Lexus LM

LEXUS LM 350 – Overview

Not many of us saw this coming- a Lexus based on a Toyota Alphard and positioned higher than the LS limousine. Lexus first unveiled the new flagship LM 350 at the Auto Shanghai 2019. Lexus calls it the Luxury Mover, and in other Asian markets, there is a configuration with seven seats.

For Malaysia, the local official Lexus caretaker only offers the four-seater layout with a pair of super-premium VIP lounge seats. Perhaps in Malaysia, it’s an MVP instead- Most Valuable Passengers.

The Lexus LM 350 uses the Toyota Alphard as a basis and rebuilt with all the refinement and electrical work done to make it a flagship Lexus. That includes additional bracing, reinforcement and suspension upgrade. Priced at RM1,148,000, there are no competitors apart from within- the Lexus LS 500 which offers a near-similar level of prestigious seating comfort but in a traditional sedan.

LEXUS LM 350 – Exterior

Beyond the familiar blocky shape, Lexus’ trademark spindle grille sits in between triple-beam projector LED headlights (with integrated L-shaped DRLs and sequential turn signals) that make for a rather imposing face.

Moving to the side, the powered sliding doors incorporate a double-arrowhead motif in chrome, welcoming the two VIPs into the prestigious space in the LM 350.

Lending the LM 350 a girthier look are the new connected L-shaped LED tail lamps that are linked by a light bar. Tasteful chrome detailing accompanies the taillamps as well as the rear bumper.

The Lexus LM 350 comes with the option of only two colours which are Black or White Pearl Crystal Shine.  

There are also two sunroofs fitted on the Lexus LM 350. While both the sliding doors are powered, the glass here together with the front doors are acoustic glass which significantly reduces the transmission of noise. The same goes with the specially made Hyper chrome noise-reducing wheels in 18 inches, which are wrapped with 235/50R18-sized tyres. The tyres are perhaps the only similarities with the Toyota models.

LEXUS LM 350 – Interior

While the exterior can easily be mistaken as a Toyota Alphard or Vellfire, the interior is truly Lexus and LM’s own identity. As the Lexus flagship MPV, the LM 350 exemplifies the very definition of Omotenashi, the Japanese art of exceptional experiences and hospitality.

As mentioned earlier, there is a configuration for seven seats which makes the interior more similar to a Toyota Alphard 3.5. This is not available in Malaysia, with only the dual VIP lounge seat seating available, making the LM 350 a strict 4-seater.

The driver gets the usual powered adjustment for the seat, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as a wireless charger for a compatible smartphone.

The dashboard of the Lexus LM 350 has some slight changes compared to the Toyota Alphard, such as different meter cluster, steering wheel and the infotainment screen now measuring 12.3 inches.

In between the front and rear occupants is a full-height privacy partition panel that doubles up as placement for the 26-inch display monitor and surround audio speakers. The craftily decorated privacy partition also has a window that can be dimmed as well as lowered.

With the VIP lounge seats placed so far back (behind the sliding doors) and thanks to the absence of third-row seating, occupants are granted with unpreceded levels of legroom and more. When fully reclined, the seatback is lower at the lowest point of the windows, and the ottoman is just a few degrees below horizontal.

With so much recline, one could fall asleep as the lounge seat is supporting the occupant in near-horizontal fashion like a comfortable bed.

The overly large seats, decorated partition panel plus sheer volume of space makes the interior as if taken from an aircraft’s first-class cabin. Customers can choose white semi-aniline seat upholstery if they are not a fan of black. These are the only interior colours available for the Lexus LM 350.

LEXUS LM 350 – Features

So, what does the RM1,148,000 price tag envelope you with, especially the head-lining rear seats? Apart from massaging, ventilated, power recline with ottoman and fully-enveloping the occupants, the VIP lounge seats are made with an advanced material called AdaptiPedic foam. These rate-sensitive response foam are exclusively developed by Woodbrige for the Lexus LM to provide outstanding ride comfort, especially on long trips.

AdaptiPedic conforms to each passenger’s physique, promoting correct lumbar posture and a snug fit while mitigating pressure points to provide exceptional comfort and support. It also has excellent vibration absorption characteristics.

The two special occupants also have access to a mini-refrigerator, a magazine rack and their own air-conditioning controls with Nano-e air purifying system. The control panel to the rear seat doesn’t use traditional remote control, but a full-colour touch screen panel, as there are just too many functions to control back there.

Targeting owners who own plenty of electronic gadgets, there are a total of six USB charging ports for both VIP occupants. Illuminated vanity mirrors are meanwhile placed on the ceiling, which is also fitted with multi-colour ambient lighting for the understated luxurious feel.

Safety

The Lexus LM 350 is fitted with the full suite of Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS) advanced driver assistance systems. This includes dynamic radar cruise control at all speeds (the system can slow down and stop as it approaches a stoplight following the vehicle in front), lane tracing assist with steering assist and pre-collision system. The adaptive high beam (AHB) is able to individually turn on or off lighting units to perform both high beam and not glare at pedestrians or oncoming traffic.

