What is it?

Now, that’s a particularly important question when it comes to the Lexus LM, or “Luxury Mover” as it’s officially dubbed. From a glance, you might mistake it for an MPV, and yes, those van-like proportions don’t lie. But underneath, the LM is built on the same modular global architecture that underpins the Lexus NX and RX SUVs.

For those who care about such things, it’s the GA-K passenger car platform, so while it may not boast the sharp reflexes of a sports car, it does offer better structural rigidity and body control than your average minivan.

But, let’s be honest, no one’s buying the LM for its sporty handling. The real action, as we all know, happens in the back. This vehicle is a celebration of luxury travel, and if you’re familiar with Japan’s domestic car scene, you might already know the Toyota Vellfire or Alphard, an icon in this niche.

So, when Lexus first announced the LM was coming to Singapore, they had our attention. 

Striking yet subtle at the same time

The Lexus LM manages to prowl through traffic with some cloak-and-dagger discretion. It’s the fourth model in Lexus’s so-called “Next Chapter” of design; they’re leaning heavily on “dignified elegance” and what they call a “Resolute Look.”

With a massive frontal area, they’ve got plenty of room to play with. The signature spindle grille is as bold as ever, now body-coloured on the LM. There’s a deep windscreen, sliding doors on the sides, and a full-width L-shaped light bar around the rear, giving it an unmistakable stance.

At 5.1 meters long, 1.9 meters tall, and just under 1.9 meters wide, it’s got presence in spades. Some folks may prefer something flashier, but the stealth wealth x-factor is what makes the LM special to me.

What is it like on the inside?

This is where the LM shines. Chief engineer Takami Yokoo envisioned the LM as a space where “guests who lead busy, active lifestyles can return to their natural selves.”

Sounds like a tall order, but the LM pulls it off beautifully, channelling the traditional Japanese hospitality philosophy Omotenashi. Lexus was into wellness long before it became a buzzword, and the LM’s rear cabin is designed to soothe you in ways that rival even a Rolls-Royce.

Let’s start with the seats. Lexus drew inspiration from first-class air travel, and dare I say, they may have surpassed it. The headrests cradle not just your neck but the upper back too, keeping your core comfortably in place. And of course, they’re heated and ventilated, with seven different massage settings.

Heating even extends to the leg rests and armrests. The seats also recline nearly flat, creating a cocoon of relaxation.

What else is in this Krisflyer Gold lounge?

The LM’s rear compartment is a masterclass in understated luxury. No gaudy embellishments here, just peerless materials and a clean, calming design.

Lexus has tucked away any sign of hard plastics, even in areas you’d expect them. Each passenger gets their own tablet to control the seats, audio, climate, lighting, and blinds.

The lighting, by the way, is customizable with 14 shades and 5 mood themes. A roof panel above replicates some of these functions, adding to the private jet-like atmosphere.

If you opt for the 500h four-seater Takumi version, there’s even a cabin partition with a massive 48-inch ultra-wide screen that can be tilted for optimum viewing.

What about your driver?

While the back of the LM steals the show, the front seats haven’t been neglected. Lexus’s Tazuna cockpit philosophy keeps everything intuitive and within easy reach, with physical controls (hooray!) for the climate system.

The Yebane herringbone wood trim and special red pigment details lift the cabin’s aesthetic, making it clear that even the driver (or rather, the chauffeur) isn’t forgotten.

It’s a nice place to be, and everything from the materials to the seating comfort reinforces the idea that this is a well-thought-out vehicle. Even parking this big beast isn’t too much of a challenge, thanks to its suite of cameras and sensors.

Smooth as silk

To no surprise, the Lexus LM ignores dynamism in favour of a more relaxed, leisurely approach on the roads. Built on a passenger car platform, sure, but this is a tall, hefty vehicle that doesn’t demand you rush. Any driver with a job to keep will take a measured, smooth approach. 

Lexus has done a commendable job with NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), making the LM class-leading in this regard. The suspension, a double-wishbone setup at the rear paired with adaptive dampers, is designed less for precision handling and more for keeping the rear compartment serene. And that, of course, is the real priority.

Any drive modes?

Of course. There are five, but the one you’ll care most about is Rear Comfort mode. This is all about making sure the back-seat experience is as smooth as possible, minimising the squat and dive under acceleration and braking.

The braking system comes with tech like Braking Posture Control to reduce roll and pitch, and Smooth Stop Control to keep the LM from rocking like a boat when coming to a halt. A chauffeured experience in every sense.

In the right hands, it’s wonderfully tranquil. The powertrain, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors, churns out 247bhp and 237Nm of torque. It’s not quick by any means, with a century sprint time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h, but that’s hardly the point here.

The hybrid powertrain is smooth enough, but no one’s going to fall in love with the CVT gearbox. It’s efficient, but when pushed to accelerate or overtake, the noise is less than inspiring.

Still, in urban driving, the switch between EV and petrol modes is seamless, and the rear passengers won’t be the wiser.

