Toyota's big Land Cruiser VX had a high power and size reputation among 4x4 drivers. Now the company has lifted the expectations for the giant of 4x4s with a new more powerful engine for the Land Cruiser and some extra comforts. Michael Moroney reports from his recent test drive of the king of 4x4s.

Toyota has always had a great reputation when it comes to reliable 4x4s. The Hilux is virtually indestructible as proven by Jeremy Clarkson and his team. The Land Cruiser has an equally reliable reputation for durability.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 packs more power and huge comfort compared with the past. It's a high price tag vehicle starting at €126,440, with little extra from the accessories department needed.

Add more power in the form of the range-topping Land Cruiser and you've got it all. That's how I felt when I handed back the new Land Cruiser V8. I've had it all when it comes to 4x4 driving. This is Toyota's top performing 4x4 and it has been upgraded with comfort and a modest dose of styling. Toyota has changed the engine in the new range-topping Land Cruiser from a straight six cylinder to a new, more compact V8. This new 4.5 litre diesel engine uses common rail diesel technology to give a power boost of more than 80bhp.

The engine is superb in terms of power and now leads the field in terms of top end 4x4 power. The engine torque is equally impressive and any comparison will show that with 650Nm of torque there's simply no 4x4 match for this new Land Cruiser V8.

The Land Cruiser V8 message is not just about pumping out more raw power; Toyota has refined the new V8 diesel with a lower CO2 emission level and slightly better economy. The CO2 rating is 270g/km, which still puts the Land Cruiser V8 in the top VRT and motor tax band ratings, but it does deliver a better set of economy and emission figures than in the past.

The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota believes that this combination with a full-time 4x4 system gives the best efficiency for a vehicle of this size. Remember the Land Cruiser V8 weighs in at over 2.5 tonnes and to deliver an engine performance that gives an acceleration rating of 8.2 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race is quite a performance.

On the comfort side, Toyota has developed a new damper adjusting system, which operates on each of the four wheels of the Land Cruiser V8. This allows the 4x4 to cope with rough conditions while still maintaining comfort and maximum four-wheel contact. This system, controlled by a dial on the centre console, maximizes the comfort for all passengers when the going gets tough.

For road driving, the Land Cruiser adapts itself automatically to ensure a smooth road drive. This system automatically takes the harshness from the suspension and lowers the vehicle body to maximize aerodynamics. In a style sense there is little to say about the Land Cruiser's aerodynamics, but lowering the vehicle body does help when it comes to fuel efficiency. That has allowed Toyota to shave a little from the fuel usage levels with the new Land Cruiser V8 coming in with a figure of 10 litres/100km (28mpg).

The big engine power gives the new Land Cruiser a maximum towing rating of 3.5 tonnes. This is the legal limit of such 4x4 vehicles based on weight and application. The V8 is so big you see some drivers trying to pack on a bit more weight.

In terms of driver comfort and fittings, the new Land Cruiser V8 sets new standards. The interior is well laid out, with good clarity when it comes to the controls. There is a feeling of strength and luxury but not in a brash sort of way.