Tag Archives: toyota vellfire

2026 Toyota Vellfire HEV now available in Malaysia – priced at RM549,900

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially launched the luxurious Toyota Vellfire 2.5 HEV Executive Lounge for the Malaysian market today.

The Vellfire HEV is powered by a self-charging hybrid system that consists of a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine (code A25A-FXS) producing 187 PS and 233 Nm, paired with an electric motor delivering 182 PS and 270 Nm, along with an e-CVT transmission.

Overall, this HEV system can generate a power output of up to 250 PS, which is 37 percent more powerful than the standard 2.5-liter model.

The fuel consumption rate is as low as 5.7 liters per 100 km, allowing the Vellfire HEV to cover a driving distance of up to 1,000 km on a 60-liter fuel tank.

In addition to Eco and Normal driving modes, the Vellfire HEV also offers an EV mode for zero-emission driving over short distances without using a drop of petrol.

In line with the Japanese hospitality philosophy of omotenashi, the Vellfire HEV provides a unique level of comfort.

The VIP Executive Lounge seats offer power adjustments, ventilation systems, as well as massage functions and ottomans, all controllable via a touchscreen panel.

Other features include foldable tables, larger armrests, anti-shake functions, Nappa leather upholstery, a 64-color ambient lighting system, a 14-inch rear screen, and a JBL audio system with 15 speakers.

In terms of safety, the Vellfire HEV comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package, which includes features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Adaptive High Beam System (AHS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Parking Brake Support (PKSB).

Three color options are available for the Vellfire HEV: Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, and black, which can be paired with either black or Sunset Brown interior finishes.

Aside from the Vellfire HEV, customers can still opt for the Vellfire equipped with a 2.5-liter engine (code 2AR-FE) producing 182 PS and 235 Nm, paired with a Super CVT-i 7-speed transmission.

The Vellfire 2.5 comes with features such as synthetic leather upholstery, Executive seating without control panels, and lacks rear seat entertainment and a head-up display (HUD).

The selling prices are as follows:

  • Toyota Vellfire 2.5 – RM448,000
  • Toyota Vellfire 2.5 HEV Executive Lounge – RM549,900

Toyota Alphard/Vellfire PHEV launched in Japan, 73 km EV range, starting from RM306k

Toyota has announced its latest update, introducing the 2025 model year Alphard/Vellfire with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine option.

This PHEV configuration combines a 2.5-liter engine (A25A-FXS) with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, capable of providing an electric driving range of up to 73 km on a full charge.

Overall, the system can generate a power output of up to 306 PS.

Like Toyota’s conventional hybrid vehicles, the BEV mode is prioritized to achieve lower fuel consumption rates of 16.7 km/liter (or 5.98 liters/100 km).

According to Toyota, the lithium-ion battery pack is positioned under the floor to maximize cabin space and lower the center of gravity by 35 mm compared to the HEV model.

Charging the battery (up to 80 percent) takes approximately 38 minutes.

In addition to offering a quieter driving experience (with added sound insulation), enhanced comfort, and reduced vibrations, Toyota has introduced the Smooth Stop control feature, which prevents nose-dive effects during deceleration to ensure passenger comfort.

The PHEV model also features “My Room Mode,” allowing users to enjoy a comfortable cabin space for working, resting, or engaging in other activities while charging.

Along with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, both the Alphard and Vellfire PHEVs are equipped with a Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) feature for emergency purposes, where a full tank of fuel and a charged battery can provide power for up to 5.5 days.

Other enhancements include a Digital Inner Mirror system and front and rear dash cameras as standard features, followed by a premium JBL audio system with 15 speakers and a 14-inch rear infotainment system for the Z and Z Premier trims.

Toyota Auto Body also offers the Alphard Spacious Lounge, a four-seat version that provides more legroom and is equipped with various luxurious amenities.

In Japan, the retail price of the Alphard PHEV starts at JPY 10,650,000 (RM306,177), while the Vellfire PHEV is priced from JPY 10,850,000 (RM311,927).

Zeekr 009: Comparison with 4 popular premium MPV models in Malaysia

Zeekr Malaysia has recently announced the upcoming launch of a premium MPV model, the Zeekr 009.

It is set to offer stiff competition in the premium MPV segment, especially against the popular Alphard/Vellfire twin models that are well-known among the Malaysian populace.

For this article, we will share the differences in specifications between the Zeekr 009 model and premium MPVs such as Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, and Kia Carnival.

 

Dimensions

The majority of the models mentioned have dimensions exceeding 5 meters.

Starting with the Alphard/Vellfire, it measures 5,010 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,950 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

Another twin, the Lexus LM, has longer dimensions (5,125 mm) and is wider (1,890 mm) but maintains the same wheelbase length.

The Kia Carnival, on the other hand, presents much larger dimensions, measuring 5,155 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, a wheelbase of 3,090 mm, but lower in height (1,740 mm).

The largest? Certainly the Zeekr 009.

With dimensions measuring 5,209 mm in length, it is also wider (2,024 mm) with a longer wheelbase (3,205 mm). Its height is around 1,848 mm, meaning it is slightly lower compared to the Alphard/Vellfire.

 

Engine

This is an interesting comparison, as all five premium MPV models are equipped with different powertrains.

The least powerful is undoubtedly the Toyota Vellfire with a 2.5-liter NA engine generating 180 hp and 235 Nm of torque.

The Toyota Alphard, on the other hand, comes with a 2.4-liter turbo engine producing 274 hp and 430 Nm of torque, while the Lexus LM is equipped with a similar capacity engine but with a hybrid setup, delivering a total power of 371 hp and 550 Nm of torque.

The Kia Carnival features a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that has been offered for quite some time, producing 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque.

The Zeekr 009, on the other hand, is an EV with two electric motors generating 603 hp and 693 Nm of torque, an all-wheel-drive system, and a 116 kWh battery pack with a range of 582 km (WLTP data).

Due to the powerful electric motors, this MPV is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It is very suitable for transporting VIPs who have difficulty keeping to a schedule in Malaysia.

 

Price

One aspect considered by buyers in Malaysia is the selling price.

The most affordable in this list is undoubtedly the Kia Carnival, with the base variant available for as low as RM198,500. The most expensive version of the Carnival bears a price tag of RM259,888.

Shifting to the Toyota/Lexus trio, the cheapest among the three models is the Toyota Vellfire, with a starting selling price of around RM438,000.

The Toyota Alphard is slightly more expensive, priced at RM538,000, while the much more premium Lexus LM can be obtained for RM1,228,000 to RM1,468,000!

The Zeekr 009 seems to be more comfortably positioned in the middle, with an estimated selling price below RM370,000, with the actual selling price to be known only after its official launch.

Will Zeekr 009 be a good buy?