Lexus Malaysia has confirmed that it has no plans to introduce the second-generation Lexus LM this year. This is despite parent company UMW Toyota Motor opening its order books for the latest AH40 generation 2023 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire.

Like a Mercedes-Maybach S580 and a regular S-Class, the Lexus LM builds on the highest Executive Lounge variant of the Toyota Alphard.

Lexus Malaysia’s confirmation is not surprising, because the LM has not gone on sale even in Lexus’ home market, Japan.

The second-generation Lexus LM made its world debut in April at the Shanghai motor show. Sales have yet to start. So far, it is only presented to the public in left-hand drive form.

The previous generation Lexus LM was sold in Malaysia at RM 1,208,000. Over 20 units were sold in its first year.

Also read: Priced from RM 1.1m , over 20 Malaysian tycoons bought the Lexus LM, 10 more paid for Kiriko glass in LS

For reference, estimated prices of the new AH40 generation 2023 Toyota Alphard starts at RM 538,000.

The Malaysia market Toyota Alphard is powered by a T24A-FTS 2.4-litre, inline-4, turbocharged engine with Dual VVT-i. It makes 278 PS and 430 Nm of torque. The transmission of choice is a sole 8-speed automatic.

On the other hand, the Vellfire is powered by a 2AR-FE 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally aspirated engine that pumps out 182 PS and 235 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a 7-speed CVT.

Interestingly, the powertrain options for Japan are reversed between the models. In Japan, the turbocharged engine is only offered to the Vellfire, which is priced much higher than the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated- or hybrid-only Alphard.