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

Toyota reveals GRMN-tuned Mark X saloon

2015 Toyota Mark X GRMN

After being previewed from the Tokyo Auto Salon several months ago, Toyota finally unleashed the Mark X GRMN, which is a premium midsize saloon tuned by the folks from Gazoo Racing and isn't that the maddest sports saloon ever made?

This Japan-exclusive hi-po version of the Mark X is strictly limited to 100 units and orders for the Mark X GRMN will commence this March 1st, 2015, starting at just 5.4 million Japanese Yen (or around $55,000).

This car uses the 350S model as its base but the GRMN version features a sportier bodykit, a carbon fiber roof, a driver-focused interior, and joy of joys, a 6-speed manual gearbox that was mated to its 3.5L V6 engine. It also features a sport-tuned suspension system, 19-inch BBS wheels, improved brakes, quad exhaust, and some braces to stiffen it up.

As mentioned before, orders are open this March 1st, 2015, and it's in Toyopet showrooms across Japan this June for 5,400,000 Japanese Yen. It's going to make its special appearance at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon with NAPAC on the 9th to the 11th of January, 2015.

Source: http://autoc-one.jp/news/2009780/
URL: http://grmn.gazooracing.com/Mark_X/

S210 Crown and facelifted Mark X - EXCLUSIVE ZEUS style

S210 Crown Athlete with EXCLUSIVE ZEUS kit

The latest generation Crown Athlete (S210) may not be much of a looker apart from its ghastly looking grille that is somewhat shaped like...a crown, it seems that the blokes from M'z SPEED do really took care of it courtesy of some extensive body kits fit for a king. Under the brand's PRUSSIAN BLUE sub-brand from M'z SPEED's EXCLUSIVE ZEUS collection, the set (consisting of a front half and rear half spoiler and side spoiler) will cost 204,750 Yen while the exhaust system, courtesy of 5ZIGEN International, made specifically for the hybrid model, costs 144,900 yen and the LED Back Fog Lamp (D) kit costs 47,250 Yen. Couple that with some NITTO INVO tire and some JJ Chromo 20-inch rims and you got yourself a modified Toyota Crown that doesn't look so bad on a cold light of day.

URL: http://www.mzspeed.co.jp/products/body-kit/detail/?CID=213

Also...

Facelifted second-generation Mark X with
EXCLUSIVE ZEUS kit

The M'z SPEED's EXCLUSIVE ZEUS Prussian Blue line also made a body kit for the facelifted second-generation Toyota Mark X. The spoiler set costs 192,150 Yen while the exhaust system, courtesy of 5ZIGEN, costs 144,900 yen and the LED Back Fog Lamp (B) kit worth 47,250 Yen. This kit is not complete without some 20-inch Julia FullThrottle rims, as so you know it.

URL: http://www.mzspeed.co.jp/products/body-kit/detail/?CID=212

Toyota Mark X Second Generation facelift

Anyway, the Toyota Mark X, when this second generation was launched in October 2009, the catchphrase "SAMURAI X" kinda stands out to its personality because when you look at its design, it feels a bit more razor-sharp but sadly though, the performance isn't a bit too razor sharp as expected. So now, there's a new version...

Drive New X.

2013 Toyota Mark X

2013 Toyota Mark X

For its latest facelift, it appears that the triplicate headlamp from the previous model is gone and now replaced with something a bit more knife-edged. On the rear view, everything's a bit changed now. It appears that this latest version of the second-generation Mark X is getting a bit more dramatic, a bit more razor sharp, and it kinda feels like it gets a different tint.

2013 Toyota Mark X

2013 Toyota Mark X

As before, the Mark X comes with three types to choose from; the Standard Type provides a well-balanced proportion; the Premium Type provides excellent comfort for executives, and the Sports Type, which is more suitable for seasoned car enthusiasts who are looking for real action.

2013 Toyota Mark X interior

Toyota didn't really bothered the interior at all. You'd still expect the 8-way adjustable front seats, luggage space, optional rear sunshade, climate control, smart entry and start system, optional sunroof, optitron meters whose speedo still reads up to 180kph, common to all Japanese-made cars, and an available HDD navigation system featuring G-BOOK Ver. 2.0. This is all fine but what's the point of having a mid-cycle facelift for a car that is as sharp as a...biro?

Engine choices? Well, as before, the Mark X still offers two engine types; one is the V6 3.5L (2GR-FSE) engine with the power output of 318PS at the fuel economy of 10.km/L JC08 and the V6 2.5L (4GR-FSE) engine with the fuel economy of 11.8km/L JC08. Furthermore, none of these cars are economical, even when you put them with a Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

2013 Toyota Mark X's prices start at about 2,671,000 Japanese Yen for the 250G Four F Package up to 3,900,000 Japanese Yen for the top of the line 3.5L PREMIUM model. There are now 9 variants to choose from. 9 variants. That's it. No complaining. They're all available at your nearest TOYOPET dealerships.

