Video: The Lexus LM Luxury Minivan

Posted by Kevin on April 16th, 2019

The Lexus LM luxury minivan debuted today at the Shanghai Motor Show with this video as an introduction:

The reaction to the LM debut has been mixed, as enthusiasts try to reconcile the addition of a region-specific minivan over a model more global in its appeal. If anything, this shows the brand’s ambition in China — here’s a translated comment from Lexus China marketing director Chen Hao:

Lexus users in China will soon exceed one million. In the future, we will stand in the millions and be the best. Through a comprehensive product lineup, fully meet the needs of Chinese users. Personalized needs, Lexus craftsmanship and unique ‘temperature luxury’ are passed on to more users. I hope that in the future, more and more Chinese consumers, together with Lexus, will be able to enjoy it.”

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Comments
flexus
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.
krew
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.
S
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.
S
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
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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?
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Bluesuprarcf52
Refresh Lexus RX?
mostlikely LM300h
B
shizhi
mostlikely LM300h
What is that? Bigger cuv than Rx? Minivan? Would Lexus actually make a minivan?
flexus
Bluesuprarcf52
What is that? Bigger cuv than Rx? Minivan? Would Lexus actually make a minivan?
Check Toyota Alphard and imagine spindlegrille on it :)
B
flexus
Check Toyota Alphard and imagine spindlegrille on it :)
Maybe it’s based on the next gen platform sienna? Tnga K?
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Bluesuprarcf52
What is that? Bigger cuv than Rx? Minivan? Would Lexus actually make a minivan?
like this…View attachment 3205
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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
flexus
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.
flexus
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.
maiaramdan
we will see what it looks like
Gecko
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.
Gecko
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.

flexus
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.
krew
Lexus to Debut Luxury Minivan at Shanghai Motor Show?

[​IMG]

Lexus China makes the announcement.
View the original article post
Joaquin Ruhi
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.
S
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...
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.
Joaquin Ruhi
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/
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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
    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:
Y
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/
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.
Y
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.
Deusex
Say what? where is new LX and GX? what the hell is Lexus thinking?
flexus
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.
Gecko
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