A Flagship Sedan Pursuing the Joy of Driving to the Fullest

"Since its inception, Honda has been a company that looks to the world and continuously challenges itself to develop pioneering technologies. The company itself, which has always demonstrated Honda's unique ideas, embraced avant-garde innovation, and generously invested its best technology to take on the world, is truly embodied in the Legend." This was stated by Takahiro Hachigo, President, Representative Director and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., at the beginning of the press conference.

He continued, "For 66 years since its founding, Honda has relentlessly pursued the joy of driving. I am confident that the new Legend, which incorporates all of our accumulated technology, is a car that can offer an unprecedented joy of driving to Japanese users," emphasizing that this sedan elevates Honda's driving experience to a new dimension.




The biggest contributor to enabling this driving performance is likely the adoption of Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.



"It's a system that reads the driver's intention of 'how they want to drive' and responds with that kind of performance, allowing them to control the car as if it were an extension of their own limbs. This elevates driving from mere enjoyment to a level of inspiration. We believed this to be the Honda-like choice," commented President Hachigo. This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, utilizing three motors and an engine, continuously and automatically switches between optimal drive modes and the most energy-efficient driving modes, delivering an environmentally conscious yet exhilarating driving experience.

On-the-Rails Sensation with Twin Motors

Under the development concept of "Smart Exhilarating Luxury," the new Legend pursues three values: "Pride," "Advancement," and "Exhilaration." Among these, "Exhilaration" was deemed the most important.



The core of this is the aforementioned Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. The engine is a V6 3.5-liter direct-injection i-VTEC engine, with its variable cylinder system enhancing fuel efficiency. By combining this engine with three motors, it achieves a maximum output of 280 kW, surpassing the power of V8 engines, while maintaining a fuel economy of 16.8 km/L, comparable to that of an inline four-cylinder engine.



The transmission is a 7-speed DCT with an integrated high-output motor, featuring a wet clutch to handle high torque. Regarding the DCT's performance, Hitoshi Aoki, head of the new Legend development at Honda R&D Center, says, "The direct feel unique to DCT, combined with a wide gear ratio range and closely spaced ratios, delivers a rhythmic and expansive acceleration."



The most distinctive feature is the twin-motor unit mounted at the rear. The two motors, positioned on either side, are independently controlled, achieving torque vectoring that surpasses conventional SH-AWD. This enables an innovative on-the-rails sensation, as described by Mr. Aoki. Furthermore, the adoption of various advanced technologies ensures a balance between excellent handling stability and active safety performance.

An Exterior of Dignified Beauty

The exterior design concept is "Firmed Elegant Form," expressing a dignified beauty that combines presence and elegance. According to Mr. Aoki, "The most striking feature is the balance between a commanding presence and flowing dynamism. The stable, powerful lower body and the distinctive character lines of the body skillfully blend presence and dynamism."



Perhaps the most eye-catching element of the Legend's exterior is its Jewel Eye LED headlights. These advanced headlights were named "Jewel Eye" for their gem-like brilliance. Their unique structure, featuring double reflection within the lens, achieves both a compact depth and an attractive design. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they provide excellent light distribution, enhancing comfort and safety during night driving.

An Exquisite Interior Space That Resonates with Emotion

The interior was designed to create a rich, comfortable, and sophisticated space that appeals to the senses. Mr. Aoki particularly emphasized the soft, premium feel of the leather. Specifically, the interior utilizes the texture of leather throughout, from the instrument panel to the door linings, all meticulously stitched.



The attention to detail in the interior doesn't stop there. To ensure the finest experience within this comfortable space, a 14-speaker system co-developed with KRELL, renowned for its high-end home audio, has been adopted. This system envelops occupants in sound, delivering exceptional realism and dynamic range as if the vocalist were singing just for them.



The result is an interior space that speaks to the emotions. Furthermore, a characteristic of this car is its understated interior design, which allows this space to truly shine. Keiko Ito from the Design Studio 1, Interior Design Department at Honda R&D Center, who was responsible for the interior design, stated, "We have minimized design elements that could be perceived as noise." This means that even an emotionally resonant interior should not be marred by such distractions.



To achieve this, Mr. Aoki focused on texture. For example, wood grain or metallic accents are subtly incorporated beneath the leather sections of the door trim, enhancing the softness and texture of the leather. "We aimed for a design that feels pleasant to the touch and visually conveys softness, thereby creating a design that appeals to the senses," Ms. Ito explained.



The new Legend, developed with all of Honda's technological prowess, is a flagship sedan that delivers the joy of intuitive control while also offering a comfortable interior space – a true driver's car.


Honda Legend

Body Dimensions | Overall Length 4,995 x Overall Width 1,890 x Overall Height 1,480 mm

Wheelbase | 2,850 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,630 / 1,630 mm

Weight | 1,980 kg

Engine | 3,471 cc Water-cooled V6 Horizontal

Maximum Engine Output | 231 kW (314 ps) / 6,500 rpm

Maximum Engine Torque | 371 Nm (37.8 kgm) / 4,700 rpm

Maximum Motor Output | (Front) 35 kW (48 ps) / 3,000 rpm

(Rear) 27 kW (37 ps) / 4,000 rpm (per motor)

Maximum Motor Torque | (Front) 148 Nm (15.1 kgm) / 500-2,000 rpm

(Rear) 73 Nm (7.4 kgm) / 0-2,000 rpm (per motor)

Transmission | 7-speed DCT

Drivetrain | 4WD

Suspension Front | Double Wishbone

Suspension Rear | Multi-link

Tires | 245/40R19

Brakes | Disc

Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 16.8 km / L

Price | 6,800,000 yen