Ah, the Lexus LM 350h! A marvel of Japanese engineering, an epitome of luxury, and quite possibly, the most opulent way to haul your family around. Let’s dive into this plush, lavish, and slightly bewildering masterpiece.
Introduction:
Lexus launched the LM back in 2019, and what you’re gazing at is the 2024 second-generation variant. Imagine a minivan that’s priced like a mansion. Starting at a cool INR 2 crores ex-showroom, with the top model hitting INR 2.50 crores, it’s the automotive equivalent of wearing a tuxedo to a barbecue.
Exterior:
Takami Yokō’s design for the LM screams ‘Luxury Mover,’ which incidentally is what LM stands for. It’s assembled in Toyota’s Inabe plant in Japan, and carries the codename AW10 for this generation. The hexagon pattern Unified Spindle grille at the front might make you think it’s about to transform into a robot any moment. It’s resolute, it’s assertive, and it could probably scare away small animals and timid drivers.
The Lexus LM comes with 3-eye LED headlamps featuring automatic high beam, auto-leveling, washers, LED daytime running lights (DRL), LED cornering lights, a dusk sensor, and an Adaptive High-beam System. The windshield glass is UV and infrared ray-cut green-laminated, providing superior protection and clarity. It is equipped with rain-sensing wipers for optimal visibility in wet conditions.
The electrically adjustable auto-folding infrared ray-cut heated outside mirrors come with LED turn indicators, reverse-linked function, memory, and a blind spot monitor for enhanced safety and convenience.
Performance and Drive:
Underneath, it’s got a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery paired with electric motors for its hybrid system, built on the robust TNGA-K platform. If that means nothing to you, just know it’s the same platform that underpins some other fancy Lexus and Toyota models. The E-Four all-wheel drive system ensures you can conquer city potholes and mall parking lots with unparalleled confidence.
Dimensions and Wheels:
The LM measures 5.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 1.9 meters in height, with a kerb weight of 2355 kg and a gross weight of 2900 kg. It has a turning radius of 5.9 meters, making it surprisingly maneuverable for its size.
The vehicle rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, with disc brakes at both the front and rear. It is fitted with 225/55 R19 103H Michelin Primacy SUV+ Made in China extra load radial tubeless tires, ensuring a smooth and comfortable drive. And, of course, those buttons on side of rear windshield to open the boot are an essential touch for the elite.
Luxurious Interior:
Step inside, and it’s like entering a private jet. This is a 4-seater model, but it also comes in a 7-seater variant. The rear-seat-first profile ensures the passengers have space and visibility that could rival a first-class airline suite. Sonic Titanium, white, black, and red are your color options, but let’s face it, any color looks luxurious when it costs this much.
The Lexus LM boasts an impressive 752 liters of boot space, perfect for stowing everything from golf clubs to shopping bags. The power sliding doors, inspired by Japanese Shoji doors and equipped with the e-Latch system, open as smoothly as a samurai unsheathing his katana.
Inside, the cabin embraces the Japanese concept of Omotenashi, ensuring every journey is a luxurious experience. Takumi-designed grab handles add a touch of craftsmanship, while the white semi-aniline synthetic leather upholstery offers elegance, with a black color option available for those who prefer a darker interior.
Ambient lighting comes in 14 indirect colors, creating a soothing atmosphere, complemented by a sunroof that lets in natural light. To keep the cabin peaceful, noise-absorbing roof headlining, noise-proofing materials, wheel-well silencers, and partition sound insulation have all been meticulously integrated, ensuring a serene and tranquil ride.
The interior of the Lexus LM features gloveboxes on both sides, providing ample space for storing briefcases. It also includes a 14-liter refrigerator to keep your drinks cool on the go. The seats come with a remote controller, allowing you to manage the Lexus Climate Concierge, audio, ambient lighting, seats, and much more.
Quarter window sunshades offer additional comfort and privacy. Various overhead controls, vanity mirrors with LED lights, and an independent glass roof enhance the luxury experience. A folding table is available for added convenience.
The bulkhead has three glass modes: open, privacy, and full privacy with frosted dimming. Finally, the driver-oriented Tazuna-inspired cockpit ensures an engaging and intuitive driving experience.
Comfort and Tech:
The rear seats are 8-way electrically adjustable, have 7 massage functions, heating, ventilation, full recline, and a power-heated ottoman. It’s like having a spa day every day. The rear entertainment screen is a whopping 48 inches, which is bigger than most people’s home TVs. The central bulkhead for privacy, ambient lighting in 64 colors, and air bladders in the seats for massages are just over-the-top indulgences.
The Lexus LM features a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a double wishbone suspension at the rear. Both front and rear suspensions are equipped with coil springs, swing valve shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars. Additionally, aluminum suspension carriers are used at both ends. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) System utilizes linear solenoid-type actuators to adjust the damping force of the shock absorbers, enhancing stability and steering response.
