Toyota Century 2nd Gen V12 (1997-2017)

If your priority is luxury, exclusivity, comfort and uniqueness, it is extraordinary. If you want an economical daily car, absolutely not. The 5.0L V12, 95-litre fuel tank and specialist maintenance requirements make ownership expensive in Bangladesh. Toyota's original car was specifically designed as a chauffeur-oriented flagship.

Century uses a 4,996cc 1GZ-FE naturally aspirated V12 producing 280 HP and around 460 Nm in later specification. The 6-speed automatic version can achieve approximately 0–100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed around 210 km/h. It uses ventilated disc brakes at both ends, ABS and, on later cars, traction control and VSC.

Realistically, expect approximately:

Heavy Dhaka traffic: 4–6 km/L
Normal city: 5–7 km/L
Highway: 8–10 km/L
Mixed: around 6–7 km/L

GZG50 had relatively simple grade differentiation compared with mainstream Toyotas. The major distinction was between standard specification and Dual EMV-equipped cars, followed by later equipment updates.

For a buyer today, I would choose a late 2005–2017 GZG50 Dual EMV/6AT if condition is equal. It benefits from the newer six-speed automatic, LED tail lamps, curtain airbags, ventilated seats and later technology.

Yes for passengers, particularly rear passengers. The Century's enormous cabin, soft ride, rear climate controls, reclining seats, armrests and chauffeur-oriented equipment make it exceptionally comfortable.

But it is not a sensible family car in the conventional Bangladesh sense because fuel, maintenance, tyres and specialist repairs are expensive.

It is comfortable but not particularly practical. The suspension is excellent and the V12 is extremely smooth, but the 5.27-metre body is difficult in tight streets and parking areas. The 135–140 mm ground clearance also requires care around Dhaka speed breakers.

Yes, the Toyota Century 5.0 V12 is suitable for normal Bangladesh roads, with its sedan body, FWD drivetrain and petrol power suited to everyday road use.

Century V12 requires a much larger maintenance budget than a normal Toyota. A reasonable reserve is around ৳1–2 lakh or more per year for routine maintenance and age-related repairs, excluding fuel, insurance and major failures. Air suspension components, V12 ignition/fuel-system components, cooling-system parts, electronics and luxury rear-seat equipment can become expensive. Specialist parts may also need to be imported.

Yes, Century does have other variants. Check out the Century page at Toyota Century for all other available variants.