The 2015 Toyota Camry XLE V6, the model’s seventh generation, sees the ride receive less of a facelift and more of a reconstruction, with plenty of nip and tucking taking place inside too. It’s a much needed dose of luxury that sees it aspire to replicate the likes Lexus and its European counterparts. Needless to say, this family sedan’s best-selling reputation don’t look like it’ll be leaving any time soon.
Instantly striking is the all-new grille which takes up nearly the entire bottom half of the front-end. Akin to the enormous, gaping mouth of a basking shark, above it sit angled LED headlamps that stare like glowering eyes. Available are LED Daytime Running Lights too. Behind this rather snarling face sits a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 268-hp coupled with 248 lb-ft of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with intelligent Dual Valve Timing for enhanced engine efficiency. Recalibrated springs shocks and sway bars, coupled with taut suspension and optimized Electric Power Steering offer a silky ride with excellent handling. Certainly at the sportier end of family sedan, as shown by the available dual exhaust system round back.
While much can be said for the drive and the exterior makeover, it’s inside where the Camry really comes into its own with an array of enticing standard and available features. The company has kindly added a 4.2-innch TFT screen between the three-dimensional gauges as standard, along with stylish contrasting stitching to the dash and steering wheel – the latter slightly let down by its plastic center hub – and plush wood-grain-style accents at touch points throughout the cabin. The center stack, however, is a whole different proposition, offering easy handling of a host of goodies such as available navigation, dual zone climate control and Entune App suite.
The front seats are sport-inspired with side bolsters, all available in Ultraseude, while the driver’s is 8-way power-adjustable with power lumbar support. Sound-absorbing technology promises a quiet ride, enabling music lovers to take full advantage of the available JBL GreenEdge audio system backed by ten speakers, a subwoofer and an amp. Up for grabs is also a wireless charging system and voice recognition, with Bluetooth, backed by steering wheel mounted controls. Everything can be tracked by a full color multi-information display, which can viewed from any angle, and life can be made easier still by opting for the Smart Key System meaning you can unlock and lock the doors and trunk and even start the car without removing the fob from your pocket.
The body has been stretched nearly two inches, half an inch in width, the sculpted headliner eliminates the need to slouch while cutaways in the seats add further space to an already roomy interior. And, saving the best until last, an available power tilt/slide moonroof means you can soak up the sun, savor the stars or marvel at the moonlit sky.