Toyota Vellfire review: A limousine wrapped in the body of a van
Can a colossal MPV steal the spotlight on the red carpet? The Toyota Vellfire is doing just that, and how. Ever since its 2023 debut, this luxury van has been rolling off showroom floors, especially among Bollywood's elite. And it's easy to see why: the Vellfire isn't just transport, it's an experience. And the 2025 model that hit the road last month continues this tradition.
There's nothing subtle about the Vellfire's presence, drenched as it is in deep black and dripping in chrome. The large, dark chrome grille and sleek, jewelled headlamps lend it a commanding and unmistakable face.
Walk around it and the scale hits you—the Vellfire is vast. But it's not just about size; design details like the chrome-accented kink in the window line add a touch of pizzazz. It sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, and the slab-sided rear is finessed with tail lamps that meet in a V-shaped light signature.
Even with all seats in place, the boot offers usable luggage space. For more room, the third row slides on rails or folds up against the sides, giving you flexibility to suit every need.
Also read: Inside India's first Lego store in Gurugram
Slide open the powered rear doors and step into a sanctuary that feels more like a luxury suite than a van. The middle-row captain's chairs are the highlight—fully reclining, ventilated massagers that can be adjusted via traditional controls or the detachable touchscreen remotes tucked into the armrests.
Legroom? Exceptional. Space? Palatial. Even someone as tall as Shaquille O'Neal could lounge here without complaint. This isn't just comfort, it's indulgence.
The third row—often an afterthought in most MPVs—is surprisingly comfortable. Access is easy through the middle, legroom is ample, and reclining backrests ensure that even three adults can travel in genuine comfort.
Toyota has packed the Vellfire to the gills with features that redefine rear-seat luxury: dual panoramic sunroofs with individual controls, a massive 14-inch roof-mounted entertainment screen, powered window blinds for all three rows, flip-out tray tables for working or snacking on the go, and dedicated AC vents and sunshades even for third-row passengers
Up front, the story is just as impressive. There's a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto; 15-speaker JBL premium sound system; 360-degree camera system for navigating tight spaces; 4-zone climate control with tactile physical knobs; fully digital instrument cluster; and a powered driver's seat.
Every touchpoint is swathed in rich leather and wood, giving the cabin a warm, inviting feel that's unmistakably premium.
Easy on the hands
Safety is top-tier, with Toyota's full suite of ADAS features including Lane Keep Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control, six airbags, and ABS with EBD.
Despite its size, the Vellfire is surprisingly manageable to drive. The wraparound windscreen and slim A-pillars offer excellent visibility. You sit high and commanding as well. This a vehicle to glide in.
Under the hood is a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 128hp electric motor, delivering a combined output of 250 hp.
It's best driven with a light foot to take advantage of its hybrid tech. Push too hard and the CVT (continuously variable transmission) does groan in protest. Keep it smooth and it rewards you with quiet, electric-assisted cruising and a commendable fuel economy of around 19kmpl, which is astonishing for something this big.
A vast improvement over its predecessor, the Vellfire's ride quality still falls just short of true limousine plushness. Rear passengers will be comfortable most of the time, but on less-than-perfect roads which are common in India, the cabin can feel slightly unsettled—something you might not expect at this price point.
With prices ranging from ₹1.20- ₹1.30 crore, the Toyota Vellfire finds itself competing with some of the best luxury sedans on the market. But while those cars may wear more prestigious badges, none can match the Vellfire's combination of space, comfort, presence, and the legendary hassle-free Toyota ownership. It's a limousine in spirit, wrapped in the body of a van—with a personality that's uniquely its own.
The specs
Engine : 2.5 litre petrol Electric motor: Permanent magnetic synchronous
Combined power: 250hp Price: ₹1.2-1.3 crore Features: 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 15-speaker JBL premium sound system, 360-degree camera system
Renuka Kirpalani is consulting editor, Autocar India.