As for the coloring, the 2013 Mark X has White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

My comment:

Sure, it maybe a minor change for the second-generation Mark X but even with its newly aggressive exterior, it's still not as razor sharp as a sword indeed and for the worst of all, it's a bit nasty and dry. Don't think that this car works fine on the road because...it's still a bit dry and feels like a normal boring executive saloon. If you're driving one of these to the restaurant, people think you're a bit too nerdy and this car only works if you're an accountant, if you're going out on a country club, and only if you're a sempai.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Another very special Samurai X

2012 Toyota Mark X 250G Relax Selection
Black Leather Limited

There was another special Samurai X in Japan. Nope, we're not meant to say that anime, it's another special edition for the second generation Toyota Mark X. Following the success of the Black Limited launched last year, the special "Black Leather Limited" is now available on the new Toyota Mark X.

The Toyota Mark X 250G Relax Selection Black Leather Limited and the Toyota Mark X 250G Four Black Leather Limited features literally Black Leather seats with Ash Brown wood paneling. They are guaranteed with luxury.

The Toyota Mark X 250G Relax Selection Black Leather Limited costs 2,980,000 Japanese Yen while the Toyota Mark X 250G Four Black Leather Limited costs 3,211,000 Japanese Yen. Available at Toyopet dealerships starting September 11!

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/804718/

Samurai Selections

Toyota Mark X

Back when the second-generation Toyota Mark X (known in Mainland China as the Reiz) launched in mid-October 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation adopted the SAMURAI concept for the new model. The term "SAMURAI X" really scored a spot for the new Toyota Mark X because of its sharp design and a powerful aura only a spirited driver can wield its true power of this executive sedan. In February 14, 2011, Valentines Day, the Toyota Mark X Zio (unrelated to the Mark X sedan) multipurpose vehicle made a mid-life refresh and it has an aggressive face on the regular and a elegant front grille on the Aerial variant. How are these two Samurais differ?

2010 Toyota Mark X

First of all, the second-generation Toyota Mark X is an improved version of the first-generation Mark X. The Toyota Mark X was the successor of the legendary Toyota Mark II sedan and it rivals the Nissan Fuga, which is the successor of the legendary Nissan Cedric and Gloria twin sedans. Upon taking a peek on the second-generation model, I'm impressed that the new Mark X is the SAMURAI X within reach, just like the TV commercial with Koichi Sato. Three styles are offered for the new Mark X; Standard Type for basic, Premium Type for enhanced luxury, and Sports Type for the aggressive driving. My pick was the Sports Type because this is the best style suited to be called a samurai.

2012 Toyota Mark X Zio

Dubbed as the Grand Station Wagon, the latest facelift for the Mark X Zio is now worthy to be called "SAMURAI WAGON" and its probably thanks to the latest TV commercial starring Yusuke Iseya. In 2007, the Mark X Zio is a new station wagon, highly unrelated to the Mark X sedan. The name "Zio" is an acronym for "Zone in One". By terms of Zone in One, the interior can be set to either Sedan type, Wagon type, or Minivan type, perfecting different arrangements offered on this Samurai Wagon. Two styles are offered on the Zio; the regular Mark X Zio boasts an aggressive face while the Mark X Zio Aerial has an elegant front grille, making it more sophisticated for the spirited adventurer. It can seat up to six, while some can seat up to seven. There's also a Mark X Zio variant, called "Five Style", that can allow up to five people to seat.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Mark X's concept is "SAMURAI X" and the new Mark X Zio's concept is "SAMURAI WAGON", both of these Samurai Selections are a deadly combo for Toyota. Think about it, the Mark X sedan is made for the spirited businessmen while the Mark X Zio station wagon is made for the spirited adventurers. Which samurai will you take on?

New Regal vs. New Mark X

Buick's Regal

Toyota's Mark X

They have no chance for them to encounter, but both of these were executive medium sedans built for the executive class. Both of these executive medium sedans were my favorites but I wonder which one is my pick?

CASE ONE:

The Regal name on the Buick lineup returned after years of absence and its now an OEM of the Opel Insignia. Although based on the Opel Insignia, the Buick Regal has a striking design that makes other executive medium sedans such as the Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX), Volkswagen Passat CC, and the Volvo S60 to shame. Although the front face seems to have more pogi points than others, the lineup of the Buick Regal consists of two available engines; one is the 2.4L Ecotec engine and the second is the high-performance 2.0L Turbo engine. Most are fitted with the 6-speed automatic but the turbo variant comes with the 6-speed manual. I guess my favorite Regal is the Regal CXL Turbo because not only it has a turbo engine on it, it also has a manual transmission on it. Turbo and MT combined to make this a fun to drive Regal for the American Autobahn.

