Introducing the Lexus LM Luxury Minivan


The Lexus LM minivan has debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show, and it’s a masterclass in luxury. Let’s start with the first wave of official information and photos both inside and out.


Lexus LM Interior

Soon to be available in China and select Asian markets, the Lexus LM seeks to meet the needs of the modern, driven, always on-the-go professionals who view their luxury vehicle as more than mere transportation.

Compared to traditional luxury vehicles, Lexus envisions a luxury environment creating a personal space that helps occupants perform better in business and also maximizes time when on the move.

Lexus LM Interior

Designed as an ultimate comfort space, the rear cabin features a 26” color display, a refrigerator, umbrella storage, and center console with touch control panel. The panel controls the seat position, relaxation function, climate control and audio for the rear private space.

Signature Styling

The LM’s exterior is defined by the Lexus spindle grille, and chrome accentuation of the side body. The center pillar is adorned with dual arrowhead chrome ornamentation that enhances the vehicle’s side-view and hints to its premium nature. The grille is chrome plated with flowing accents that help create the sense of dynamism necessary to distinguish this vehicle. Two exterior color options are available for the LM: Black and White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Lexus LM Side

Unique headlamps integrate the distinctive arrowhead shape of Lexus daytime running lamps, and offer composite projection beams that involve low beam and high beam operations. In addition, the rear LED lamps inspired by the Lexus new design signature use a wide lens spanning the entire rear width of the LM and offering a sense of presence.

Lexus LM Rear

Exceptional Ride Comfort

The LM’s suspension incorporates swing valve shock absorber technology as well as optimal turning to provide exceptional comfort for driver and passengers. Swing valve shock absorbers were introduced as a world-first on the Lexus ES to enhance the excellent ride comfort.

Expertly Crafted Details

Beginning with the renowned utility and comfort of an MPV, Lexus helps define this segment’s luxury class by offering a choice of optimized interior configurations. The unique configurations seek to create a unique luxury space for their owners while making a statement about their lifestyle. Expertly crafted details such as leather wrapped surfaces and stitched panels create an interior with a premium feel.

Lexus LM Seats

Newly-developed Gin-Sui-Boku (Silver Ink) ornamentation inspired by the art of ink wash painting adorns the interior giving it a distinctive appeal.

Four-Seat Format

The opulent four-seat configuration of the LM is suited to the chauffeured needs of the urban, business focused professional as it provides a relaxing, private environment that supports their business mission.

Lexus LM Reclining

The rear seats are designed for their occupants to relax in a very soothing space. The reclining angle 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 with couch-like comfort.

Lexus Interior Business

This package aims to maximize the sense of space afforded by this configuration, relying on the high ceiling and width to create a sense of peace from the spaciousness afforded. These seats are also cooled using suction ventilation that draws air through the seat surface to enhance comfort.

Seven-Seat Format

The LM is also available in a seven-seat configuration. This layout offers two separate luxury bucket seats for the first two rows and a third rear row of three seats across, finished in leather seat covering. The seats of the center row are distinguished by larger, more supportive armrests. This seven-seat configuration of the LM is ideally suited for business professionals who also intend to use the vehicle for family duty transportation.

Available Drivetrains

The Lexus LM will be offered in two models (LM 350 and LM 300h) and 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.

ChinaFeatures
Comments
Ian Schmidt
If they'd eliminate the weird shark fin just aft of the B pillar this would have the best "floating roof" design ever.
I don't think that would happen ever. It's Toyotas trademark. It has it from first gen, Vellfire has it and even old HiAce and HiAce buses have it. I thin Noah is only model without shark fin.... Personally I like it :) It is very easy way to spot Alphard and ditiguish it for example from Serena/Serena e-power. Every time I see that siloutte and shark fin I go: look there's Alphard!
Maybe sometime in future a beautiful day comes when I buy my self one. It's so roomy and tall yet lenght is under 5000mm. Hybrid option makes me prefer it even over LX or RX450hL.
maiaramdan
Amazing article for another amazing JDM forbidden machine
I wonder if the reason I desperately want the Alphard is because I can't have it. Doubt it though.
krew
I wonder if the reason I desperately want the Alphard is because I can't have it. Doubt it though.
You will want one once you sat in it, if you don't mind paying a full-time chauffeur.
a new class lexus model will make debut in shanghai auto show…
http://www.lexus.com.cn/node/3853
View attachment 3203

View attachment 3204
shizhi
a new class lexus model will make debut in shanghai auto show…
http://www.lexus.com.cn/node/3853
View attachment 3203

