Whether in the past or present, if you want to buy a spacious, comfortable, fuel-efficient B-class sedan, the Guangzhou Toyota Camry will undoubtedly be on your list. Its excellent quality, combined with Toyota’s hybrid technology, has made this best-selling global model a perennial tree in the domestic B-class sedan market. Unconsciously, the Camry has evolved to the 9th generation, maintaining a superior level in both static and dynamic performance. However, with the current 2.0L hybrid and 2.0L naturally aspirated powertrain configurations, it is difficult to satisfy users who desire more power. This new 9th generation Camry has introduced a more powerful 2.5L intelligent hybrid engine model on the existing basis, meeting user needs and increasing its competitiveness in the same market segment.
High fuel efficiency, excellent power performance. The all-new 9th generation Camry has shown impressive overall performance in past test drives. However, the power aspect was a bit lacking, especially during high-speed acceleration for overtaking. The introduction of the new 2.5L intelligent hybrid engine model for the 9th generation Camry has effectively addressed this shortcoming.
The main highlight of this new car is the power system, which is highly anticipated. The 2.5L intelligent electric hybrid power system has a maximum power of 136kW, 24kW more than the 2.0L intelligent electric hybrid model, and a maximum torque of 221N·m, 33N·m more than the 2.0L model. In terms of the motor, the new car has a peak power of 100kW and peak torque of 208N·m, 17kW and 2N·m more than the 2.0L model. Therefore, the comprehensive power of the system is 169kW, 24kW more than the 2.0L model, showing significant hardware improvements.
In terms of the transmission, it still uses the familiar E-CVT transmission, which provides smooth driving and fuel efficiency. There are only two types of hybrid systems in the world, Toyota and others. With the PSD intelligent power distribution system, the engine and motor can operate efficiently in any condition, resulting in even and long-lasting power output and impressive fuel consumption. The official data shows a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7 seconds. Although not tested this time, the acceleration from a standstill at traffic lights and during high-speed driving is indeed much cleaner and more efficient than models equipped with a 2.0L intelligent hybrid system.
Compared to the 2.0L intelligent electric hybrid dual-engine model, the first impression is that the power is indeed stronger. Even in standard mode, the throttle does not need a large opening angle to achieve good continuous acceleration. The motor assists in starting, and the switch between gasoline and electricity does not require manual intervention. The overall feeling is that it is easy to drive.
This car is not designed for handling, but with the support of the TNGA architecture, the flexibility and posture of the body are commendable when changing lanes at high speed and turning at large angles. The suspension absorbs small bumps well, almost no high-frequency vibration is felt in the car, and it can also effectively mitigate large bumps or speed bumps, providing more confidence in cornering and good vibration relief.
The all-new 9th generation Camry has added a Comfort Brake function, which can reduce the vehicle’s jolting and jerking when braking suddenly, achieving a smooth stopping effect. This is a good feature for users who are prone to motion sickness. In addition, the vehicle also performs well in terms of braking force and braking linearity, without the soft feeling of Japanese cars.
Today, the new car impressed me with its NVH noise control. The E-CVT gearbox performs smoothly during acceleration, holding steady even under sudden acceleration. The engine shows some vibration and noise during hard acceleration, leaving room for improvement.
Continuing the youthful exterior design, the 8155 chip empowers intelligent progress. The new car still maintains a youthful exterior design, offering two styles – simple luxury and sporty, to meet different users’ preferences. The overall design style is moving towards a more youthful direction, breaking away from the mediocre and old-fashioned appearance of previous B-class cars from any angle.
The test drive car is the all-new 9th generation Camry 2.5HQ intelligent hybrid flagship version, which highlights luxury more than the sport version. The front face has angular contours, giving a three-dimensional look, and the raised middle of the engine compartment adds a sense of power.
The upper part of the front grille has a strong sense of movement, blending the central black mesh intake grille with sharp LED headlights on both sides, creating a good visual impact. The lower intake grille uses a diamond-shaped design in the same color as the body, which is more stylish than traditional bumpers.
The sports model features a black honeycomb structure on the lower bumper, along with sporty styling kits on the body.
Sporty Version The body’s side lines show a dive posture with high rear and low front, combined with angular waistline and short front and rear overhang design, maintaining a balanced body proportion while also showing a sporty attitude. The car’s dimensions are 4915*1840*1450mm, with a wheelbase of 2825mm, consistent with the 2.0L intelligent hybrid model of the same style. In terms of colors, platinum pearl white, dynamic red, and cyber gray are offered, along with optional two-tone body colors. Of course, personalization comes at a cost, with an additional 4000 yuan (550$) for the two-tone body color option.
The all-new 9th generation Camry has undergone significant changes in its interior. While retaining some classic elements, it is also moving towards a more youthful and intelligent direction. Compared to new energy vehicles from domestic brands, the interior of the all-new 9th generation has not completely abandoned traditional physical buttons. You could say it is conservative, but I personally think it is a perfect combination of modern and traditional that resonates with people.
When it comes to intelligence, the all-new 9th generation Camry has added facial and voice recognition login features on the flagship model. After recognizing the owner, it can synchronize personal preferences such as seat, steering wheel, air conditioning, and infotainment system settings, creating a sense of exclusivity and ceremony. The streaming rearview mirror and AR-style HUD head-up display system also enhance driving convenience and safety.
The new car added the mainstream 8155 chip in the 12.3-inch central control system, increasing system fluency and computing power. It also improved the speed of intelligent voice recognition and enriched the variety of in-car apps. Toyota’s first native app store offers a wide range of reading, karaoke, and music resources. It supports Car Play, Huawei’s Hi Car, and Car Life mobile interconnection functions.
In terms of comfort in riding and interior space, the all-new 9th generation Camry offers 64 colors of ambient lighting that can sync with music and multiple fragrance systems. Features such as heated and ventilated leather seats in the front row, panoramic sunroof, three-zone air conditioning, electric steering wheel adjustment/heating, and wireless charging panel for phones are also available in the flagship model tested this time.
In terms of space, the all-new 9th generation Camry also provides a very comfortable and convenient experience. The flagship model in this test drive offers electrically adjustable backrests for the rear seats, as well as manual rear side sunshades and electric rear windshield sunshades. In addition, a JBL brand audio system is also provided.
In terms of space, the experiencer, who is 180cm tall, has about two fists of legroom in the rear seats, with slightly cramped headroom but not feeling suppressed. Adjustable rear seat backrest and panoramic sunroof increase the comfort of rear passengers.
In terms of safety, the all-new 9th generation Camry will not disappoint users. 10 SRS airbags are standard across the board, covering key areas of the vehicle. Intelligent driving assistance features such as AHS adaptive headlights, 360° panoramic imaging, and the new TSS 3.0 expansion pack provide peace of mind for city commuting and highway driving.
Enhanced in dynamic driving, the all-new 9th generation Camry 2.5L intelligent hybrid model impresses with satisfying power output and effortless overtaking. Maintaining intelligence and safety features, it remains a strong contender in the B-segment sedan market. What do you think?