CASE TWO:

The Mark X is the replacement of the legendary Toyota Mark II since its debut in November 2004. In October 2009, the Mark X gained its massive model change from inside and out. The design of the new Mark X is razor sharp. That's why this was called "Samurai X" thanks to the commercial with Koichi Sato and the Samurai Code mini drama aired in TV Tokyo from January to March 2010. The Toyota Mark X comes with two engines; a 4GR-FSE (2.5 V6) engine and a 2GR-FSE (3.5 V6) engine. It comes with three styles to choose from; the Standard Type, the Premium Type (loaded with safety features), and the Sports Type (armed with paddle shifters).

For styling, the Toyota Mark X is my pick, but for the performance side, I would go for the Buick Regal because of the turbo+MT variant. Both of these executive medium sedans aren't made for passion, they are made for performance.

New Toyota Mark X (GRX130/133/135)

With the launch schedule of the second-generation Nissan Fuga is just a few weeks ahead, Toyota has just revealed the second chapter of their "X-Body" machine. By the "X-Body” concept, its real name was the Mark II's alternative: the Mark X.






Since late 2004, the Mark X became the descendant of the long-running Mark II sedan that lasted for over three decades. Originally, the car would have been the tenth-generation Mark II, but due to some historical issues since Nissan fused the long-running Cedric and Gloria sedans into the ultra-luxury premium sedan, known as the Fuga, Toyota decided to rename the Mark II into Mark X. In terminology, the "X" in the Mark X logo does not represent the tenth Mark II (because X represents ten in the Roman numerals), and the true definition of the letter X is shrouded in mystery right now.






On its second-generation, the Mark X continues the X-Body story targeted for men from ages 30 or up. (Remember the promotional "X for Men" short stories starring famous Japanese male actor named Koichi Sato a few years back) It is jokingly the "Japanese Jaguar" because of the X term since all Jaguar cars of today always starts with the letter X. (for instance: XJ, XF, and XK)






The new Mark X splits in to three different styles to choose from, the Standard Type provides a well-balanced proportion; the Premium Type provides excellent comfort for executives, and the Sports Type, which is more suitable for seasoned car enthusiasts who are looking for real action. Depending on the type, try to examine the new exterior design. On front, it is similar to the Lexus IS, but the grille has a big X mark in it, while the rear shapes like the Hyundai Avante/Elantra.

No matter what type you will drive, the new Mark X has heavily armed with two types of engines:

V6 3.5L (2GR-FSE) engine with the power output of 318PS at the fuel economy of 10.2km/L.

V6 2.5L (4GR-FSE) engine with the fuel economy of 13.0km/L.

Best of all, some Mark X types included a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission with optional paddle shifts for sportier feeling, Driving Response and Acceleration Management System, optional full-time 4WD for all-round cruising, 17-inch disc brakes, front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension, and Adaptive Variable Suspension System.

On the safety side, the Mark X has all the features that you can keep yourself safe. Depending on the type, this car gets the following features such as:
1. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management,

2. Radar Cruise Control,

3. Intelligent AFS for accurate turn of the headlamps on the night side,

4. Lastly, the innovative Pre-Crash Safety System that provides some of the features, such as the camera mounted on the car's exterior and the driver monitor, to give the driver a safe and pleasant driving on the road.






The comfortable interior completes the extraordinary description of the all new Mark X. From the 8-way adjustable front seats, luggage space, optional rear sunshade, climate control, smart entry and start system, optional sunroof, optitron meters, and the trademark Toyota steering wheel (found on the new Prius and the new Prado) provide excellent comfort and convenience for the grown-ups who are willing to try this feline. Never forget the Super Live Sound System with 12 speakers; it has everything for clearer sound on the move.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH THIS FELINE!



On the slight verification, the Mark X's front bumper could alarm most Crown fanatics thinking these front bumpers of different Mark X types hinted the 13th generation Crown's minor change next year but forget what I told about this thing. Anyway, the second-generation Mark X combines the sportiness of the sports car and the comfort of the luxury car into one prowling package. The second chapter of the "X-Body" begins now at all Toyota's prestigious Toyopet dealerships from all over Japan, and rumor has it, they will put it on China sometime as the new Reiz.

How will the Mark X be? Could be a perfect competitor to the upcoming Nissan Fuga? Could be a little green bag from other luxury medium sedans? The answer will reveal once you are behind the wheel on the all-new Mark X! It is truly a question of honor!

Reader Note: Why I put "Question of Honor" and "Little Green Bag" on my conclusion? To put it simply, the song "A Question of Honour" is the song used in the Mark X commercial since November 2004, and the talented Sarah Brightman sang it. On the 2006 minor change (with the endorser Koichi Sato on the set), the song "Little Green Bag" by George Baker used on this commercial, and it lasted until 2008.