are scarce but the Toyota Mirai currently makes 182 PS.

Also read: After Mirai, 2023 Toyota Crown to also be offered with FCEV - hydrogen-fueled EV that doesn't require plug-in charging

For the first time in a Toyota, the Crown Sedan features a newly developed 2.5-litre multi-stage hybrid system. This system combines an engine and two motors with stepped gears to deliver driving torque that supports acceleration across all speed ranges.

Unlike a conventional continuously variable transmission (CVT), e-CVT in older Toyota hybrid systems, or a simple planetary gear system, the stepped gears provide a greater degree of flexibility in managing the power generated by the engine and electric motors.

With engine revs staying low at high speeds, the Crown Sedan operates quietly and efficiently while downsizing engine displacement.

In a move towards sustainability and practicality, the FCEV version of the Crown Sedan allows users to connect an external power supply to provide high-output power to your home or electrical appliances.

Both FCEV and HEV versions offer two accessory outlets (AC100V 1500W) inside the vehicle, enabling the use of electrical products even when the vehicle is stopped, serving as an emergency power supply system.

Also read: Second model joins the 2023 Toyota Crown family, the hybrid-only Crown Sports is a driver-oriented SUV