Luxury Mover: that’s the meaning of the acronym Lexus LM, a unique luxury MPV, at least in the European market. A real opposite of the little Lexus LBX.
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This niche vehicle is designed for high-end passenger transport, catering to important guests like those attending the Venice Film Festival (of which Lexus has been a sponsor for years), as well as CEOs and prominent guests from various companies. It’s also ideal for those who want to travel with their family without compromising on anything, not even watching high-definition movies.
It’s being introduced in Europe and Scandinavia with the exclusive Luxury trim level and the sole full hybrid 350h engine, delivering 250 combined horsepower and over 60% electric driving range. In Denmark is available at 2.654.500 DKK for the most expensive version, the Luxury one.
Lexus LM: A world of its own
The Lexus LM is like a private jet on four wheels, literally, as it comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The “base” configuration is a 7-seater, which already offers the highest level of comfort available. The middle row consists of two independent, reclining, and ventilated seats with ample legroom for a comfortable journey.
The rear row is designed for three passengers but might feel a bit tight with a third person. Furthermore, with the third row in place, there’s limited cargo space, but this is compensated for by an intelligent seat reclining system that secures seats to the sides of the vehicle and a spacious vertical design for the luggage compartment.
Even in this version, the rear passengers have a 14-inch fixed monitor that descends from the roof, two panoramic windows, and window dividers for maximum isolation. The monitor is equipped with an HDMI port for connecting computers and other devices and can be controlled with two smartphone-like remotes provided to the middle-row passengers, allowing them to manage climate, content, and the volume of the excellent 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Traveling with a 48-inch Widescreen
The 4-seater version is the epitome of the Omotenashi concept that characterizes recent Lexus models. The rear of the vehicle, behind the rear seats, is designed for two people to enjoy a true lounge or, better yet, a cinema, completely isolated from everything else. This is achieved through a partition, similar to limousines, between the front and rear passengers. There is a window, which can be obscured or opened, allowing communication or isolation from the front, and it’s the only part of the vehicle where engine noise does not intrude.
Here, you’ll also find climate control with patented Nanoe X technology aimed at creating the most comfortable interior environment, as well as an improved Mark Levinson 3D audio system with 23 speakers. The independent seats are even more comfortable, fully reclining, and offer a massage function.
A standout feature is the large 48-inch ultra-wide monitor with 2 HDMI ports and Miracast for smartphones, allowing the display of content from the central driver’s side display or your own PC and other devices. It’s a useful addition for working or entertainment, following the concept of a mobile lifestyle without compromises.
Built into the side walls are two wireless smartphone charging pads, each paired with two USB-C ports. Of course, there’s also a spacious mini-fridge for champagne, water, or other beverages.
Driving in Maximum Safety
Clearly, the Lexus LM is designed more for enjoyment than driving for its owners. However, this doesn’t mean it’s uncomfortable to drive, and those in the front seats are quite comfortable with everything easily within reach. LM shares the GA-K platform withe NX and RX SUVs (indicating it’s not a converted LCV), and also the driver-oriented dashboard setup, featuring a digital instrument cluster and all controls at hand, with the option for soft-touch controls to manage the car through the head-up display on the windshield.
In the center, there’s a 14-inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can be updated over the air (OTA). The vehicle is generally comfortable to drive, with well-tuned suspensions, even over rough roads, and a steering wheel that is equally easy to maneuver. In general, it’s appreciated for its relative maneuverability, which is atypical for such a large and heavy vehicle, weighing over 2 tons. However, it’s worth mentioning that the rear seats are positioned directly above the wheel, so hitting some potholes might be felt a bit more. But it’s not a significant issue.
It comes with the standard Lexus Safety System+, which includes excellent ADAS features. For example, the car can automatically slow down when it detects a vehicle slowing down in front of it, in addition to all the cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance features we’re familiar with. The 4-seater version also includes a digital rearview mirror due to reduced interior visibility. Moreover, it can recognize abnormal driver postures and, after issuing a few audible warnings, activate the hazard lights and pull over safely.
The only downside is that the engine noise can be quite noticeable, particularly in the 7-seater version, affecting the comfort of all passengers. The vehicle employs the typical Lexus-Toyota hybrid system with eCVT transmission, which, perhaps due to the weight, works in a particularly noisy manner