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Innovation & Bespoke Luxury: Lexus and Century Chart New Path

Lexus and Century drive into a new path of innovation and bespoke luxury.
January 05, 2026
Photo: Toyota Motors

Now, there is no question that the Japanese aesthetic, attention to detail, and level of craftsmanship is very much appreciated all over the world. It can very easily go head-to-head with other premium brands in its own, unique way. It was most clearly exemplified by the fact that Akio’s own traditionally-shaped Century sedan in pearl white sat there with the trim and tuning of Gazoo Racing. There was a very curvaceous new vehicle on the main platform, in a brilliant shade of orange. It was very telling given that almost all of the Centuries are black.

Photo: Toyota Motors

Then Akio began talking about Lexus. He said that by creating Century as a separate marque for the world, Lexus now has more depth and breadth and height in which to operate. The vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation was first introduced to the world through innovations like the V8 engine, which decimated the US market with a new level of luxury, smoothness and reliability. Today, Lexus is redefining the concept of luxury. They very clearly stated, for example, that their LS branding will no longer mean luxury sedan or luxury SUV, but luxury space.

One of these ways is a six-wheel vehicle, which may make no sense at the onset. And then you are told that the reason it came about was because Akio himself wanted people to rethink their vehicles and give them more space. The way to achieve that was by putting two smaller wheels inline on both sides of the rear, which meant the interpretation. There is a whole world outside of those who think American SUVs are the be all and end all of transportation. They consider the Lexus LM as the vehicle of comfortable choice for most journeys.

Photo: Toyota Motors

Another vehicle presented by Lexus leaned towards the opposite direction. A one-person futuristic pod was meant to be a bit of a last-mile answer to urban movement, but done in Lexus form. It would definitely be more appropriate for automated driving, though I’m fairly sure they could sort that out if they wanted to. But inside it is an amazing amount of space with an extremely high level of craftsmanship, from hand-shaped wood to cut crystal. You’re deeply ensconced in your own little world, and the seat comes out to greet you when you enter. Another point is that this system is already set up to use the wheelchair-type systems that are or will be offered.

Additional displays at the Japan Motor Show included a Lexus sailing yacht and what is best described as a quadcopter personal drone-like transport system. So, in terms of creating different opportunities for mobility, it’s very clear where the Toyota group is going. In private conversations, they did say that these were all at a relatively high level of development, and it just comes down to which direction they want to go.

Akio Toyoda gave a very inspirational speech where he wondered, as many do, what the founders of Toyota would say if they saw the world today. To which, he posited, “They wouldn’t talk. They would do and they would lead. And this is what we are doing.”

This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026.

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