spwolf

cool things are:
- new parking system that can park anywhere and also exit the parking space
- new precrash that helps in parking lot crashes as well at all speeds.
- interior which screams old LS
- panoramic view monitor
- finally good looking smart entry key for Toyota, also opens up side doors without touching.
- LED cornering lights integrated into lights.
- LED roof lights

Video:
Alphard:

Vellfire

I think it looks amazing in the Video... too strong styling for us, but a lot of details everywhere in the design and interior is very good too.

Look at thickly covered doors, that looks very LS to me... also rear seat options have true airplane seats with closed sides. Front passenger seat can slide all the way to the back, it has much bigger sliding than usual, same goes with 2nd and 3rd row, they have much longer sliding.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I'd rock that in a heartbeat.

spwolf

Few more pics:

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Super nice surfaces, details, textures. Lexus VX

That key fob btw is better than the new cheap version Lexus is doing on NX, RC, IS, GS, ES

Gojirra99

Unless you need offroad capabilities, that's more cool than any luxury SUVs

Vans are actually more popular with Asian celebrities than stupid SUVs ...

pman6

much more utility than suv's.

with a van like this, who needs a house?

spwolf

yep, and this is probably the most popular "limo" there as well, right? It is all about the passengers.

It is very expensive too, easily GS pricing there.

Blackraven

As someone told me, that Alphard front grille looks like 36 pack abs put together T_T

Thankfully though, the Vellfire front grille is nice

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i'd guess less than 1% of luxury suvs ever go off road. and i think a Winnebago is cooler than these luxo fugly mini-buses.

they're definitely VERY nice inside though, but laughably fugly outside.

you really think suvs are stupid?

Gojirra99

Yes unless you go off-road, and even car based crossovers, only if you live in a very snowy area where more ground clearance is desirable. Otherwise, vans are more useful for passengers, just as easy to get in and out for tall and short people alike, more efficient with space, and can look quite good with the proper design., like previous Alphards, even Odyssey looks OK.
I can't see how a truck like appearance looks better than a boxy van, I've never seen a truck that really makes me say wow, anymore than with a van, except it may look more macho just because it's oversize .

spwolf

it is fine that you have such opinion, thats probably why they mellow them out for USA, but in general, these are considered top notch in Japan when it comes to style.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup, vellfire is still totally good

i do think suv is on the silly side when you don't get offroad, and we have suv in our house too. in terms of convenience, space, and accessibility a van wins over suv hands down. if it's not that we just simply don't like the minivan style here in the US, we probably won't be driving suv now

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

From the Asian point of view, SUVs are absolutely stupid for how we use them here in the USA.

Gojirra99 took most of the words out of my mouth.

In a nut shell, real Americans love SUV because they look and feel like a car or truck, they hate van because they hate the boxy styling. Asian and the rest of the world, love minivans for their utilities and roomy-ness, but hate SUVs.

I think in general, SUVs drive much more like a car, where a van feels like a boat. But as a utility family mover, utilities and roomy-ness is #1 priority, which what van is best at. Driving dynamic is less important since you aren't driving it fast anyway.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yup, the coolest/sportiest SUV, the Cayenne Turbo S, still just look like a stupid truck to me.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

obviously the u.s. general public does not agree as suv/cuv sales are not far greater than sedans. also, suvs are not truck-like at all these days. they're basically tall wagons. and yes, vans may provide more people and cargo space, but i personally didn't want or need a 3 row vehicle.

so do you think the rx350 is 'silly' also? it's lexus' best seller by far.

so do you think all rx350 buyers should be buying vans instead?