Lexus LM Minivan Takes Chauffeuring to New Heights
Slideshow: Well, last year we wondered if Toyota would bring their luxury minivan over to the states as a Lexus for buyers who desire upscale family hauling. The Lexus part came true but for now not the part about a US release. The only thing missing from this awesome mobile hotel suite is a butler.
Not Your Average Sienna
Imagine if Toyota had created Lexus versions of Previa's and Sienna's of the past for the U.S. market? We'll never know, but sporty families probably wouldn't want to be hauling kids and equipment inside a luxury minivan like this on the daily. Meet the Lexus LM, the awkwardly elegant, C-suite hauler introduced at the 2019 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. Will U.S. riders get the opportunity to be chauffeured in the LM? Check out what the LM has in store for its exec-level mover.
Photos courtesy of Car and Driver/Lexus.
Available Powertrains
You're probably familiar with the Toyota/Lexus 3.5-liter V6 and the 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder hybrid engine. Lexus says the LM will be offered in two models (LM 350 and LM 300h) and offer two drive types (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive). Availability will vary by market. The LM 350 uses a 3.5-liter DOHC petrol engine and LM 300h leverages the 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine and hybrid system. Actual power numbers aren't available currently, but for context, the 3.5-liter engine on a 2019 Lexus RX 350 is good for 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque while the 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine with two electric motors on the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be good for 240 total system horsepower.
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LM right here in the forum.
Executive Luxury
When you find yourself in a situation of needing to be chauffeured, you probably expect a certain level of comfort. Lexus notes the LM’s suspension incorporates swing valve shock absorber technology as well as optimal turning to provide exceptional comfort for driver and passengers, which were introduced on Lexus ES. Inside, leather-wrapped surfaces and stitched panels define this segment’s luxury class through optimized interior configurations, giving the LM a premium look and feel to match for its buyers. Newly-developed Gin-Sui-Boku (Silver Ink) ornamentation inspired by the art of ink wash painting also adorns the interior, adding to LM's distinctive appeal.
Recliners
LM comes available in a four-seat and seven-seat configuration. In the four-seat configuration, Lexus says the angle of the reclining captain's chair (separated by an armrest with built-in touch control panel) was carefully designed for optimum relaxation and the position of the occupant's face relative to the window. The seats rely on plush low-density urethane foam that offers ideal support and features ventilated cooling for max comfort. The high ceiling and width inside the cabin create a sense of peace from the spaciousness afforded. Additional luxury amenities include a partition with power glass and a built-in 26-inch screen, a 0.5-cubic-foot refrigerator, umbrella storage, and a 19-speaker sound system. To ensure optimal tranquility, the LM uses double-layer noise-reducing glass.
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LM right here in the forum.
For Asian Markets Only
If you're from the U.S. and hoping you'll get to ride to your next big meeting in this "limovan", you won't, at least not in the U.S. The LM is being produced exclusively for China and other Asian markets. The dramatic grille design and chrome spears running under the front windows and above the rear windows bolster its design for a market that places major emphasis on luxury and comfort for on-the-go business professionals. Meanwhile, we'll all still be rolling around in pre-2011 Lincoln Town Car limos for the next decade, at least.
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LM right here in the forum.
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