A used Toyota Century SUV imported to Russia is listed at $737,000—higher than a Rolls‑Royce Cullinan. Find out what makes this rare model so pricey. Learn more now.
In Japan, the brand‑new Toyota Century SUV starts at ¥27 million (about $169,900). Yet in Russia, a used 2024 left‑hand‑drive model is being offered for a jaw‑dropping 52,900,000 rubles – roughly $737,000. That price eclipses even a pre‑owned Rolls‑Royce Cullinan imported through the same parallel‑import channel.
Japanese Price vs. Russian Market
While the Japanese market sees the Century SUV positioned as a premium, yet attainable, hybrid luxury vehicle, the Russian market treats it as a rare collector’s item. The vehicle listed by Royal Motors in Moscow has only 2,100 km on the odometer, a black exterior, 22‑inch alloy wheels fitted with striking red brake calipers, and a left‑hand steering column.
What Makes the Century SUV Unique?
The Russian‑listed unit features a sumptuous interior: brown leather upholstery, an Alcantara‑covered roof, and four individual seats (instead of the typical five). The rear seats are equipped with full‑suite comfort options – massage, ventilation, heating, power‑adjustable footrests, and personal entertainment screens. Additional luxuries include a premium sound system, a glass sunroof, four‑zone climate control, and a glass partition separating the passenger cabin from the luggage area. The only missing high‑tech touch is the auto‑dimming rear glass that will appear on the 2025 facelift.
Technical Specs
- Platform: Toyota TNGA‑K
- Powertrain: 3.5 L V6 hybrid‑plug‑in delivering 406 hp
- Transmission: CVT
- Drivetrain: E‑Four Advanced all‑wheel drive
- Battery: 21.3 kWh, providing up to 69 km of electric‑only range
Pricing Battle with Rolls‑Royce
The listed price of the Century SUV surpasses that of a used Rolls‑Royce Cullinan Series II imported through the same unofficial channel. This highlights how parallel imports – though a niche segment – can generate substantial margins for dealers willing to navigate the complex Russian import landscape.
Parallel Imports in Russia
Parallel (or “gray‑market”) imports remain a small but profitable niche. Another 2025 left‑hand‑drive Century SUV is advertised by the dealer AutoKing for 38,500,076 rubles (about $541,500), offering a lower‑priced alternative but still well above the vehicle’s official Japanese price.
These cases illustrate the growing appetite among Russian luxury‑car buyers for exclusive, high‑tech SUVs – even if it means paying a premium far beyond the original MSRP.