1. Overview & Pricing
Toyota launched the ninth‑generation Camry (XV80) in India on 11 December 2024, with bookings already open and deliveries begun in early 2025. Assembled locally via CKD from the Bidadi plant, it’s offered in India in two grades: Elegance and Sprint, though the Sprint (sportier two‑tone version) is expected later around March. The Elegance variant starts at ₹48 lakh ex‑showroom, roughly ₹55–62 lakh on-road depending on city.
2. Exterior Design & Dimensions
The design draws on Lexus-inspired cues and global Camry styling:
- New large trapezoidal grille with honeycomb pattern, flanked by slim, angular LED headlights and C‑shaped DRLs.
- Rear gets sleek C‑shaped LED tail lamps, integrated spoiler, and chrome strip across the boot.
- The India‑spec comes with 19‑inch alloy wheels (dual‑tone), while other markets have both 18″ and 19″ options.
- Three new colour options available: Cement Gray, Attitude Black, Emotional Red, Dark Blue, Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal.
- Dimensions: ~4,920 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,455 mm tall, wheelbase 2,825 mm (slightly longer than predecessor).
The overall visual impact is much edgier and athletic compared to its predecessor, with sculpted lines and a low‑slung profile.
3. Interior & Comfort
The cabin has been refreshed thoroughly for premium feel and modern tech:
- Dual‑tone leather upholstery with soft‑touch surfaces across dash and doors.
- A floating 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3″ fully digital instrument cluster deliver seamless integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Heads‑Up Display (10″), wireless charging pad, multiple USB‑C ports, and a JBL 9‑speaker audio system enhance connectivity and audio system.
- Comfort features include ventilated front seats (10‑way power adjustable with memory for driver), reclining rear seats with boss‑mode controls, and three‑zone climate control with rear vents and powered sunshades.
- Panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and smart entry with push‑button start add to luxury appeal.
- Boot space is roughly 524 to 587 litres, with rear seat access and well‑integrated battery packaging that minimally reduces space.
4. Powertrain & Performance
- The Camry is hybrid-only globally: a 2.5‑litre Dynamic Force Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with Toyota’s fifth-generation Hybrid System, delivering 227–237 bhp combined output (engine ~187 bhp + motor ~136 bhp, depending on source).
- Mated to an e‑CVT gearbox, this produces 221 Nm torque, and claimed fuel efficiency is ~25 kmpl ARAI, with real‑world numbers around 20 kmpl in mixed driving.
- The Camry is only offered in front‑wheel‑drive in India; AWD versions exist in other markets.
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in ~7.2 seconds.
- Driving modes: EV, Eco (battery‑priority), Normal, Sport (more responsive throttle and simulated gears via CVT).
Ride quality remains supple over Indian roads, with improved body control, quiet cabin insulation, and light steering feel; ground clearance around 145–160 mm helps negotiating speed‑breakers easily.
5. Safety & ADAS
The Camry ships with a robust suite of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (Level‑2 ADAS), along with traditional safety systems:
- Active systems include Adaptive Cruise Control (Radar), Lane Trace Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Pre‑collision system with pedestrian detection, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Recognition, and Safe Exit Alert.
- Passive safety includes 9 airbags, 360° camera, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, ABS with EBD, TPMS, ISOFIX child anchors, and parking sensors front and rear.
- Warranty: battery pack warranty 8 years or 1.6 lakh km.
6. Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
- Claimed ARAI mileage: ~25 km/l. Real-world averages in India hover between 18–20 km/l, depending on terrain and conditions.
- With a 50 litre fuel tank, it can cover up to about 900–1,000 km per tank thanks to efficiency and hybrid regeneration.
- Hybrid components enhance low-speed city fuel usage, while regenerative braking and efficient system yield savings on long drives.
7. Competitors & Market Position
Positioned in the executive-luxury sedan segment, the Camry rivals both premium ICE/hybrid sedans and luxury cars:
- Skoda Superb, Audi A4, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class Limousine are its direct rivals in India.
- Priced above ₹48 lakh ex-showroom, it slots above many mid-size sedans, and Toyota markets it as a hybrid offering with executive comfort factoring in reliability, fuel efficiency, and luxury feel.
8. Pros & Cons
✅ What’s Good:
- Refined, premium cabin with modern tech and strong rear‑seat comfort.
- Excellent fuel efficiency from self‑charging hybrid.
- Comprehensive ADAS package.
- Smooth ride and quiet NVH control.
- Known reliability and brand value of Toyota.
❌ What Could Improve:
- Pricing is high relative to rivals, especially the base price is steep.
- Only one variant (Elegance) currently available; Sprint edition arrives later.
- No diesel or non‑hybrid petrol option.
- No AWD in India.
- Boot space slightly lower than previous version (varying between 524–587 L by source).
9. Quick Specification Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5 L petrol + 136 hp motor |
| Combined Output | ~230–237 bhp |
| Torque | ~221 Nm |
| Transmission | e‑CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ~25 km/l (ARAI); ~20 km/l real |
| 0‑100 km/h | ~7.2 s |
| Length × Width × Height | ~4,920 × 1,840 × 1,455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,825 mm |
| Wheel Size | 19‑inch alloy (India) |
| Boot Space | ~524–587 L |
| Suspension | MacPherson front, double wishbone rear |
| Ground Clearance | ~145–160 mm |
| Price (ex‑showroom) | ₹48 lakh (Elegance) |
10. Summary
The new India‑spec Toyota Camry elevates the brand’s offering in the executive hybrid segment. It brings high-end interior quality, advanced ADAS, robust hybrid efficiency, and Toyota’s long-term reliability. At a starting price of ₹48 lakh, it challenges both luxury sedans and premium petrol/hybrid offerings.
If you prioritize rear‑seat comfort, low running costs, and a feature‑packed package with futuristic styling and modern driving aids, the Camry is a compelling choice. However, if upfront value or more performance beyond 230 bhp matters, alternatives like Skoda Superb or German rivals might be worth exploring.