Also read: Big data has changed cricket
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Innova and Fortuner fuel Toyota to grow 22 per cent in May 2025. Check details
Toyota Fortuner crossed the 3 lakh sales mark since 2009. Check Offers Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has posted a year-on-year growth of 22 per cent in May 2025. The company sold 30,864 units during the month, including 29,280 units in domestic sales and 1,584 units exported. In May 2024, TKM had sold 25,273 units. The company also recorded 27 per cent growth in the first two months of FY 2025–26, selling 58,188 units, compared to 45,767 units in FY 2024–25. The company emphasised that the MPV and SUVs in its portfolio continue to be the primary growth drivers. During April–May FY 2025–26, combined sales of MPVs and SUVs recorded a robust 34 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the Toyota Fortuner and Legender crossed the three lakh cumulative sales mark since its launch in 2009. Also Read : Toyota Fortuner crosses 3 lakh cumulative sales in India. Here's what makes it popular Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, stated that tith the onset of the monsoon and forecasts indicating a normal to above-normal season, the company remains optimistic about improved market sentiment in the coming months, particularly across rural and semi-urban regions. Innova Hycross Exclusive Edition During May 2025, the carmaker also launched the Toyota Innova Hycross Exclusive Edition with a price tag of ₹ 32.58 lakh ex-showroom. It is based on the ZX(O) variant and will be offered for a limited time with dual tone in two colors - Super White and Pearl White. Apart from the dual-tone colour schemes, there are other cosmetic changes as well. The special edition comes with blacked-out elements. So, the roof, front grille, rear garnish, alloy wheels and the hood emblem are now finished in black. There is a front skid plate and a grill garnish. On the sides, there is wheel arch moulding and a garnish for an outside rearview mirror. At the rear, there is a skid plate and a garnish for the tailgate. Toyota has also added an Exclusive rear badge to the special edition. Also Read : Toyota reached out to Nissan after Honda merger failed: Report There are changes to the interior as well. The instrument panel, door fabric, seat material and the centre console lid is finished in dual-tone theme. Toyota has added an air purifier, leg room lamp and a wireless charger. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 01 Jun 2025, 12:30 PM IST
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Tata Harrier EV to MG Cyberster: Here are all the expected cars to be launched in June 2025
With options across body styles and fuel types, June 2025 promises to be an exciting month for Indian car buyers. The Tata Harrier EV will be launching on June 3 while the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Collector's Edition is set for a launch on June 12 After a flurry of mass-market unveilings in May 2025—including new entrants like the Kia Carens Clavis and the updated Tata Altroz—June is shaping up to be a month for premium automotive debuts, especially in the electric and performance segments. From homegrown EVs to high-performance luxury machines, here are the key launches expected in the Indian market this month. 1 Tata Harrier EV Alert Me When Launched View More Details Tata Motors is all set to introduce its most premium electric SUV yet—the Harrier EV. The new EV will be launched on June 3. First seen at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and later showcased in its production-ready form this March, the all-electric Harrier closely mirrors its ICE sibling in design, albeit with distinct EV styling elements. Inside, the cabin retains a familiar layout but is enhanced with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, JBL audio system, and EV-specific features like summon mode, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging. Safety is addressed with seven airbags, 360-degree cameras, and Level-2 ADAS capabilities. Powertrain details remain under wraps for now, but Tata has confirmed a dual-motor AWD setup targeting a 500 km range. The Harrier EV will serve as Tata's flagship electric offering, positioned at an estimated starting price of ₹ 25 lakh. 2 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Collector's Edition Mercedes-Benz will be launching a special India-themed Collector's Edition of its iconic AMG G 63 SUV on June 12. While the powertrain is expected to remain unchanged—with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 585 PS and 850 Nm—the Collector's Edition stands out with its exclusive orange exterior, custom alloy wheels, and bespoke badges. Inside, expect exclusive upholstery, distinctive trim materials, and subtle visual tweaks that celebrate the Indian market. It's expected to command a premium over the standard G 63, which already retails at ₹ 3.3 crore. 