Lexus LM

Model Overview

The Lexus LM is the flagship luxury MPV from the Lexus brand. Making its global debut at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, it represents the third flagship offering introduced by Lexus following the LS flagship saloon and the LC flagship GT coupe. LM stands for "Luxury Mover", epitomising a "luxurious mobile space". Built upon the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire platform but commanding a more upmarket positioning, the model primarily targets high-net-worth corporate and private buyers in Asian markets, particularly in China. In the Chinese market, the LM is offered in four-seater and seven-seater configurations, with official recommended retail prices starting from RM1,199,000.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Lexus LM adopts the brand's signature Spindle Grille, massive in scale and finished with an intricate chrome mesh pattern that delivers immense visual impact. The headlamp clusters incorporate the signature "L"-shaped LED daytime running lights, blending seamlessly with the front grille. Along the flanks, the profile is defined by clean, upright lines, a steeply raked A-pillar to reduce aerodynamic drag, and a floating roof effect at the B-pillar, complemented by chrome garnishes and multi-spoke alloy wheels to create an imposing, elongated stance. At the rear, the vehicle features full-width tail lamps that extend downwards on both sides to form a distinct "L" motif, mirroring the front design. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 5,040 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,945 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

Inside the cabin, the LM embodies Lexus's "Takumi" craftsmanship philosophy, utilising premium semi-aniline leather, bespoke wood trims, and metallic accents. The four-seater variant features a retractable privacy partition glass screen between the front and rear compartments, fitted with a 26-inch LCD display to provide rear passengers with an exclusive audio-visual entertainment lounge.

Powertrain & Performance

The Lexus LM is offered with two hybrid powertrain options:

• LM 350h: Powered by a petrol-electric hybrid system pairing a 2.5-litre inline-four naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor. The engine produces a maximum output of 140 kW (approx. 190 hp) and a peak torque of 242 N·m, delivering a total combined system output of 184 kW (approx. 250 hp). Power is sent through an E-CVT electronic continuously variable transmission.

• LM 500h: Powered by a high-performance hybrid system comprising a 2.4-litre inline-four turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The engine generates a maximum output of 199 kW (approx. 271 hp) and a peak torque of 460 N·m, with a total combined system output of 273 kW (approx. 371 hp). It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and features the DIRECT4 electronic dynamic all-wheel drive system.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the LM 350h returns a WLTC combined fuel consumption figure of approximately 6.7 L/100 km.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by Toyota's TNGA-K platform, the Lexus LM adopts a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout (with all-wheel drive on the LM 500h). The suspension setup consists of front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones, equipped with swing-valve shock absorbers that dynamically adjust damping based on road conditions to deliver stellar bump absorption and ride comfort. In addition, the LM comes equipped with the Lexus intelligent vehicle dynamics control system, seamlessly orchestrating the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking systems to ensure smooth, linear acceleration, deceleration, and steering response.

Cabin & Features

The highlight of the Lexus LM cabin lies in the ultimate comfort delivered in the rear passenger quarters.

• Seats: The rear compartment of the four-seater variant is appointed with two individual Ottoman first-class lounge seats, featuring multi-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, alongside extendable Ottoman leg rests. The seven-seater variant features individual captain seats in the second row and foldable seats in the third row.

• Infotainment & Audio: The rear of the four-seater variant is equipped with a 26-inch colour LCD display supporting Blu-ray playback and smartphone connectivity. The vehicle comes fitted with a Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, boasting 19 speakers (four-seater) or 17 speakers (seven-seater) for an immersive acoustic experience.

• Comfort Amenities: The entire cabin is furnished with acoustic double-glazed glass, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), four-zone automatic climate control, an onboard refrigerator, and powered sliding doors. The four-seater variant further adds bespoke reading lights, storage compartments, and fold-out business tables.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Lexus LM comes standard across the range with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability. The suite integrates a comprehensive array of active safety features, including the Pre-Collision System (PCS) (with pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with full-speed range, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) and Traffic Sign Assist (TSA) . Furthermore, the LM is equipped with a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). On the passive safety front, the MPV is engineered around a high-rigidity GOA body structure and is fitted with multiple airbags, including front knee airbags.

Market Performance & Reception

Following its market launch in China, the Lexus LM swiftly established itself as the benchmark in the luxury MPV segment. Even with an entry price tag well over a million ringgit, showroom demand consistently outpaced supply, with buyers at times paying markups of several hundred thousand RM to secure allocations. The LM's success stems not merely from inheriting the spacious practicality of the Toyota Alphard, but from elevating it through Lexus’ hallmark craftsmanship, whisper-quiet refinement, and prestigious road presence. At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, Lexus officially unveiled the all-new generation LM, further cementing its undisputed position in the ultra-luxury MPV arena.