View attachment 3204
Refresh Lexus RX?
Bluesuprarcf52
Refresh Lexus RX?
mostlikely LM300h
shizhi
mostlikely LM300h
What is that? Bigger cuv than Rx? Minivan? Would Lexus actually make a minivan?
Bluesuprarcf52
What is that? Bigger cuv than Rx? Minivan? Would Lexus actually make a minivan?
Check Toyota Alphard and imagine spindlegrille on it :)
flexus
Check Toyota Alphard and imagine spindlegrille on it :)
Maybe it’s based on the next gen platform sienna? Tnga K?
Bluesuprarcf52
What is that? Bigger cuv than Rx? Minivan? Would Lexus actually make a minivan?
like this…View attachment 3205
shizhi
like this…View attachment 3205
Not sure how I feel about minivan Lexus if true. So they make a van but can’t make a next gen Lexus GS ? Smh Lexus
Bluesuprarcf52
Not sure how I feel about minivan Lexus if true. So they make a van but can’t make a next gen Lexus GS ? Smh Lexus
Luxury mini vans are very popular in asia. Basically Alphard and Vellfire sold more than Lexus+MB in last year in Japan. I've heard that in Indonesia people import Alphard and prefer it over Mercedes S while costing more than it. I'dont think mini van would be offered outside Asia.
https://www.chukei-news.co.jp/news/201901/03/articles_33040.php
I found this article from January with little googling. This say sources have confirmed mini van and they will start production at Inabe plant in 2020. It is a export model for China and SE Asia. Maybe they won't offer it in Japan.
we will see what it looks like
I really like that grill design - the vertical bars with horizontal detail between them. That would look sharp on the next gen SUVs since it has a tougher, but still sophisticated, look compared to the mesh. The headlight design is also simple but nice.


No GS, no V8 LS, no F products aside from RC, an engine lineup that predates Obama's first term, ten year old LX and GX, but THANK GOD Lexus has decided to build a minivan. I can't believe I was worried the brand might be fundamentally lost or something.
Will it be the first Lexus to launch with Android Auto?

First Lexus EV model?

When does the F Sport model drop? Red interior?

My money is on LM F dropping before IS F.

Gecko
My money is on LM F dropping before IS F.
I hope they make F model based on TS050 technology. And never forget there is V8 hybrid Prius is SuperGT300 "researching hybrid technology".
But what engines LM would have? Probably 350, 450h, 300h and 250(260) & 200 for not so wealthy markets. If they are going to make F model they need TTV6 since Alphard 3.5 V6 is capable to do 0-100kmh in just under 7 seconds.
flexus
I hope they make F model based on TS050 technology. And never forget there is V8 hybrid Prius is SuperGT300 "researching hybrid technology".
But what engines LM would have? Probably 350, 450h, 300h and 250(260) & 200 for not so wealthy markets. If they are going to make F model they need TTV6 since Alphard 3.5 V6 is capable to do 0-100kmh in just under 7 seconds.
At least in the U.S., the only LM-related filed trademarks are LM 300h and LM 350.
Joaquin Ruhi
At least in the U.S., the only LM-related filed trademarks are LM 300h and LM 350.
I like they are pushing hard on Asia where they can grow significantly by offering unique models that are of interest there and maybe not everywhere else. I am sure this would never be offered in Europe, and US might get it simply because Asia pays off its development...
I'd be very surprised if the US got this, unless the buying public suddenly realizes SUVs are kinda dumb for what they're using them for and starts hoarding Siennas.
It bears mentioning here that Lexus minivan rumors go way back further than the October 2018 story that kicked off this thread. Their true origins lie with an Automotive News story by Hans Greimel from March 2014 that begat this Lexus Enthusiast News story:

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/03/12/lexus-build-ultra-luxury-van-asia/
Ian Schmidt
I'd be very surprised if the US got this, unless the buying public suddenly realizes SUVs are kinda dumb for what they're using them for and starts hoarding Siennas.
It might end up like UX in the USA - while not designed as US its core market, it is still offered.

Then again, it might be more expensive than RX, which makes sense in Asian markets, but makes no sense in the USA.
Naming it LM and making it 4th car with L - LS, LC, LX and now LM, does make it seem like it would be higher class vehicle than RX.
  • Joe
    Joe
  • March 29, 2019
:scream: I do hope for the preservation of the international brand image of Lexus that they won't present a 'facelift with Lexus sauce' version of the hideous Alphard :confounded::bomb:
spwolf
It might end up like UX in the USA - while not designed as US its core market, it is still offered.

Then again, it might be more expensive than RX, which makes sense in Asian markets, but makes no sense in the USA.
Naming it LM and making it 4th car with L - LS, LC, LX and now LM, does make it seem like it would be higher class vehicle than RX.
Agreed. Remember that the LM was actually trademarked in the USA first.
https://lexusenthusiast.com/forums/threads/lexus-trademarks-lm-350-lm-300h-nameplates-in-usa.4555/
Alphard was all-new in 2015, I think, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them base it on that vs. a new TNGA platform. If it's going to be a model for APAC-only, I feel like they'll go the route of minimal investment for things like the chassis/platform. But then again, maybe they'll want to jump to TNGA ASAP.
Gecko
Alphard was all-new in 2015, I think, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them base it on that vs. a new TNGA platform. If it's going to be a model for APAC-only, I feel like they'll go the route of minimal investment for things like the chassis/platform. But then again, maybe they'll want to jump to TNGA ASAP.
For what's supposed to be an all-new model for Lexus they had better not simply slap a Lexus badge onto the existing Alphard. I would not be terribly surprised but simply terribly disappointed if Lexus does take the cheapo route instead of properly designing a new vehicle with the TNGA platform.
Say what? where is new LX and GX? what the hell is Lexus thinking?
Deusex
Say what? where is new LX and GX? what the hell is Lexus thinking?
They don't bring as mucha money as mini van would.
flexus
They don't bring as mucha money as mini van would.
I'm not sure that is true. GX and LX are both notorious cash cows for Lexus being based on the Land Cruiser 150 and 200 platforms. Lexus has been quoted as using the term "printing money" in relation to the GX specifically.

Profitability of this thing will depend on how much of a rebadge it is.

G