And everyone’s safe too

Lexus doesn’t skimp here. The LM packs the latest in driver assistance and safety systems, including Safe Exit Assist for the sliding doors.

What’s more, the warning alerts are subtle, unlike the overly intrusive ones that have you frantically searching for the mute button in some cars.

Are there rivals?

In today’s world, the truly famous don’t flaunt their status with traditional limousines. They want something that blends luxury with discretion, and that’s where the luxury minivan or SUV comes in.

There really isn’t anything else on the market that comes close to the Lexus LM. Probably the closest cross-shopper would be the Mercedes V-Class, but while you can doll up the aesthetics, the V-Class can never fully escape its utilitarian roots.

Bow before the king

Lexus has always been about quality, even if it didn’t always prioritise driver engagement. 

But that’s the emphasis here: in the LM, the driver isn’t the point. The only interaction that truly counts is the one between the rear-seat passengers and the chauffeur up front. 

This is a game-changer in luxury, a vehicle that puts Lexus back on the map in the world of opulence, where it first staked its claim with the original LS sedan over three decades ago.

A fantastic choice for those who want nothing but the best.

Technical Specifications

Lexus LM (Luxury 350h)

Engine: 2,487cc 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Power: 184kW (247 bhp)
Torque: 239 Nm
Gearbox: CVT (A)
0-100km/h: 8.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 litres
Energy Consumption: 18.5 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$661,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Lexus Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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On Friday 6 October 2023, the new Lexus LM was launched at the Lexus Boutique at 33 Leng Kee Road. Also newly introduced was the Lexus VIP Lounge.

Ng Khee Siong, Interim Managing Director of Inchcape Singapore, said, “From the very onset, the Inchcape Singapore team has been wholeheartedly dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for all our valued customers.”

“This is in line with Lexus’ core principle of ‘Pushing Boundaries’, as we collectively redefine standards. The all-new Lexus LM represents the pinnacle of ride comfort, and we are delighted to introduce unparalleled Comfort, Control and Confidence to our prestige customers in Singapore. This is also paired with the Lexus VIP Lounge, a private suite exclusively designed to elevate our customer experience at our showroom.”

Gracing the event was Lexus International LM Chief Engineer Mr. Takami Yokoo, who flew in from Japan for this launch. “The all-new Lexus LM was conceived with the concept of a mobile space where individuals can truly be themselves in comfort,” Mr. Takami Yokoo said. Under the guidance of Mr. Yokoo, the Lexus LM was tailored to create a deluxe interior that is as relaxing as a living room with all the convenience of a productive mobile office – exemplifying the brand’s pursuit of Making Luxury Personal. This high-end private oasis of relaxation brings forth the next evolution in luxury transport, reflecting Lexus’ commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

In keeping with the Lexus Omotenashi hospitality philosophy of welcoming and caring for guests as one would in their own home, Lexus Singapore unveiled the first-ever Lexus VIP Lounge. Designed as an exclusive space to accommodate privileged customers during previews and deliveries, the Lexus VIP Lounge offers a touch of personalised service, and access to the suite will be exclusively by invitation and appointment only.

Built upon Toyota’s GA-K platform and powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine that puts out a combined 247hp and 239Nm of torque, the LM 350h has been tuned for quietness and comfort of its occupants. To counter road noise around the tyres, the engine and its related mounts underwent precise tuning to reduce vibrations while acoustic glass was used to help reduce high-frequency wind noise.

In a first for Lexus, the LM features an “AVS Suspension with Frequency-Sensitive Piston Valve” and “Rear Comfort” drive mode. The former combines an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) actuator and a frequency-sensitive piston valve in the shock absorber to provide excellent ride quality regardless of speed, achieved by meticulously dampening and reducing vibration over a wide range of frequencies.

The latter enables an emphasis on rear-seat comfort through the dampening force characteristics of the AVS, while integrated control of the accelerator pedal and brake is said to reduce occupants’ posture changes during acceleration and deceleration. We’ll know more when we drive the LM.

The middle row features two captain’s chairs for supreme comfort and VIP-ness. For example, “Rear Climate Concierge” is a one-stop integrated control that ensures the luxurious cabin environment is precisely controlled for elements such as air-conditioning, sunshades, ambient illumination and seat position.

The chairs themselves feature two types of shock-absorbing materials for gentle support from standstill to motion.

A 14-inch ceiling mounted high-definition rear screen, in combination with the bespoke Mark Levinson Reference 3D Surround Sound System with 21 speakers allow rear seat occupants to indulge in their favourite tunes or movies while on the move.

Furthermore, a panoramic roof with dual individual panoramic glass located just above the rear seats lends airiness to the cabin.

Passengers can control either of the roof windows or both effortlessly via switches on the front or rear overhead console and the rear multi-operation panel.

The Lexus LM 350h is priced from $510,800 without COE (accurate at the time of article). For more information, contact Lexus Singapore.

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