The second-gen Lexus LM is here, and with looks that will be sure to divide opinion visually, especially with that striking and lengthy looking grille/front end. Lexus unveiled the luxury MPV at the Shanghai Motor Show and it will be available in the UK with a choice of either 4 or 7 seats from August 2023.
Unusually, it seems appropriate to look at the interior first with this vehicle – after all, it’s the luxurious aspect that will surely drive sales. The Lexus LM features recliner seats reminiscent of the sort of thing you might expect on a more upmarket airline – they can even be made fully horizontal. Fold-out tables and a fridge are also included for that extra touch of convenience, along with USB charging ports, vanity mirrors and reading lights, and the seating includes pillow headrests.
To stave off boredom, the Lexus LM comes equipped with a large 48-inch widescreen TV coupled with a bespoke Mark Levinson 3D Surround Sound 23-speaker audio system. Meanwhile, Lexus Climate Concierge uses thermal sensors to intelligently and precisely control and direct ventilation and heat and utilises a one-touch system to allow passengers to set their preferred setting with just the push of a button. One press will allow users to adjust climate, lighting, and seating to pre-programmed personal preference settings. Rear passengers also get a unique voice recognition system designed to respond specifically to the rear seat passengers.
Lexus has also thought about the positioning for passengers and tried to avoid the high rear seat phenomenon where passengers can experience exaggerated side movement due to a high centre of gravity. Lexus says that the rear seats are designed to counter head-sway and improve posture.
Up front, the driver doesn’t get completely left out and gets the use of a Panoramic View Monitor which uses cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, a digital rear-view mirror and an infotainment system. A glass privacy panel sits as a partition between front and rear and can be lowered accordingly, and it can also be dimmed for more privacy.
The striking exterior design is what Lexus calls ‘Next Chapter’ design inspired by ‘dignified elegance’ and features a choice of 17-inch cast or 19-inch forged alloy wheels.
The Lexus LM is a 4-wheel drive, self-charging LM 350h 2.5-litre hybrid offering 176lb ft of torque and 246bhp. Road noise has also been looked at by Lexus and noise-reducing wheels and tyres are being used. Meanwhile, a new headlining in the 4-seater improves insulation, while Active Noise Control is being utilised via a dedicated microphone that will monitor internal noise. Lexus says that the use of the new headliner should aid the ability to have comfortable conversations in the rear of the LM.
No prices yet, but the hybrid Lexus LM MPV is expected to cost just short of £70,000 in the UK when it finally launches here.
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