- Lexus has filed an international trademark for “LM 400h,” hinting at a new hybrid option sitting between the current LM 350h and LM 500h
- The 400h designation likely represents an updated, more powerful version of the LM 350h’s 2.5-liter hybrid system, potentially producing 270–300 horsepower
- With Lexus also trademarking “TX 400h,” the 400h powertrain appears to be a broader lineup strategy that could extend to multiple Lexus models
Lexus has filed an international trademark for a new LM variant: the LM 400h. The filing was made through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) — not the USPTO — which means there’s no confirmed US market introduction looming just yet. Still, it hints that the second-generation LM’s hybrid lineup may be getting a new, more powerful and more efficient hybrid option.
A New Step Between 350h and 500h
Right now, Lexus LM buyers can choose between two hybrid powertrains: The LM 350h uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system producing 247 horsepower, while the LM 500h steps up to a turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid good for 366 horsepower. The gap between those two is significant in both power and price.
An LM 400h could slot right in the middle or potentially replace the 350h model all together. Based on the LM 350h’s 247 horsepower, the updated 400h model may have a combined output of 270–300 horsepower, likely from revised, higher capacity batteries. This would make it a meaningful upgrade over the 350h’s 2.5-liter system while stopping well short of the 500h’s turbocharged setup.
As with any trademark, the LM 400h could also simply be a defensive filing where Lexus is protecting a name it doesn’t intend to use immediately. However, given that this particular designation is logical as an updated powertrain for the flagship van, the LM 400h makes great sense.
Lexus’ other recent “400h” Trademark: TX 400h
Here’s where things get more interesting. Back in September, Lexus also trademarked “TX 400h” — and that filing raised the same question: what exactly is this powertrain, and where does it fit?
The TX and LM share a platform, which makes the parallel “400h” trademarks for both models almost certainly not a coincidence. It strongly suggests that the 400h designation represents a new mid-range hybrid system that Lexus plans to offer across multiple models. If the TX 400h and LM 400h are drawing from the same powertrain family, that same system could potentially find its way into the RX as well — giving the brand a consistent, more powerful alternative to the 350h across its most important nameplates.
Lexus hybrids continue to be among the brand’s fastest-selling and most in-demand products. Adding a new tier of hybrid output that bridges the existing gap between the 350h and 500h would give buyers more flexibility — and Lexus more room to differentiate within its lineup on both price and performance.
What’s Next
Trademark filings typically precede an actual product reveal by anywhere from one to three years, so there’s no indication of an imminent LM 400h announcement. Still, with the same “400h” name now appearing across at least two distinct Lexus models, it’s looking less like a placeholder and more like a powertrain strategy taking shape.
We’ll be watching for more details as they emerge.
Source: WIPO
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