Second-Generation Toyota Mark X - 2017 Minor Change

The second-generation Toyota Mark X has been around for about seven years since it came out in the autumn of 2009 and while it tries to carry out the predecessor's will to pick up where the legendary Mark II saloon left off by being a cheaper take on the German saloons. In truth, it never tries to take the cut to please the high-ranking salarymen going to the office. With word of mouth that the Mark X couldn't last to live until the end of the decade, Toyota tries to improve the Mark X a little further with this latest minor change.

2017 Toyota Mark X

Theoretically, this will be the last time Toyota will improve the second-generation Mark X and some say the second-generation will be the last for Toyota's Mark X. Whatever that is, the 2017 update features a much more aggressive exterior design to keep this saloon even more appealing through the very end of its lifespan. From its aggressive front view, the bi-beam LED headlamps, redesigned taillights, and new wheel designs, the new look is about as aggressive and as eccentric as its relative saloon, the Toyota Crown.

2017 Toyota Mark X interior

The interior looks vaguely similar to its previous versions but in terms of interior color choices, there's a new choice of two-color combinations available on the brand-new 250RDS/350RDS variants. With a choice of "Black X Red" and "Black X White" interior colors, the new two-color combinations really give a sporty appeal to a luxury sports saloon made for those who talk business all the time.

2017 Toyota Mark X

2017 Toyota Mark X

What's under the hood still remains the choice of 2.5L V6 and 3.5L V6 (this time it's exclusive to the RDS variant) engine, both are mated with a 6-speed gearbox. The top-of-the-line 3.5L V6 engine produces 318PS of power output while the 2.5L V6 engine delivers fuel efficiency of a measly 11.8km/L. Sounds like schlock by modern standards but apart from the choice of engines, the 2017 Mark X features reworked dynamics to make it handle better than the previous model, slightly of course. For a slight improvement on the handling, this 2017 minor change is trying to give it some fighting chance against the opposition if it has the guts to do it.

Lastly, the 2017 Toyota Mark X now comes with Toyota Safety Sense P consisting of high-tech millimeter-wave radar which detects pedestrians and vehicles alike, Radar Cruise Control which detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed, and some other safety tech in store for this one.

The 2017 Toyota Mark X starts from 2,656,800 to 3,850,200 Japanese Yen, which is pricier compared to the last facelift but when word of mouth comes that it won't last a decade or so, best to buy one right now before anyone else can because if it's right on the money, it will be last time we'll see the Mark X on the roads.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Precious Black Peal, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and True Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation