What comes to mind when you hear the word “luxury”? Maybe it’s a sleek, tech-filled Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series, gliding down the highway with all the elegance in the world. But what if the future of luxury looked a bit different? What if it looked a lot more… boxy? Meet the 2024 Toyota Alphard.
Overview: 2024 Toyota Alphard |
Price |
RM 538,000 |
Segment |
Large MPV |
Engine |
2.4-litre turbo in-line 4 |
Transmission |
8AT |
Power |
278 PS |
Torque |
430 Nm |
Top Speed |
180 km/h (claimed) |
Origin |
CBU, Japan |
What Is Luxury, Really?
Oxford defines luxury as "a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense." It’s a broad definition, but it gets to the heart of what luxury should be about: comfort and elegance. To that end, the Alphard certainly meets this definition.
The Alphard offers a level of comfort that’s hard to match. The cavernous interior, opulent seats with massage functions, and exceptional ride quality create an environment where you can truly relax, unwind, and forget the world outside.
As for great expense, at RM 538,000, the Alphard isn’t exactly a bargain. But then again, isn’t the idea of "great expense" all relative?
For too long, luxury has been synonymous with big badges and tech overload. But the Alphard challenges this notion by focusing on what really matters: reliability and comfort. It’s not about having the latest gadget or the flashiest logo; it’s about knowing your car will get you where you need to go without fail. That’s a luxury that no amount of technology can replace.
The Alphard’s exterior design is all about quiet confidence. The massive grille is imposing without being obnoxious. The overall design language is less about following trends and more about creating a lasting impression. It’s a car that knows how to command respect without needing to shout for attention.
When it comes to space, the Alphard is in a league of its own. Traditional luxury sedans, even the long-wheelbase ones, might give you plush leather and extendable ottomans, but they can’t match the sheer roominess of the Alphard.
From the outside, it might look like a box, but step inside, and everything makes sense. Here, you can fully recline, stretch your legs, and truly relax.
The captain chairs in the Alphard’s Executive Lounge are more than just seats; they’re thrones. With power-reclining features, massage functions, and even detachable remotes for controlling everything from the audio to the lighting, these seats offer a first-class experience on wheels. And unlike traditional luxury sedans, you’re not confined to a tight space – you’ve got plenty of room to breathe.
In a traditional luxury sedan, getting in and out can be a bit of a hassle – especially when you’ve got to duck under the roofline and squeeze through a narrow door opening. But with the Alphard’s powered sliding doors, those problems are a thing of the past.
These doors glide open with the push of a button, giving you easy access without requiring your chauffeur to even leave the driver’s seat. No head-bumping, no awkward contortions – just walk in, sit down, and let the world pass by.
Inside, the Alphard is all about comfort and functionality without the tech overload. Sure, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch touchscreen, but it’s all tastefully integrated, without overwhelming you with a thousand different settings.
Ok, the contextual menu format and capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel are a tad annoying, I will admit that. And the JBL sound system isn’t all that great when you’re spending over half a million Ringgit.
But the materials are top-notch, with premium Nappa leather covering everything you touch, and the minimalist dashboard keeps things clean and simple. It’s luxury that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.
The 2024 Toyota Alphard isn’t just about luxurious interiors and spaciousness – it’s also got a powertrain that complements its refined character. Under the hood lies the T24A-FTS, a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 278 PS and 430 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic.
What makes the Alphard’s powertrain truly special is how it adds to the overall luxury experience. Getting up to speed is effortless, with the torque curve delivering smooth, consistent power. It doesn’t punch you in the back or try to impress you with aggressive acceleration.
Instead, it moves things along in a calm, assertive manner – like a confident mentor guiding you rather than a showy, overbearing coach. It’s the kind of performance that reassures rather than excites.
So, what does the Alphard tell us about the future of luxury? It’s a reminder that true luxury isn’t just about how much you can spend or how much tech you can pack into a car. It’s about the things that actually matter – sheer comfort, reliability, space, and convenience. It’s about a car that fits into your life seamlessly, offering comfort and peace of mind without the fuss.
In a world where everyone’s trying to outdo each other with the latest gadgets and the flashiest designs, the Alphard keeps things simple and focuses on what really counts. And if that’s where luxury is headed, we’re all in for a much more comfortable ride.
Also read: Review: (AGH40) 2024 Toyota Vellfire 2.5, rewriting the textbook on how luxury should be defined