New Lexus LM luxury MPV priced from £89,995
The upmarket Lexus people-carrier comes with hybrid power and plenty of equipment
Lexus has launched the new LM - a car it describes as a ‘luxury mover’. In essence it's an MPV with aspirations of taking on the Mercedes V-Class and the Volkswagen Multivan, along with the hordes of premium seven-seat SUVs. Prices start from £89,995, with three different trim levels available to order now. First deliveries are expected in November.
Whatever LM you choose, it'll be powered by a petrol-electric hybrid system. It's a familiar powertrain, because the LM sits on an adapted version of the GA-K platform that’s shared with the Lexus NX and RX SUVs. The powertrain comprises a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a CVT automatic gearbox, supported by an electric motor that means the LM can travel on electric power alone for short periods.
Maximum power stands at 246bhp while peak torque is 239Nm. E-Four electronic all-wheel drive is included too, with the system able to end as much as 80 per cent of the powertrain's torque to the rear axle, or up to 100 per cent to the front. The brand hasn't yet revealed a 0-62mph time for the LM 350h, but top speed is capped at 119mph.
The LM has been designed to deliver comfort and passenger well-being, with the car's cabin designed to take the Japanese brand's 'Omotenashi' hospitality to an extremely high level. With a 3,000mm wheelbase to maximise legroom in the rear the brand says the LM offers luxury limousine levels of comfort and space.
As a result the LM will be offered in a luxury four-seat specification alongside a more conventional seven-seat configuration. The four-seat model features two individual armchairs in the rear, with this part of the cabin sectioned off from the front with a partition that – combined with active noise cancellation tech – significantly improves refinement. The partition also houses a 48-inch HD screen.
Kicking off the range is the seven-seat LM 350h at £89,995 in front-wheel drive guise or £92,995 with all-wheel drive. As standard there’s 19-inch alloy wheels, powered seats up front and in the middle row, twin sunroofs, dual-zone climate controls and powered sunshades. An infotainment package adds Lexus’ latest Link Pro system, uprated speakers and a 14-inch monitor for rear passengers.
Step up to LM 350h Takumi from £112,995 and there’s a greater focus on rear passenger comfort with two rear seats and a suite of technological upgrades. The most noticeable is the huge 48-inch widescreen monitor and glass panel, which can be dimmed for privacy. Beneath the screen there are individual glove boxes and a fridge. The rear seats also get folding tables, plus various charging ports and a wireless charging tray. A bespoke Mark Levinson 3D Surround Sound audio system with a 23-speaker array has also been developed for the Takumi plus there’s the ‘Lexus Climate Concierge’ that uses thermal sensors for greater control over heating and ventilation.
At 5,130mm long, Lexus's engineers have put in some significant work when it comes to the car's driving systems to counteract the LM's size and weight, with Automatic Smart Stop braking control, Pitch Control and a revised Adaptive Variable Suspension system to help balance dynamic ability and comfort. On this last point, Lexus has also developed a Rear Seat Comfort driving mode, which is said to “adjust suspension performance and drive torque distribution and suppresses vibration, helping both the vehicle and its passengers maintain a comfortable posture.”
The brand's Safety System+ package that features on the NX and RX, offering a host of active driver assistance systems and safety tech, is also fitted.
Will the Lexus LM be a hit on the UK market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments...
