2023 Shanghai: All-new Lexus LM leads the way to next-level luxury
Ultra luxury for four
For the first time, the Lexus counterpart of the Alphard arrived earlier at the lounge party.
Making its world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2023 is no other than the all-new Lexus LM luxury MPV. And yes, the level of opulence with the completely rethought model goes to greater heights.
But before we talk about its lavish features, let's talk about what has changed. Size-wise, the all-new LM measures 5125 mm long, 1890 mm wide, and 1955 mm tall, making it 85 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and 10 mm taller than its predecessor.
Lexus says they focused on improving the ride comfort and noise suppression inside the LM's cabin, making use of an adaptive variable suspension system that meticulously dampens and reduces vibrations. There's a “Rear Comfort” drive mode that changes the damping characteristics of the AVS to maximize rear passenger comfort and reduce the pitching of the luxury MPV during acceleration and deceleration.
An acoustic glass was used to reduce wind noise at high speeds, while generous amounts of sound-absorbing, sound-insulating, and vibration-damping materials were placed in strategic parts of the vehicle.
The 3.5-liter V6 it shares with the Alphard is also gone. It has been replaced with two 4-cylinder engine options – one is a 2.4-liter turbo hybrid with eAxle, and the other is a 2.5-liter unit with E-Four, marking the first time for the LM to have a hybrid all-wheel-drive system. If we're right about this one, the LM may be using the same engines being offered to the fifth-generation Lexus RX.
Outside, the all-new LM looks a lot more elegant with the adoption of Lexus' latest design language. As seen from the RX, the LM sheds its chrome bits on the spindle grille. The Lexus emblem is now placed at the tip of the hood, just above the grille opening that connects the LM's sharp LED headlights.
Apart from the sloping rear quarter glass teased by Lexus, the other major change lies at the back of the LM. The full-width LED taillights have been redesigned and made a lot slimmer, surrounding the proud L E X U S badging on the tailgate. To top off the exterior changes, the LM rolls on new 19-inch wheels.
Now on to the main attraction of the LM – the interior. In front, the LM has a dashboard that's designed using simple shapes to emphasize driver focus. Two large digital screens occupy the place for the instrument panel and the infotainment system, while the interior features Solis White upholstery with copper trims, plus black accents with gray tone gradations.
As before, the LM is offered in 6 and 7-seat versions, but the ultra-lux experience is best felt in the 4-seater version.
There's a new partition that separates the front to the rear occupants. The upper portion has a retractable glass window with a dimming function, while below it is a 48-inch widescreen display for viewing pleasure. The independent seats on the 4-seater version have active heating and cooling functions. There's a retractable table inside the armrest that's big enough to place a laptop and keep it in place with a non-slip, non-scratch leather finish.
In terms of safety, the LM is also equipped with a long list of features with the Lexus Safety System, adding things like a pre-collision warning system, brake assist and braking, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert, and an abnormal driver response system, which slows the LM down to a stop if it detects the driver having a significantly impaired posture.
Lexus says the all-new LM will be launched in over 60 countries worldwide but did not specify when. That said, we'll keep our eyes peeled for more information regarding the arrival of this ultra-luxury MPV.
