Toyota Crown Majesta

Body and chassisClassFull-size luxury carBody styleLayoutRelatedChronologyPredecessorToyota Crown Royal Saloon G (S130)SuccessorToyota Crown G-Executive (S220)^[1]

The Toyota Crown Majesta (Japanese: トヨタ・クラウンマジェスタ, Hepburn: Toyota Kuraun Majesuta) is a full-size luxury sedan from Toyota. It is an upmarket variant of the Crown and serves as Toyota's flagship model in various countries.

The Crown Majesta appeared after the international introduction of the Celsior/Lexus LS in late 1989; the Celsior was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations on a newer platform. The Crown Majesta, positioned as a modern limousine alternative to the already existing Century and shares the flagship role, was exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store. The Crown Majesta appeared before the Aristo/Lexus GS, which was assigned to Toyota Vista Store locations and shared the Crown and Crown Majesta platform.

The Crown Majesta shares a stretched variant of the smaller Crown platform series which is also used in the Aristo/GS, however, it is not just an upper trim level of the Crown sedan, the Majesta is a separate car with unique styling and interior treatment. The Crown Majesta was later released in other countries in Asia such as China.

First generation (S140; 1991)

First generation (S140)
Overview
Production	October 1991 – August 1995
Assembly	Japan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door hardtop sedan
Related	Toyota Crown (S140) Toyota Aristo/Lexus GS (S140)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (JZS147/149) 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8 (UZS141/143/145/147)
Power output	168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) (2JZ-GE) 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) (1UZ-FE)
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length	4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Kerb weight	1,670 kg (3,682 lb)

The first-generation Crown Majesta was introduced in Japan as a 4-door hardtop sedan in October 1991. It had much of its resemblance to its smaller sibling, the Crown. It also bore a resemblance to the larger Celsior, which was a sedan that appeared earlier in 1989. At first, the Crown Majesta was a trim level variant of the Crown series, called the Crown Royal Saloon G. The Majesta was a more luxurious variant of the Crown and was slightly wider and heavier, necessitating two engine choices: the 3.0-litre 2JZ-GE six-cylinder, which produced 168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) and the 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE V8, which produced 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS). The two engine choices gave Japanese buyers the option as to which annual road tax obligation they were willing to pay. Unlike the body-on-frame S140 hardtop, the Majesta was built using unibody construction, becoming the first model in the Crown family to adopt such a design.^[2]

In 1992, four-wheel steering was offered in compliance with the four-wheel drive system, called 4WDi-Four. This boosted handling capabilities and gave increased traction. Advanced for this time, the Crown Majesta had an optional GPS navigation system, electronic instrument cluster, electric power steering, heated front and rear electric seats, a head-up display that projected key information on the inside windshield surface above the instrument cluster, and an i-Four comprehensive vehicle control system.

A battery-electric version called the Crown Majesta EV was made as a lease vehicle in 1993.^[3][4]

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Second generation (S150; 1995)

Second generation (S150)
Overview
Production	August 1995 – September 1999
Assembly	Japan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door hardtop sedan
Related	Toyota Crown (S150) Toyota Aristo/Lexus GS (S160)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (JZS155) 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8 (UZS151/155/157)
Power output	168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) (2JZ-GE) 195–206 kW (261–276 hp; 265–280 PS) (1UZ-FE)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length	4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width	1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height	1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Kerb weight	1,670 kg (3,682 lb)

The Crown Majesta underwent its first redesign in 1995. Notable enhancements were made to the taillights to distinguish the model from the lower-spec Crown. The redesign made the vehicle similar to the XF20 series Celsior/LS 400, which debuted in 1994. Changes were also made to the engine lineup. The 3.0-litre engine stayed the same, but the 4.0-litre-powered unit received a power increase to 195 kW (261 hp; 265 PS). Due to cost-cutting efforts within Toyota, the list of optional equipment offered was simplified.

The second-generation Majesta is the first Toyota model to be equipped with vehicle stability control in 1995.^[5]

At its introduction in 1996, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan which it shared with the 1996 Crown.

In August 1997, the front grille was restyled and HID headlights were introduced. VVT-i technology was offered on the V8 engine, improving the power to 206 kW (276 hp; 280 PS). A 5-speed automatic transmission was also introduced. Four-wheel steering was no longer offered. In addition, a two-tone paint scheme offered an upmarket image for the Crown Majesta.