There are seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag in the Lexus LM 350. Included in the TSS suite is the parking support brake, where the safety system will automatically apply full braking force, forward or reverse, if a collision is likely to happen during the parking process.  

Speaking of parking, visual assistance is aided by the panoramic view monitor (PVM) where a bird’s eye view of the vehicle is projected onto the infotainment display.

Infotainment

Apart from Blu-ray disc, the large 26-inch display also has Miracast capabilities allowing video from your smartphone such as YouTube to be projected. The relatively small 26-inch screen has a resolution of 720p, a specification that is older and lower resolution than the norm of 1080p, which some display experts say it’s not a big deal, given its relatively small dimension.  

Nonetheless, the VIPs can also hook up a HDMI cable or files from an SD card and view the contents on the 26-inch screen.

Surround sound is channelled to the opulent interior via the Lexus signature Mark Levinson system. The 19-speaker setup has the majority of the high-performance speakers placed surrounding the two VIP lounge seats and driven by an immersive Quantum Logic Surround system.

Thanks to the privacy partition, the Mark Levinson company made full use of the interior space to create a home theatre-style speaker layout, with side speakers at the same height as the ears, creating a dynamic, full-bodied sound stage with exceptional audio clarity and definition.

LEXUS LM 350 – Powertrain

Engine

The engine behind the large spindle grille of the Lexus LM 350 is the 2GR-FKS engine from the Toyota group. The new 2GR-FKS naturally aspirated V6 engine that was introduced in the Toyota Alphard during the 2018 model improvement timing, delivers high outputs of 300 PS at 6,600 rpm and 361 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm. An electrified option is also available in other Asian markets, with a 2.5-litre engine and dual-motor setup in the LM 300h delivering a combined output of 197 hp while consuming just 6.4 l/ 100 km (15.6 km/L).

Transmission

The Lexus LM 350 has an eight-speed transmission that contributes to optimum fuel economy. Low gear ratio improves acceleration performance while higher ratios deliver lower engine speeds for highway driving, contributing to enhanced quietness and ride comfort.

Chassis

The Toyota Inabe plant assembling the Lexus LM 350 did not just insert two VIP lounge seats and all its accompanying features. Lexus said a lot more reinforcements work has been done to the original bodyshell to reach the level that befits a Lexus LM 350.

  More reinforcing plates are added to the door openings, rear wheel-housing plus additional spot welds to reduce scuttle shakes. The direct fitment of the partition frame and armrests also contributed to better chassis rigidity, similar to fitting a brace into a large hollow box.

The shock absorbers are not electronically adaptive (AVS) unlike the items in more mainstream Lexus models. Swing-valve technology, also used in the Lexus ES, are found in the shock absorbers of the Lexus LM 350. These ultra-low velocity valves allow appropriate damping force is provided when even the slightest movement is experienced in the car’s wheels and suspension, resulting in a comfortable ride in the Lexus LM 350. 

The tyres measure 235/50R18 in size and are Toyo Tranpath R30 type. Manoeuvring into parking lots and multi storey car park ramps is made a little easier thanks to a competitive turning radius of 5.8 metres.

Drivetrain

The Lexus LM 350 is a front-wheel drive luxury vehicle. There is no option for all-wheel drive in Malaysia.

LEXUS LM 350 – Driving Performance

The Lexus LM 350 with 300 PS and 361 Nm of torque can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds. The top speed is reported to be 180 km/h. A large 75-litre fuel tank allows for quite a substantial driving range.

LEXUS LM 350 – Ride Comfort

Plenty of vibration control and soundproofing materials, as well as effective placement of sandwich steel plates and an aerodynamic wind-noise reducing vehicle body shape are applied to the Lexus LM 350. This results in a quiet ride at all speeds, as befits a flagship vehicle.

Ride comfort from the VIP lounge seat is remarkable, as one is incredibly isolated from the road thanks to the seat itself, the suspension as well as the noise-reducing glass.

LEXUS LM 350 – Fuel Economy

No exact fuel consumption is provided, but given that it is based on the Toyota Alphard 3.5, the figure shouldn’t be too far off the Toyota rating of 9.3 litres per 100 km (10.8 km/L).

LEXUS LM 350 – Conclusion

The Lexus LM 350 might look like a really expensive Toyota Alphard with just four seats, but the reality is far better than that. Occupants are enveloped in probably the most luxurious and full-featured seats in the automotive industry, with the most private space.

Apart from the uncompetitive engine output, the Lexus LM 350 triumphs the LS 500 limousine thanks to the VIP lounge seats, the privacy partition as well as abundant space. Taking out golf bags is even easier in the Lexus LM 350.

It is a shame however that the powertrain has just adequate delivery of outputs. It would be interesting to see if the next-generation Lexus LM is fitted with torquey electric propulsion that actually suits the brand better as they are eerily silent and smooth.