Toyota Vellfire Review: When Space is Luxury

After spending some time with the Toyota Vellfire, it’s easy to see why it has become the latest obsession in Bollywood. Nearly every major superstar has welcomed one into their garage, making it the vehicle of choice for the next red carpet appearance. After all, the Vellfire seamlessly blends practicality with indulgence, offering a unique sense of understated luxury unmatched by any other car in the Indian market, regardless of price. Let’s take a closer look.

It’s Mahoosive!

The Vellfire blends the bold, brawny aesthetic of a full-size SUV with the practical form factor of an MPV. Viewed head-on, the first thing that grabs your attention is its massive grille – one so imposing, it could put even the burliest of SUVs to shame. But the side tells a completely different story – here, the Vellfire embraces its MPV identity unapologetically. It’s also from this angle that its sheer size becomes apparent – standing nearly 2 metres tall and stretching just over 5 metres long. So commanding is its presence that even the 19-inch wheels seem modest.

Design-wise, it departs from the traditional ‘breadbox’ MPV silhouette with a stylish kink in the window line, which makes the car look more stylish than the outgoing model’s almost B-pillar-like intrusion. Here, you will also see the Vellfire badging, a subtle yet classy detail. At the rear, the boxy shape has a hint of sportiness, courtesy of a prominent roof spoiler. One design element that truly stands out is the chrome trim tracing the window line. It begins at the kink on the side, flows above the windows, wraps seamlessly around the spoiler, and mirrors itself on the opposite side – a thoughtful and beautifully executed detail.

The Luxury Lounge

The real reason to consider the Vellfire lies in its interior. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels nothing short of a luxurious airport lounge – an experience unmatched at this price point. Comfort is clearly the top priority, with everything else taking a backseat. The only slight effort required is while getting into the cabin. Starting at the front, the cabin is solidly built and purpose-driven. There’s a deliberate absence of ornamental flair here – understandable, given that this seat would most likely be used by the chauffeur.

That said, should you find yourself behind the wheel, you’ll immediately appreciate the comfort and confidence it inspires, even over long drives. The Head-Up Display is a thoughtful addition, offering useful driving information without distraction. While the infotainment system’s interface may take a bit of getting used to, the crisp 14-inch touchscreen responds well, and the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a nice touch.

It’s in the middle row where the Vellfire truly shines. The power-sliding doors alone offer a red-carpet-like experience, making you feel like a celebrity the moment you step in or out. Sink into either of the two captain seats, and you’re immediately enveloped in cloud-like comfort. Quite simply, these are among the most luxurious and comfortable seats. Their wide range of adjustability allows you to tailor your perfect seating or resting position, including the ability to recline nearly flat with the leg rests fully extended. Everything here is designed with indulgence in mind. Even the window blinds are electrically operated, and there are features like heating, ventilation, and massage functionality.

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There is a large drop-down screen for entertainment on the go and individual pop-out touchscreens near the armrests to give passengers control over almost every aspect of the car’s features. Other thoughtful touches include a foldable tray with a built-in vanity mirror for each passenger and dual sunroofs with powered sunshades.

The real surprise, however, lies in the third row, which is as spacious as the second row in any other ‘regular’ car. Long journeys here won’t be a problem, though access is only via the space between the middle-row seats – something that you get used to. Finally, the boot space is nothing short of cavernous if you fold the last row of seats (which is done manually) — you can pretty much shift houses without batting an eye.

A Driver's Car

But not in the way you might expect. Driving the Vellfire is as exciting as making a sandwich. That’s not a dig; in fact, it’s a testament to how effortlessly and efficiently it handles its core purpose: comfortable, no-fuss commuting. If your priority is transporting people with minimal drama, there’s nothing quite as effective, purpose-built, and emotionally detached as the Vellfire.

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Under the hood, it gets a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of around 250bhp. That may sound like a healthy figure, but given the sheer size of the Vellfire, it feels just about adequate. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox, and it emits the typical whine when pushed hard. However, take things slow – or find yourself crawling through inevitable city traffic – and the Vellfire truly comes into its own. At lower speeds and with sufficient battery charge, it can run silently in EV mode. As the speed picks up, the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly. Ride quality is exceptional, with most road imperfections soaked up effortlessly; only the occasional sharp bump manages to filter through. If there’s one area where the Vellfire could improve, it’s in cabin insulation, for road and wind noise do creep in at highway speeds, slightly disrupting an otherwise whisper-quiet atmosphere.

Surprisingly, the Vellfire never scraped its belly during our test, even without the aid of an air suspension setup. The stock suspension delivers a ride quality that’s very much in line with expectations, striking a fine balance between comfort and practicality. Adding to its usability is Toyota’s suite of ADAS features, which rely on both camera and radar systems. These prove genuinely helpful, particularly during long-distance drives or when navigating the sheer size of this MPV through tighter spaces.

Verdict

The Vellfire has certainly become a lot more expensive than it used to be. With its prices ranging between ₹1.22 crore to ₹1.33 crore (ex-showroom), it now squares off against some of the most elite chauffeur-driven offerings in the country. Yes, you could opt for a fancier badge at this price, but few vehicles offer the same peace of mind that comes with a Toyota, especially when combined with this level of comfort and practicality. If you value being well-rested during your daily chauffeur-driven routine, prefer subtle luxury, and want a vehicle that delivers uncompromised comfort without attracting undue attention, the Vellfire is as good as it gets.