Lexus LM: The New Super-Luxury MPV Set to Redefine European Travel Experience in 2023

Lexus LM (from the English Luxury Mover) was one of the European innovations of 2023, which has no direct competition on the old continent. The second generation of the flamboyant van goes to the segment of luxury MPVs, which are more popular in Asian countries. However, the brand believes that they can find appeal in Europe as well.

The base of the high van is the sophisticated TNGA platform, which is also used by passenger cars. The design is particularly impressive with the gigantic mask with a traditional spindle-shaped motif and rich chrome plating, followed by adaptive LED headlights as standard.

The rich chrome is also visible when viewed from the profile, the wheel arches are always filled with 19″ alloy wheels and the specially shaped side profiles are also impressive.

The front part of the cabin, which in the four-seater version is separated from the rear part by a partition with a window, offers the classic Tazuna cockpit interface, known from today’s passenger cars . In front of the driver is a digital instrument panel, followed by a 14″ infotainment display. Unfortunately, the head-up display is only available for the seven-seat variant.

Although the team in the back get the most driving experience, the front part of the car is nothing to be ashamed of. High-quality materials, including pleasant leather and wood trim, are impressive, and the ergonomics are also successful. The driver has the electric door control on his left, while the modern infotainment display with partially mechanical ventilation control is on his right.

Of course, there’s plenty of storage space too, including a spacious box between the seats, heated and ventilated seats and a quality audio system. Getting in is pleasant and the seats are comfortable even on longer journeys.

However, the rear part is very unusual, which can be compared in the design of four seats to the business class of airlines. Although the Lexus LM is 5130 mm long, we find only two comfortable seats in the back without sliding, but with independent adjustment.

The seats with integrated footrests, comfortable shape and transparent headrest can almost be folded down for sleeping on the go, they have heating and ventilation, folding tables, cup holders, there are USB-C connectors and wireless chargers are hidden in the side panels.

Another highlight is the 48-inch TV screen facing the seats, the largest to be fitted to a factory car. There are several display modes on the screen, thanks to which the two passengers can also watch content according to their own wishes. After all, there are also HDMI adapters in the car, and thanks to the 220V socket, you can easily connect a game console.

Above the television is a small window that allows communication with the driver. At the same time, the window is not only closed, but also made simply opaque, which is solved by liquid crystal technology. On the other hand, under the TV we find a small fridge and small shoe racks, because you won’t step on the bright carpets.

The airiness of the cabin is helped by an abundance of glass, which is easily made opaque with various blinds. They can be controlled not only with controls on the doors and in the roof, but also with a practical touch control, reminiscent of a mobile phone. This allows you to control the screen, ambient lighting, seat adjustment, ventilation and several other functions.

The look is enhanced by details such as direct electric control of the side doors, and behind it there is an umbrella and a practical handle.

The luggage compartment with a volume of 752 liters can accommodate a lot of luggage, and there is also more under its double floor. There is no question of versatility, but who would bother in a luxury MPV. An interesting feature is the opening and closing of the luggage compartment from the outside using the buttons above the rear lights.

The Lexus LM is only available with the 350h motor, indicating a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 140 kW with 239 Nm of torque and two electric motors. The front offers a power of 134 kW and 270 Nm, an electric motor with a power of 40 kW and a torque of 121 Nm is installed on the rear axle.

The result is all-wheel drive and a combined output of 184 kW (250 hp), which at first glance does not look completely in vain. The MPV with a curb weight of around 2350 kg promises acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h. But the driving experience will be largely influenced by the sensitivity of the driver on the gas pedal.

The Lexus LM is equipped with a CVT transmission, and during quiet driving, the powertrain makes itself almost unrecognizable, moreover, at low load it can handle short sections even just on electricity . However, as soon as the tachometer needle passes three, the driver begins to show himself with a classic monotonous sound.

Overall, the hybrid powertrain looks respectable and enjoyable to wear, which can be reduced even below the indicated 7 l/100 km, while movements smoother means consumption of about 9 liters. Nevertheless, we can not get rid of the idea that such a price MPV deserves a high power unit.

However, the ride comfort, which is perfectly up to the standard of a luxury MPV, is beyond reproach. This is helped not only by the rear multi-link suspension, but also by the AVS adaptive suspension system with shock absorbers that can regulate their settings based on feedback from the road surface.

The car is also equipped with systems that control and stop body roll when braking or walking. An interesting feature is the active noise suppression system, integrated into the Mark Levinson audio system, which detects unwanted frequencies and can drown them out with the sound of the speakers.

The Lexus LM is not just a car you would buy for the family. At least in the confirmed four-digit version. However, it provides comfort comparable to limousines. It is true that only one engine freezes, which loses its revitalization at higher speeds, but there is little to blame for the Lexus LM in urban and suburban environments.

A seven-seat version would find more use in the family, but the Lexus LM is a van designed for a very select group of customers, for example even hotels. After all, even the prices are not popular. The most affordable seven-digit version comes at 3,290,000 crowns, the four-digit version at 3,990,000 CZK (tax included). However, the truth is that there is nothing more to pay.