The dampers incorporate Frequency Sensitive Valves, a world-first innovation, to reduce noise and vibration within the cabin. Active Noise Control (ANC) employs four microphones to maintain optimal acoustic frequencies, ensuring a relaxing cabin environment.
The Lexus LM features the Lexus Driving Signature (LDS) for exceptional driving interaction and a superior riding experience for rear passengers. Its chassis and body structure incorporate extensive bracing and reinforcement, providing increased rigidity and a composed driving experience. Reinforcements are present in the front and rear suspension, radiator, cowl, and B, C, and D pillars. The sliding doors are made of 0.7 mm thick aluminum, enhancing durability and security.
The new hub bolt fastening system ensures high axial force and improved steering response. The electronically controlled brake system and Vehicle Braking Posture Control contribute to enhanced ride stability, improved rear seat ride quality, and reduced front-to-rear head movements.
Safety Features:
The Lexus LM’s Safety System + 3.0 is like having a superhero on board, equipped with millimeter wave radar and a monocular camera to ensure you never meet with an accident. It’s like having Spider-Man’s senses in your car!
When it comes to safety, this car is packed like a Swiss army knife. You’ve got 6 airbags ready to pop out like party favors, ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist to make sure you stop on a dime. The Pre-collision System (PCS) is like having a psychic friend who knows when trouble is coming and brakes for you. Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist keep you in line, literally.
Three-point ELR seatbelts, Safe Exit Assist, and door opening control make sure you and your passengers stay put. The Blind Spot Monitor is like having eyes on the back of your head. Lexus Connected Technology, Vehicle Stability Control, Pitch Control, and road sign assist all work together to make your ride smoother than butter. Roll Control and Hill-Start Assist control make sure you’re not rolling back on those pesky hills, and Brake Hold ensures you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake at traffic lights.
A 360-degree camera gives you a bird’s eye view, so you can avoid obstacles like a pro. ISOFIX child seat mounting makes sure the little ones are secure, while the anti-theft system keeps the bad guys at bay. Auto door lock, driver monitor, and seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters add an extra layer of security.
With the Lexus app, your smartphone becomes a magic wand. You can control the remote AC, check driving analytics, get tips from a hybrid coach, locate your car with “find my car,” share your car’s location, receive warning light alerts, check car status, monitor battery guard, and even lock or unlock your car remotely. It’s like having a personal assistant for your car, minus the coffee runs!
Gadgets and Gizmos:
The Lexus LM is packed with features like the Lexus Climate Concierge, which you can control with a remote. There’s a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference 3D Surround Sound System for when you need to drown out the commoners’ honking. There’s even a 40 mm diameter umbrella stand, because clearly, that’s the kind of detail Lexus knows you care about.
The Lexus LM offers a 4-way power adjustable passenger seat with 2-way lumbar support. The front seats are constructed using Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) material, enhancing body stability and comfort. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable with 4-way lumbar support. Both front seats are ventilated and heated for maximum comfort.
The vehicle features Electric Power Steering and an Electronic-Continuously Variable (eCVT) automatic transmission for a smooth driving experience. A 14-inch Full HD Electro Multi-Vision (EMV) wide touchscreen infotainment system supports navigation, dynamic voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a 21MM multimedia system, USB, FM, AUX, Bluetooth, active noise control, and radio.
The 4-zone electronic climate control AC comes with five temperature modes, automatic air recirculation control, a clear air filter, deodorizer, and Nanoe X technology, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment for all passengers.
The Lexus LM is equipped with a 12.3-inch full graphic TFT instrument cluster, providing clear and comprehensive information at a glance. Additionally, it features soft-closing automatic doors, ensuring a seamless and quiet entry and exit experience for all passengers.
Engine and Performance:
Under the hood, the Lexus LM packs a punch with its 2487 cc, inline-4 cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, Chain Drive, Toyota A25A-FXS Dynamic Force petrol engine. With Dual VVT-i, SFI (D-4S), and a 259.2 Volt low-resistance Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery, it’s like having a small nuclear power plant at your disposal. Add to that the front and rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous electric motors, and you’ve got a combined 247 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.
This powerhouse can propel you from 0-100 kmph in just 8.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 190 kmph. And with a fuel efficiency of 13 kmpl and a 60-liter fuel tank, you’ll be cruising past gas stations with a smug grin.
Interestingly, this same engine powers not just the Lexus LM but also the RX, NX, ES, and a host of Toyota models including the Vellfire, Camry, Avalon, RAV4, Crown, Highlander, Harrier, and Sienna. It’s like the engine equivalent of a celebrity guest star that appears in all the popular shows!
Conclusion:
The Lexus LM 350h 4-seater Ultra Luxury is not just a minivan; it’s a statement. It says you demand the utmost in luxury, even when performing the mundane task of driving. It’s a vehicle that combines opulence with practicality, offering an unmatched driving and riding experience. In short, if you can afford it, why not add a touch of absurd luxury to your life?
