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Mark X revealed for the Japanese market

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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phatplanet 22 October 2009

Re: Toyota launches 5-series rival

HyundaiSmoke wrote the following post at Thu, Oct 22 2009 1:02 AM:

I know some of you global car fans would know. Is the X in Mark X for X, or is the X for ten?

Just X or "Mark Ex". In China this car is sold as Toyota Reiz.

HyundaiSmoke 22 October 2009

Re: Toyota launches 5-series rival

I know some of you global car fans would know. Is the X in Mark X for X, or is the X for ten?

optimal_909 21 October 2009

Re: Toyota launches 5-series rival

fuzzybear wrote:
I agree
I think most people simply found it weird to call it a 5-series rival, which quite a benchmark in its class - especially as the Mark X is a trade-down Lexus GS. That does not mean it can not be a good value sports sedan. But starting on a forum like this is surely not the best way...