Sixth-generation Toyota Crown Majesta (GWS214)

The Majesta is the flagship of the Toyota Crown lineup and by the word flagship, it was notable for putting up a big engine, mainly the big, thirsty V8 engine on it used by over five generations. For the brand new, sixth-generation model, which is now the long-wheelbase version of the 14th generation Crown, launched last year, the brand new Majesta is now breaking the Majesta tradition while retaining the status of being the flagship saloon that was commonly the chauffeur's choice.

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta

The oddity starts at the exterior because there goes the rather controversial front face as seen on the current-generation Crown, which was launched since Christmas Day 2012, because past Crowns are subtle, more classier, and more sophisticated but right now, I'm sensing the loss of sophistication here because I don't think the new front face will be worth the taking of being a flagship saloon car for the executives. However, while the new front face is rather controversial rather than being classy, it's all part of the way it handles its aerodynamics because there's the lower-front grille shutter which opens and shuts based on the car's speed and engine water temperature. With this, the new shutter under the grille reduces air resistance and improves engine warm-up efficiency. Clever though, and now to the real part why there was a thing that the Majesta tradition was broken.

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta

For the brand new Majesta, the old V8's of yesteryear's Majesta generations is no longer offered, thrown away, and yes, I am shocked to say that the previous Majesta, the 2009-era Majesta, really is the final V8-powered Toyota sedan ever made and since it's gone, it's gone for good and the new Majesta is equipped with the 3.5L V6 hybrid powerplant inherited from the latest generation Lexus GS450h. Although, it has the same hybrid powerplant as the GS450h, the new Majesta's 3.5L V6 engine produces about 292PS of power alone and for the sake of science, the new Majesta has an electric motor which produces 147kW of power so when both of the V6 engine and the electric motor kicks in, I'd expect that it has the same combined output as the GS450h's...and it wasn't. 343PS of combined power output, less than the GS450h produced and less than the previous model's 4.6L V8. On the plus side, it packs more power than the previous model's 4.3L V8, so positively, the 18.2km/L of fuel consumption really shows that a little downsizing really placed the whole "less is more" philosophy, the new Majesta with its hybrid powerplant has the power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a compact car. Yeah, they can do science, them.

The gearbox is now a CVT but based on the instruction manual I read, when I shift this to its S-MODE, it behaves like an 8-speed gearbox with a little help of eight simulated gears. That seems fine but as a concept, it feels a bit old-fashioned for me. If you're in a middle of a "Don't Hurry" situation, the CVT gearbox is your only friend but if you're in a rush hour, expect a strong hating for this gearbox.

On the suspension side, the new Majesta comes with front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension, made to keep this flagship saloon as comfortable as...hmmm...walking on a pool of custard? Yep, I was gonna say that but I haven't got to the other part about loads of tech done in the name of stability and yes, I am now because for the new model, it has Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). It also has this Navigation/Artificial Intelligence-Adaptive Variable Suspension System (NAVI/AI-AVS) which provide integrated control of vehicle behavior in tandem with the four wheels to create a flat ride and comfortable handling. Yep, this is quite a treat if you don't want to wake your boss sleeping at the rear seat but be warned though, although the new Majesta was more focused on comfort, I'm afraid that it's not quite exciting to drive either because with all of those tech loaded as well as being governed by some sort of electronic nanny, this car is a bit of a gentleman's manner rather than a car made for chase scenes in case of unsuspecting Yakuzas chasing you from behind. Even when set to SPORT MODE, it feels a bit of a same in here.

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

As for the pricing, the new model now costs less than the previous model because it now costs 6.1 million Yen, about 20,000 less than the old one and the top-of-the-line F-Version costs 6.7 million Yen and for that version, you can have a Pre-Crash Safety System, Intelligence Clearance Sonar, and Radar Cruise Control. I know, the new model may have cut its costs to make it more valuable than the previous model but I'm afraid that it is a bit costly for a long-wheelbase version of the Crown Royal with the Lexus GS450h powerplant on it.

Like any other luxury saloons, the new Majesta does have a comfortable interior and thanks to its long wheel-base, the new Majesta does focused on having space at the back more than anything else, like what the Chinese had for their long-wheelbase versions of German saloons, it also has a bigger boot which accommodates up to four golf bags, and as a limousine, it really does make you feel LIKE A BOSS. Summing up this car then is hard because let's be honest, what I like about the new Majesta is its long wheelbase, space at the back, the pursuit of being a comfortable car, and the hybrid powerplant which produces V8 power with compact-like fuel economy, while what I don't like about the new Majesta is the CVT gearbox with eight simulated gears, not quite exciting to drive (quite an irony from Toyota's FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN slogan), and the design that is a bit controversial.

Colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine,  Silver Metallic, Precious Silver, Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Equus vs. MJ

2010 Hyundai Equus

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta

Both of these Asian premium sedans were launched in March 2009 but I wonder which of these two Asian premium sedans is best enough for a wealthy conglomerate to relax on the road? Both the Hyundai Equus VI and the 5th-generation Toyota Crown Majesta are a sovereign treats for a wealthy businessmen or even politicians. Well, time for me to think about these two;

CASE ONE:

The Hyundai Equus VI is actually the second-generation of Hyundai's premium sedan, the Equus (known in the other markets as the Centennial). The Equus was launched in 1999 and positioned as the flagship of Hyundai. Its rival is the Kia Enterprise (and now the Opirus/Amanti). The second-generation Equus (codenamed VI) was an extended length version of the Genesis sedan, providing its FR drive-train, new Tau V8 engine, and loads of luxurious features fit for the Korean royalties. It even came with the Limousine version since Autumn 2009 as well. At 2011, all Equus variants are equipped with the new Lambda 3.8 Gasoline Direct Injection engine while the flagship variant comes with the all-new 5.0L GDI engine. This new engine provides the maximum power rate of 430ps/6400rpm, 52kg-m/5000rpm of torque, and 8.8km/L of fuel economy. It is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the inside, the driver's view looks exquisite, seats are comfortable, rear TV added, most of the premium features are top-notch.

