Celebrating its world debut at the Shanghai Auto
Show, the Lexus LM is a flagship luxury MPV developed specifically for the
Chinese market. However, it will go on sale on other Asian markets too —
unfortunately, Lexus didn’t announce plans to offer it outside the world’s most
populous continent.
Lexus says the new LM integrates oriental car
philosophy, combining unique craftsmanship with hospitality and comfortable
driving experience. While it looks quite attractive on the outside, the Lexus LM is all
about the interior.
The new LM luxury minivan is showcased in Shanghai
in a four-seat configuration that effectively turns the rear passenger
compartment into a business-class lounge. The front and rear rows are separated
by a wall fitted with a glass screen that can be raised and lowered. The
partition also features a big flat-screen TV and other amenities.
But the executive seats are the main ingredient of
the Lexus LM’s opulent rear passenger compartment. They feature heating,
ventilation, and massaging functions, as well as a variety of adjustments.
They’re filled with low-density urethane foam which allows them to combine
“ideal support with couch-like comfort,” according to Lexus. Interestingly, the
cooling function is done by suction ventilation.
The 26-inch display in the partition wall can be
connected to devices such as smartphones and tablets and supports Blu-ray
playback. Other features include a 19-speaker sound system, a 14-liter
refrigerator that can hold two bottles of champagne or wine, and a touch
display located between the rear seats to control the TV, seats, climate
control, and sound system.
Lexus says the LM will also be available in a
seven-seat configuration featuring two separate luxury seats for the first two
rows and three seats across the third row. The seats located on the second row
will be the most comfortable and will feature larger, more supportive armrests.
As for powertrains, there will be two available models
(LM 350 and LM 300h) with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The LM 350
features a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine while the LM 300h utilizes a 2.5-liter
four-cylinder hybrid system.
