Toyota launches luxury sedan Avalon

Toyota Motor Korea on Tuesday launched the All New Avalon Limited, a ramped-up fourth-generation version of the company’s flagship luxury sedan.

Named after the legendary island where the mythical King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds, the Avalon was first launched in North America in 1995 as one of the top upscale cars representing Toyota.

It will be available in Korea for just over 49 million won ($46,000), a price tag on par with the $41,000 offered in the U.S.

“The Avalon has led the U.S. premium sedan market for the past 17 years thanks to its looks, performance and technology,” said Tommy Nakabayashi, chief executive of Toyota Korea, adding that the company hoped it would do the same here.

Among the four trims ― XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited ― Korean consumers will be offered the high-end limited edition that will be outfitted with customized details including a Korea-specific navigation system. Manufacturing will be done at Toyota’s Kentucky plant in the U.S.

The Limited’s powerful V6 3.5-liter gasoline engine churns out up to 277 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, while maximum torque reaches 35.3 kilogram-meters at 4,700 rpm.

In terms of design, the car adheres to the unmistakable Toyota look, but sports a larger grill and thinner build, and the trunk less prominent in efforts for a sleeker and more luxurious look, Toyota officials said.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)