CASE TWO:

The Toyota Crown Majesta is the flagship spin-off from the legendary Crown series. From the Majesta's first three generations, we saw the Majesta wearing the legendary Crown emblem. When the 12-generation Crown appeared in December 2003, sporting the new Crown emblem, the 4th-generation Majesta appeared on July 2004 and it was the first Majesta not to wear the Crown emblem, it only wears the Toyota corporate logo on the front. Eccentric for a flagship spin-off? When the Toyota Celsior was renamed as the Lexus LS, in light of the Lexus brand in Japan, the Crown Majesta became the brand's flagship sedan. In March 2009, the Majesta reached its fifth-generation and it's more of an enlarged version of the 13th-generation Toyota Crown series. What's new on the Majesta is the 1UR-FSE (4.6L V8) engine derived from the Lexus LS460. This engine comes with the D4-S direct injection system, capable of releasing 347PS of power, 46-9kg-m of torque, and the fuel economy of 9.4km/L. In comparison, the Majesta is fuel efficient than the Equus' 5.0L V8 engine. It is also comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The driver's view of the 5th-generation Majesta might seems to be borrowed from the Crown Royal and the Fine Graphic Meter was derived from the Crown Hybrid. On the passenger's side, with the Majesta F-Type G Package, the Center Console packs a lot of conveniences. the Premium Sound System, the Ottoman seat on the left, the speakers on the headreast, every premium conveniences made the Majesta a majestic premium sedan!

In terms of design, both the Equus and the Majesta stands out but if I had to choose one, I'd say it will be the Equus because of its striking front and back. The Majesta's design needs to be more fine because the fifth-generation's look was actually derived more from the previous generation, making it a confusion. In terms of comfort, I'd say it will be the Majesta because the passengers' side is the best because of the speakers mounted on the headrest, Premium Sound System, and the center console that is too plenty for them. The Majesta's Fine Graphic Meter is a wow factor. It's up to you to decide which of these Asian premium sedans is the best...

New Toyota Crown Majesta (URS206/UZS207)

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta

Welcome the new Crown Majesta. This is known to be the ultimate Crown sold in the Japanese market, slots among the Toyota Crown series (Athlete, Royal and the new Hybrid variant), mistaken for the American made Toyota Avalon, and dubbed as the Japanese Lexus LS of today. One look of the Crown Majesta’s exterior is really surprising. The grille, just like the previous-generation Majesta, doesn’t have the trademark Crown insignia. It has the Toyota logo on it, but being the only Crown without the Crown emblem doesn’t mean it is a Crown, it’s just the most supreme vehicle only Toyota made their minds for, especially served for wealthy people everywhere. The side view is somewhat a Crown quality, meaning it has the same look as other Crowns and the rear view remains “true MJ quality” which means the back remains the Majesta look from the last four generations. Do not judge the Majesta’s rear for the European Toyota car called the Avensis because of the surprising rear lamps really look like the Avensis for sure.

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta

What makes the new Crown Majesta a car so majestic that is definitely above all luxury saloons? The improved V8 4.6L engine with dual VVT-I and Direct lnjection four stroke gasoline engine Superior version (D-4S) with the noble 347PS power or the V8 4.3L engine with the power of 280PS at the torque of 43.8kgf･m makes it superior. Not only that, the new Crown Majesta now has DRAMS (Driving Response Acceleration Management System) and VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio System) to keep the driving more elegant than an unicorn in a little girl’s dream. For safety, the Crown Majesta has all the safety features such as the driver monitor, pre-crash safety system and the unique Majesta feature is, night vision which provides visibility on dark roads.

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

The interior of the Crown Majesta looks the same as the other Crowns but there are new packages only a VIP can take advantage of. Rear entertainment system allows the VIP watch some more movies or TV shows on the run. Consider a wealthy executive watching his favorite soap operas while driving on quiet roads or mountain passes. The Toyota Premium Sound system allows a clearer, live sound that provides premium sound like they never heard in the car before. Consider listening to some orchestra music like you are in the opera house on the road. And wide array of luxury features provide the ultimate convenience for the executive who needed a break from the busy day or formal parties.

CONSIDER ON THE GUEST LIST: You are here. The Crown Majesta’s luxury features are elegant like you are offered to rescue a princess from a fairy tale of your dreams. Take a seat to this luxury saloon and what you will experience in the Crown Majesta is expected from your prom date, birthday parties, and your daughter’s debut or every occasion you’ve dreamt for thanks to the premium sound that provides live sound so clearly, it’s like you are in the front seat of your favorite theatrical performance everywhere. What I like about this car is its true beauty of the exterior. One look of it will realize the Majesta beauty within their hearts and noble people take advantage for it.
 Photo: Carview