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Third generation (S170; 1999)

Third generation (S170)
Overview
Production	September 1999 – July 2004
Assembly	Japan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Related	Toyota Crown (S170)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.0 L 2JZ-FSE I6 (JZS177) 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8 (UZS171/173/175)
Power output	168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) (2JZ-FSE) 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS) (1UZ-FE)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed A650E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,800 mm (110.2 in)[6]
Length	4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width	1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height	1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Kerb weight	1,670–1,780 kg (3,682–3,924 lb)

This version was released in September 1999 and received a complete redesign, further incorporating styling elements of the Celsior/LS. Wider vertical taillights were incorporated as well as redesigned headlights, grille and minor aesthetic updates. Four-wheel steering was again offered. The previous two-tone paint scheme options remained as well as Toyota's other top-of-the-line features for this model.

DVD-based GPS navigation was also introduced, as well as an "Ottoman" footrest for the rear passenger seats. This was achieved by enabling part of the seat cushion of the front passenger seat back to tilt rearward towards the rear seat passengers.

The model came in a C-type or an A-type option, the A-type having less standard options with conventional spring and shock suspension as standard, while the C-type had more options as standard such as height adjustable air suspension, TEMS, dual zone climate control, rear wheel steering and power rear seat as standard with leather as optional. All engine variants also had the option for 4WDi-Four four-wheel drive system.

The S170 series Crown Majesta received an updated version of the 4.0-litre engine with VVT-i, rated at 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS), while the 3.0-litre option was changed to the 2JZ-FSE type. The trend among automakers towards large-diameter wheels with low-profile tires was ignored in favour of a more comfortable ride and better handling with smaller wheels. This model also made available with a 5-speed "Super ECT" automatic transmission.

It was made the official company car for senior-level Toyota management. This model also had a 10th Anniversary special edition run which was a fully optioned C-type specification model with leather and a sunroof as standard.^[7]

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Fourth generation (S180; 2004)

Fourth generation (S180)
Overview
Also called	Hongqi HQ300/HQ430
Production	July 2004 – March 2009 2006–2010 (China)[8]
Assembly	Japan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)[9] China: Tianjin (TFTM)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Toyota N platform
Related	Toyota Crown (S180) Lexus GS (S190)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (except Japan) 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 (UZS186/187)
Power output	170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) (3GR-FE) 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS) (3UZ-FE)
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,975 mm (195.9 in)
Width	1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Kerb weight	1,780 kg (3,924 lb)

The fourth-generation Crown Majesta was introduced on 6 July 2004. In August 2006, the Celsior was no longer offered in Japan, due to the introduction of the Lexus brand there. The Crown Majesta replaced the Celsior, despite objections from Japanese customers. It introduced the first Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) integrated vehicle handling and software control system and radar adaptive cruise control with low-speed tracking function.^[10] The engine was upgraded to the 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 unit, shared with the US-spec LS 430. The transmission was upgraded to a 6-speed automatic unit, the four-wheel drive system was improved, and air suspension was introduced. Intelligent adaptive front lighting and rear curtain airbags were added to improve safety. Enhancements were made to the interior of the vehicle, including a rear-view camera and parking assistance technology. A supercharger option was also offered, allowing the engine to produce 253 kW (339 hp; 344 PS).

In July 2004, the Crown Majesta introduced both a lane keeping assist and a radar pre-collision system with a single camera to improve the accuracy of collision forecast and warning and control levels.^[11][12]

For 2006, G-Book was added to the list of standard features, along with a rear-view camera. A departure from previous models, the two-tone paint scheme was removed to target a younger audience.

Hongqi HQ300/HQ430

Hongqi HQ300/HQ430
Overview
Manufacturer	Hongqi
Also called	Toyota Crown Majesta (S180)
Production	2006–2010
Assembly	China: Tianjin (TFTM)
Body and chassis
Class	Full size car (F)
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform	Toyota N platform
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,975 mm (195.9 in)
Width	1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Hongqi CA7202E3
Successor	Hongqi H7

In China, this generation of the Crown Majesta was rebadged and had been sold as the Hongqi HQ300/HQ430 from 2006 to 2010, using the same engines as the Crown.^[8]

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Fifth generation (S200; 2009)

