In This Article Show
Key Takeaways
- Lexus introduces the LM, a luxury minivan designed for the Asian market, featuring just four seats for maximum comfort.
- The rear cabin is a haven of luxury, boasting a 48-inch screen, refrigerated compartment, and heated arm- and leg rests.
- The LM is available in hybrid versions and starts at around $200,000 in China, but there are no plans for a U.S. release.
A Minivan That Redefines Luxury Travel
Minivans have long been the unsung heroes of the automotive world, offering unparalleled space efficiency and comfort. But what if you could elevate that comfort to a level of luxury that rivals a private jet?
Enter the Lexus LM, a four-seat minivan that promises to redefine the concept of luxury travel.
A New Benchmark in Executive Shuttles
The Lexus LM is not your average minivan. Primarily targeted at the Asian market—where executive shuttles are a common sight—the LM takes luxury to a whole new level.
We recently had the opportunity to experience the LM’s rear cabin at an event hosted by Lexus at the Fuji Speedway, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Rear Cabin
The rear cabin is where the LM truly shines. It’s designed to make you feel like royalty, with a plethora of controls at your fingertips. A glass divider separates the front and rear cabins, which can be powered up and down or turned opaque at the touch of a button.
The centerpiece is a massive 48-inch screen that spans almost the entire width of the cabin, offering screen-mirroring functionality and the ability to display different content on each half.
Thoughtful Amenities for Travelers
But the luxury doesn’t stop there. Ahead of the rear seats, you’ll find a refrigerated compartment for your beverages, and tray tables that fold out of the armrests for your convenience.
The LM takes climate control to the next level with an infrared sensor that scans occupants’ body temperature in four specific areas, adjusting the HVAC and seat heating and ventilation accordingly.
Performance and Driveability
The LM is available in two hybrid versions: the LM350h and the LM500h. While the LM350h offers either front- or all-wheel drive, the more powerful LM500h comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. A new Rear Comfort mode adjusts throttle response, brake distribution, and dampers to ensure a smooth ride for the rear passengers.
Pricing and Availability
The LM is already on sale in China, with a starting price of roughly $200,000. While this may seem steep, it’s worth noting that the LM will also be available in Japan at a more reasonable price range of $36,500 to $60,000. Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring this luxury minivan to the U.S. market.
Final Thoughts
The Lexus LM is a game-changer in the world of luxury minivans. It offers an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication, setting a new standard for what a minivan can be. While it may not be coming to the U.S., it’s a fascinating glimpse into the future of luxury travel.
