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Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4

Sanjay · Apr 15, 2021 01:00 PM

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 01

It may slightly resemble one, but don’t mistake it for an Alphard - this is the 2021 Lexus LM 350 that’s just been launched in Malaysia. Coming in sole 4-seater guise and imported (CBU) from Japan, prices for this house-on-wheels starts from RM 1.11 million.

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 02

At RM 1,106,513, it's circa RM 135k dearer than the Lexus LS 500 Luxury (RM 1.02 mil) and 2.5x more than the  Alphard (official UMWT unit, with the 3.5-litre V6) it's based on, which starts from RM 446k.

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Exterior - More opulent than Alphard

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 01

While the platform and powertrain are shared with its cheaper Toyota sibling, Lexus has infused their takumi touch on every other aspect of the model. 

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 02

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

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 03

Check out the signature lines above the doors!

Profile remains familiar, if only spiced by the ‘L’-shaped chrome motifs on the doors. But let me draw your attention to the wheels.

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 04

Check out these 18-inch, Hyper Chrome Metallic-finish wheels. The design is anything but subtle, and the intricate, inter-woven pattern lends the car its character. It’s splendid stuff, and Lexus says they’re noise-reducing too.

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 05

Lending the LM 350 a girthier look are the L-shaped LED tail lamps that are linked by a light bar. We like the clean rear-end, made better with tasteful chrome detailing.

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 06

Is black better? Indonesian car pictured

Only two colours are available, either in White Pearl Crystal Shine or Black. 

Interior - Seats four only!

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 07

Probably not the focal point for most buyers

Spindle grille and chrome wheels aside, buyers will be more interested in how it is inside anyway. 

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 08

Semi-aniline leather is key here, with most touchpoints (including the rear grab handles!) covered in the soft-touch material. And yes, you noticed, it only seats four (including driver and passenger). 

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 09

The captain seats are fully-reclinable, ventilated, and can pamper you with a full body massage.

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 10

Placed in between them is a little touchscreen that can control seat functions as well as another party trick of the LM 350 - the 26-inch screen in the middle. 

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 11

Officially, Lexus says the screen is for 'business discussions' but YouTube and browsing the Internet works just fine. Connectivity is handled by phone mirroring, or you can plug in your laptop through a HDMI cable. 

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 12

Top: Privacy glass transparent, bottom, fully translucent

But that's not all - the screen sits in between two other cool features. There's a mini fridge below, and right up top is a privacy glass that can be retracted, put up, and made translucent at a touch of a button.

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 13

Yes, the LM 350's 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well. Music is channelled through a 19-speaker Mark Levinson setup.

Also read: Why your next car should come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Performance - No hybrid for Malaysia

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 14

No hybrid option here (known as the LM 300h in certain markets), only the sole 3.5-litre V6 shared with the Alphard:

2021 Lexus LM 350 powertrain

2GR-FKS

3.5-litre, naturally-aspirated V6

296 PS @ 6,000 rpm

361 Nm @ 4,700 rpm

8-speed automatic 

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Safety - Lexus Safety System+

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 15

Lexus' slew of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions are present here, encompassing these functions:

  • Forward collision warning (FCW)
  • Dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC)
  • Lane departure alert (LDA)
  • Lane tracing assist (LTA)
  • Adaptive high beam (AHB)

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 16

Other stuff include blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA) and a 3D 360-degree camera. 

WapCar's Comments

Malaysia launches 2021 Lexus LM 350 - 2x an Alphard's price, but seats just 4 17

From RM 1.15 million, this is nothing less than a house on wheels. It's clearly a few cuts above other MPVs in its class. Some will say it's a needlessly-expensive box, but the LM 350 just oozes charisma and power that many cheap converts can't even hold a candle to.

Also read: How symbols derive their power - the myth of car brands and the influence they have over us

Sanjay

Senior Writer

With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.

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