Fifth generation (S200)
Overview
Also called	Toyota Crown Royal Saloon VIP (China)
Production	March 2009 – September 2013 2009–2015 (China)
Assembly	Japan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant) China: Tianjin (TFTM)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Toyota N platform
Related	Toyota Crown (S200) Lexus GS (S190) Hongqi H7
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 2.5 L 5GR-FE V6 (China) 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (except Japan) 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 (UZS207) 4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8 (URS206)
Power output	145 kW (194 hp; 197 PS) (5GR-FE) 170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) (3GR-FE) 206 kW (276 hp; 280 PS) (3UZ-FE) 255 kW (342 hp; 347 PS) (1UR-FSE)
Transmission	6-speed automatic 8-speed AA80E automatic (4.6 L)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,925 mm (115.2 in)[13]
Length	4,995 mm (196.7 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Kerb weight	1,770–1,810 kg (3,902–3,990 lb)

On 26 March 2009, The fifth-generation Crown Majesta was released, evolving substantially while retaining the overall styling of its predecessor.. Although it was initially reported that the name "Crown" would be removed, establishing the Majesta as an independent car, this did not happen and the car remained called the Crown Majesta. The body size expanded from the previous generation, comparable to the LS.

As with the GS and LS, the 4.6-litre 1UR-FSE V8 engine is standard, however, four-wheel drive option employed the 4.3 L 3UZ-FE one. The larger engine incurs a higher road tax liability than the smaller 4.3-litre unit.

In China, FAW Toyota assembled a limited number of left-hand-drive S200 series Crown Majesta, which is called Crown Royal Saloon VIP.^[14] Another car based on the Crown was called the Hongqi H7 and has been in production since 2013.

The body dimensions became slightly larger, and the wheelbase was extended by 75 mm to add more space to the cabin. The same 4.6-liter V8 engine mounted on the Lexus LS/GS (1UR-FSE) was adopted for the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) model, while the 4-wheel-drive (4WD) model retained the 4.3-liter V8 engine (3UZ-FE).

The transmission system was an 8-speed Super ECT automatic for the FR model, and a 6-speed Super ECT automatic for the 4WD model. Added to the electronically controlled air suspension equipped on all models was a feature that used the GPS map data to optimize damper control.

On top of the existing A and C grade models, the high-end G model was newly introduced. The standard A grade model offered an optional L package including the steering support system that enabled the driver to handle the car more effortlessly. The F package option for the 4-seater G model included a large rear seat center console and an ottoman for the left rear seat, offering greater comfort to passengers in the rear.^[15]

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  Crown Royal Saloon VIP (China)
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Sixth generation (S210; 2013)

Sixth generation (S210)
Overview
Production	September 2013 – April 2018 2015–2020 (China)
Assembly	Japan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant) China: Tianjin (TFTM)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Toyota N platform
Related	Toyota Crown (S210)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol hybrid: 2.5 L 2AR-FSE I4 (AWS215) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (GWS214)
Electric motor	105–147 kW (141–197 hp; 143–200 PS) 1KM AC synchronous
Power output	131 kW (176 hp; 178 PS) (2AR-FSE; petrol engine only); 162 kW (217 hp; 220 PS) (2AR-FSE; combined system output) 215 kW (288 hp; 292 PS) (2GR-FXE; petrol engine only); 252 kW (338 hp; 343 PS) (2GR-FXE; combined system output)
Transmission	eCVT
Hybrid drivetrain	Power-split (THS II)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,925 mm (115.2 in)
Length	4,970 mm (195.7 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight	1,810–1,830 kg (3,990–4,034 lb)[16]

Launched in Japan on 9 September 2013, the sixth-generation model replaced the outgoing model's V8 engine in favour of Toyota's 2GR-FXE 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain shared with the L10 Lexus GS 450h sedan, plus an additional 2.5-litre 2AR-FSE four-cylinder hybrid unit for the four-wheel drive version. The elimination of the V8 engines reduced the annual road tax liability for large engine displacement. The Crown Majesta was given a redesigned appearance after the reintroduction of the Y51 series Nissan Cima in April 2012. Fuel economy is improved to 18.2 km/L (51 mpg_‑imp; 43 mpg_‑US) under the JC08 test cycle. The wheelbase is 75 mm (3.0 in) longer than the corresponding Crown Royal and Athlete, but 100 mm (3.9 in) shorter than the Century, and incorporates advanced safety and convenience equipment such as blind spot monitoring and a collision avoidance system.^[17]

The Crown Majesta was discontinued on 27 April 2018 in favour of the S220 series Crown.^[1]

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Nameplate usage for other models

"Majesta" trim level for the Saudi market (2023–present)

In June 2023, Toyota revived the "Majesta" nameplate as a designation for the upper trim level of the sixteenth generation Crown Crossover sold in Saudi Arabia.^[18]

References

External links

• Official website