3 MG Cyberster Alert Me When Launched View More Details MG Motor is preparing to bring its boldest EV to India yet—the Cyberster. Unveiled earlier this year at the Auto Expo, the electric roadster stands out with its coupe-like stance, dramatic scissor doors, and petal-shaped LED DRLs. The interior is equally futuristic with a triple-screen cockpit, including two 7-inch displays and a 10.25-inch infotainment unit, plus a fighter jet-inspired dashboard. Features include electrically adjustable and heated seats with memory, a folding soft-top roof, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. Under the hood—or rather, floor—the Cyberster carries a 77 kWh battery powering two motors that deliver a combined 510 PS and 725 Nm. MG claims a range of up to 443 km per charge. It's likely to be offered with a battery leasing plan and could be priced around ₹ 50 lakh. 4 MG M9 Alert Me When Launched View More Details Expanding its premium portfolio, MG is set to introduce the M9 MPV, based on the Maxus Mifa 9 sold overseas. With a Vellfire-like profile and sleek detailing such as connected tail lamps and 19-inch alloys, the M9 blends road presence with practicality. Inside, it gets a luxurious dual-tone cabin with plush leatherette upholstery and either a 6- or 7-seater layout. Amenities include two sunroofs (one for each row), massaging ventilated seats in the first two rows, dual digital displays, and a tri-zone climate control system. Expected to arrive via CKD kits, the India-spec M9 could house a 90 kWh battery and a 244 PS front-mounted motor, offering a WLTP-rated range north of 400 km. With a tech-rich interior and premium packaging, the M9 is poised to be priced from ₹ 70 lakh. 5 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and GT 63 Pro Mercedes is also reintroducing the GT badge in India with the all-new AMG GT 63 and its more aggressive GT 63 Pro sibling. Unlike the previous generation which was a two-seater, the new GT offers a 2+2 layout, expanding its appeal without diluting performance. Inside, the cabin borrows cues from the AMG SL 55 with its digital displays and sports seats. Under the hood, both variants get a 4.0-litre V8, producing 577 PS in the standard GT 63 and a head-turning 612 PS in the Pro version. The Pro also boasts a blistering 0-200 km/h time of just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 317 km/h. Prices are likely to start at ₹ 3 crore, with the Pro variant carrying a substantial premium. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 01 Jun 2025, 08:53 AM IST
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Toyota Kirloskar's May sales rise 22% to 30,864 units
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Sunday reported a 22 per cent increase in sales in May, 2025. The carmaker sold 30,864 units last month, including exports of 1,584 units. Srong demand for its MPV and SUV segments and the launch of the Innova HyCross exclusive edition contributed to the overall growth, the company said. The carmaker sold 25,273 units in May 2024. In the first two months of FY26, TKM sold 58,188 units, registering a growth of 27 per cent from the 45,767 units sold during the same period in FY25. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said 'In May, we achieved a growth of 22%, a testament to the enduring trust and support of our valued customers, for which we are deeply grateful. With the onset of the monsoon and forecasts indicating a normal to above-normal season, we remain optimistic about improved market sentiment in the coming months, particularly across rural and semi-urban regions." The company's MPV and SUV segments have been key contributors to its growth. These segments experienced a combined sales increase of 34 per cent during April–May FY 2025–26 compared to the same period last year. This underscores a shift in customer preference towards dependable and versatile mobility options. Toyota product expansion The Japanese carmaker reached a milestone with its Fortuner and Legender models, cumulatively selling 3 lakh units of these premium SUVs in India. Toyota has also expanded its MPV offerings with the Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition. This edition features 19 upgrades designed to enhance its hybrid capabilities. The positive response to the Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition highlights its strong market traction. TKM is optimistic about maintaining its growth trajectory in the coming months.
