The Lexus LM, or Luxury Mover, has finally be revealed with the full list of specifications, design and release date for the UK market
We recently spoke about the LM being teased ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. We knew it was coming to Europe and guessed it was coming to the UK. There was no official word from Lexus regarding that but we were all pretty sure. After all, we are the biggest market for Lexus in this part of the world.
So, the LM. It stands for Luxury Mover and follows the same naming denomination as all Lexus models. The “L” signifies this being a flagship model, with the “M” referring to the type of vehicle it is. Example, LS is Luxury Saloon, LC is Luxury Coupe and LX is Luxury Cross which is their flagship SUV – that we don’t get over here unfortunately. Lexus, please make that happen.
The whole point of the LM is to get business types from meeting A to meeting B in the most comfortable and luxurious way possible. Blocking out the outside world and us mere peasants. Due to this, in the 4 seat configuration, the interior is substantially lovely. Featuring a 48″ HD widescreen, a phone style controller and a fridge.
Keeping you cocooned in the luxury are the aeroplane-style seats, which can apparently fold completely horizontal. So you can have a better bedroom than your actual bedroom. Audio is courtesy of the synonymous Mark Levinson system found in higher trims of all Lexus models which is normally exceptionally good. We’d expect it to be the same here, as this features a 3D surround sound reference system that is bespoke to this car.
Cockpit
It isn’t just those in the rear who will benefit from the high levels of decadence as the front also seems to be rather nice as well. There’s lovely materials used throughout with a digital drivers display and large central screen. The cabin has also been ‘designed-in flexibility to suit the needs of professional chauffeur-drivers’. Lexus knows families won’t be after these.
In terms of tech upfront, there’s a 360 degree camera to aid parking, bluetooth and phone connectivity and likely it will feature Android Auto and Apple Carplay. There isn’t much information referencing the front, as most of the action takes place in the rear.
Power options
Engine wise, we have one. We expected to get the 300h variant but Lexus has confirmed the 350h variant instead. This is better news as it still utilises the same 2.5 litre self-charging hybrid that we’re used to over here, just with more power. No word yet on any other options.
It would be nice to see the newest addition to the Lexus range feature here, that being the plug-in hybrid 450h+ model found in the new NX. The LM is obviously not built for speed so we can’t expect any decent performance stats – but we’re not complaining. You buy a Bentley or Rolls Royce when you want to be stratospherically fast in an armchair on wheels.
It does have 247bhp and 239Nm of torque which is nothing to be sniffed at. As standard, it features E-Four electronic all-wheel drive, with an increase in the level of rear drive torque distribution to give the vehicle a stable turning posture and contribute to rear seat comfort. The system can apparently adjust the balance of front/rear drive torque between 100:0 to 20:80 to give secure handling when pulling away or cornering on loose or slippery surfaces. We’re not surprised it is front drive biased, as most systems tend to be nowadays.
When can I get one?
Lexus have confirmed that the LM350h will be available from Autumn 2023 for the UK, with full specifications and pricing being announced closer to the time. In typical Lexus fashion, it will be utterly brilliant and incredibly well-built. However, it does seem a strange car for the Japanese brand to bring out over here, when there doesn’t seem to be much demand for it. Time will tell and we’ll have a full in-depth review closer to the time.
It will be available in both 4 seat and 7 seat configurations. In the 7 seat model, the middle row of VIP seats is prioritised in terms of space and accessible functions and an additional third row is provided with three flip-up seats which can be folded away when more load space is required. Should make a handy, luxury van then.
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