Think about the UAE and three things spring to mind — glorious golden deserts, beautiful blue sea and best of all, the image of a Toyota Land Cruiser ramming its way through dunes the size of mountains. It's become a firm part of the UAE's history and development and it's safe to say this place just wouldn't be the same without it. However, take a look at the very first model called the BJ Series back in 1951, and you would be forgiven for thinking it wouldn't be taken very seriously or last too long.
Initially built for military use, it got a new name and its design was modified to serve the domestic market and it's been with us now for six decades, developing into the most enduring and sought after brand in off-roading and the market leader in the four-wheel drive category.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary ofthis legendary vehicle, a special edition model based on the 200 series SUV has been launched, and I was invited to put it to the test during a cross-country trip to the glorious Six Senses Zighy Bay resort, in Oman.
From a distance, it looks just like a regular 200 series Land Cruiser, and you wonder what's so special about this limited edition. The answer? Plenty. Apart from the unique 60th Anniversary emblems throughout the interior and exterior (including on the floor mats) an illuminated scuff plate and chunky key case, it now also wears LED daytime running lights integrated in the front bumper. It has new side indicator mirrors, a rear-view camera and a back seat DVD entertainment system — one behind each front seat headrest with wireless headphones. But, if you can look past the wood trim, diamond stitched leather seats, moon roof and cooler box, the 4x4 beast within is much more impressive than all the bling.
Under the bonnet now lies a new 5.7-litre V8 with dual variable valve timing and improved cooling which enhances power and economy. It also provides plenty of low-end torque, smooth acceleration and buckets of pull. The aluminium-block and head DOHC unit offers 362bhp at 5,600rpm and an impressive 529Nm of torque at 3,200rpm, and it's mated to a six-speed automatic equipped with a limited slip centre locking differential.
It's as robust as ever and delivers a balance of go-anywhere performance with the poise, comfort and refinement required for normal daily driving.
Setting off from Al Badia golf course in Dubai Festival City, our ten-strong SUV convoy made its way to the Eastern Region and to a section of desert near Al Dhaid. Play time! After reducing the tyre pressure, we hit the dunes. On steep and slippery sand the 2.7-tonne Cruiser felt as nimble as a ballerina. Electronic aids such as vehicle stability control and four-wheel traction control were engaged and overriding my foot-on-the-pedal inputs. It felt a little strange, almost as if you're not in control at times. But sit back and let the technology take over and prepare to be amazed at just what it's capable of. You can switch the systems off, and presumably slip off the edge of a mountain, tumble and explode. Suffice to say, I left all the wizbangery on.
Getting the Cruiser out of a pickle became pure fun. The crawl feature is nothing short of remarkable. A three-position dial allows you to crawl at 3, 2, or 1kph so all you need to do is turn on your desired speed, take your foot off the pedals and turn your brain off. Don't get too relaxed — you still need to steer it.
The diff-lock equalised power fore and aft, traction control worked its game at each corner, and the crawl feature controlled the speed. Brilliant. After all that fun, it was time for a break and a spot of lunch, and I got to appreciate the luxurious interior after gripping the steering wheel for dear life. While you can fit eight people in there, I would suggest you keep the six footers in the front seats. Head and legroom in the rear is more suited for smaller adults and kids. But no doubt, the cabin is spacious and the build quality is impeccable, as is the attention to detail.
Next up was some mountain driving, which I'd never done before, and I was a little worried. But I needn't have been for the Land Cruiser took everything in its stride. It made its way over the top of the most beautiful mountains and did it with ease, thanks to its permanent four-wheel drive. Finally, we reached our destination and it was even better than it's made out to be. But, while immersing myself in the tranquil and luxurious surroundings of this exclusive hideaway — where I even had my own pool-side villa — all I really wanted to do was get back behind the wheel of the Land Cruiser. That's how good it is.
Specs & ratings
- Model: 60th Anniversary VXR-i
- Engine: 5.7-litre V8
- Transmission: Six-speed auto, AWD
- Max power: 362bhp @ 5,600rpm
- Max torque: 529Nm @ 3,200rpm
- Top speed: NA
- 0-100kph: NA
- Price: Dh273,000
- Plus: Comfortable, robust, great performance
- Minus: Time for a new shape
