Toyota Mark X - show pics

This is the new shape Toyota X saloon, which the company hopes is a match for the BMW 5-series

On paper, the uppercrust rear-drive Mark X is very much a machine in the BMW mould, although it’s on the market in Japan for thousands of pounds less.

See the full hi-res Toyota X saloon picture gallery

This latest-generation X kicks off in three grades, standard, premium and sports type. It also boasts a fair helping of Lexus tech underneath to push dynamics and image.

There are two petrol V6 engines available; the 200bhp 2.5-litre engine is a detuned version of the 4GR-FSE unit from the Lexus IS250.

Likewise, the range-topping 314bhp 3.5-litre engine is shared with the Lexus GS350. A six-speed auto transmission is standard.

With front double-wishbone and rear multilink suspension, the 4730 mm Mark X is again not far off the Lexus IS/GS family, but the cabin treatment is more dour and workmanlike, and highly conventional.

The Mark X - shown at the Tokyo motor show - is not expected to come anywhere near Europe.

Instead, this will be Toyota’s BMW wannabe in Japan and some parts of Asia.

Peter Nunn

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