2023 Lexus LM Review: In A League Of Its Own!

The entrance of the Lexus LM into the luxury MPV landscape signifies a bold stride for Lexus. Leveraging inspiration from the Toyota Vellfire's established foundation, the LM evolves into an exquisite canvas of sophistication. What particularly captures my attention is its robust emphasis on incorporating opulent materials, intricately designed aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and adeptness in adapting seating configurations. Together, these facets seamlessly position the LM as a standout contender within the upper echelons of the luxury MPV market. It's noteworthy that while the initial announcement might have sparked surprise, delving deeper into the LM's features reveals its potential to deliver an exceptionally opulent and deeply satisfying travel experience.

Tech & Interior

In order to fully immerse myself in the luxury of the 2023 Lexus LM, I decided to enjoy the experience of being chauffeured. As an elevated interpretation of the Toyota Vellfire, the LM sets new standards for luxury. This enhancement resonates profoundly within its interior opulence, establishing it as the focal point of the LM's allure. Seated within the confines of the 4-seater variant, I am enveloped in an expansive space that effortlessly rivals the comfort of a private yacht. Lexus fittingly refers to this as the "private seat to your yacht," a description that aligns perfectly with reality.

Yet, the true pinnacle of this environment is the expansive 48-inch wide display screen. Offering both single- and dual-screen modes, this feature caters to the co-passenger's entertainment while I engage in meetings or savor personal entertainment. With a resolution of 3840 x 1080 pixels, the screen delivers a visually captivating experience. The sunblinds serve as effective sentinels against intrusive external light, further enhancing the immersive visual escapade.

However, the ultimate auditory masterpiece emerges through the 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Its presence elevates the overall ambiance to the realm of auditory enchantment. Beyond this, the LM reveals a plethora of supplementary features that promise luxurious indulgence. The Ottoman seats exude a plush comfort that defies description, while the abundance of legroom renders any concerns moot. The integration of heated or cooled seating, alongside opulent headrest cushions, encapsulates the luxurious embrace the LM offers.

A premium is placed on privacy, manifested in the form of dimmable glass that effectively safeguards this sanctum. Another commendable feature is the Climate Concierge system, which grants the ability to tailor the interior environment to individual preferences. Whether it's the subtle recline of seats for optimal comfort or the calculated redirection of airflow for a soothing breeze, the LM effortlessly meets these preferences.

During my concise interaction with the LM, a prevailing sense of awe prevailed. Every element felt meticulously curated and purpose-driven. Notably, the well-conceived design of the umbrella stand ensures efficient water drainage, a detail that underscores thoughtful engineering. The presence of ample storage solutions, extending from compartments positioned behind the front seats to convenient spaces above the console and alongside the seats, further elevates the practicality. A retractable compartment, equipped with wireless charging capabilities and multiple USB slots for wired charging, seamlessly integrates modern convenience.

Shifting the focus to the 7-seater variant, a subtly distinct arrangement greets me. The LM adeptly accommodates a third row without compromising the prevailing sense of space. This dedication to spaciousness ensures the comfort of three occupants in the rear, even while considering sensible adjustments to the second-row legroom. This configuration effectively mirrors the comforts of business-class seating, offering ample space for knees, heads, shoulders, and hips.

Granted, certain concessions are evident, most notably the absence of the expansive giant screen in this version. However, a compensatory 14-inch high-definition screen, mounted elegantly on the ceiling, imparts a sense of sophistication. Operating through the overhead console present in both seating layouts, it assumes control over various functions such as door operation and shade adjustment. While initially requiring a modest learning curve, the ultimate operational ease bestowed is an indulgence in itself.

Ride & Handling

The allure of the LM's armchairs held me so captivated that a gentle reminder was necessary to transition from a passenger to a driver mindset on the track. Yet, prior to seizing the wheel, I had the privilege of indulging in a chauffeured encounter. Returning to the 4-seater iteration, it is in this domain that a significant portion of your time will be spent—ensconced in an ambiance of relaxation, cocooned in luxurious comfort, and profoundly immersed in the LM's opulence.

Regarding ride quality, the suspension setup leans slightly toward the firmer spectrum. It's crucial, however, to acknowledge that the MPV isn't engineered for high-performance endeavours. Its design is rooted in facilitating a seamless, unhurried driving demeanour that translates seamlessly into exceptional comfort. Conducting our evaluations within the confines of Lexus's plant, the road surfaces facilitated an uninterrupted ride, and the tarmac's surface was devoid of significant irregularities.

While a subtle degree of body roll was perceptible, it remained far from being a critical concern. This sentiment was echoed in the context of the 7-seater version as well, where experiences in the second and third rows maintained a harmonious continuity rather than stark contrasts.

Engine & Transmission

Assuming control, I found myself seated behind the LM's steering wheel. In the Indian market, we get the LM 350h, which boasts a 2.5-litre petrol engine delivering 190 bhp and 242 Nm of torque. This powertrain is complemented by a hybrid setup, integrating a 180 bhp front axle motor to a 54 bhp rear axle motor. This configuration yields all-wheel-drive capability, enhancing safety. The culmination of these elements results in a combined system output of 247 bhp, contributing to commendable acceleration for this 2.2-tonne MPV. There is a more powerful LM 500h but that's only for the global market.

2023 Lexus LM 350h

Now, how does it perform on the road? Despite its substantial size, the LM doesn't falter in terms of power delivery. The execution is consistently smooth, and what truly stands out is the fact that fully harnessing the power and torque isn't a necessity.

Given the LM's identity as a people mover, outright performance isn't its central objective. Even when faced with real-world conditions, the LM provided a serene and composed driving experience. The strategic design of airflow effectively preserves a tranquil cabin ambiance, impervious to external disturbances. Moreover, the 19-inch wheels adeptly manage various road conditions with finesse.

Lexus's engineers have evidently demonstrated their prowess. The integration of aluminum and lightweight components has notably contributed to the LM's agility and maneuverability. The fusion of a front MacPherson strut-type suspension and a rear trailing arm-type double-wishbone setup elevates the vehicle's ability to absorb and navigate road imperfections.

Remarkably, this is accomplished without compromising structural integrity. Furthermore, the presence of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) combined with multiple airbags across all rows ensures continuous passenger security. While the digital rear-view mirror offers practicality, it demands a brief period of acclimatization.

Exterior

Certainly, the Lexus LM commands attention, an entity that defies being overlooked. While photographs might not adequately convey its essence, witnessing it firsthand fundamentally shifted my perspective. Its bold and daring design, perhaps deemed unconventional in images, seamlessly comes to life in reality. Interestingly, the extravagant styling resonated deeply with me, owing much to its affiliation with the Lexus brand.

Recognized for its unwavering departure from commonplace designs, Lexus's distinctive approach to styling kept me captivated. Additionally, the purposeful deviation in both appearance and ambiance from the Vellfire reinforces the designers' unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled and unique encounter.

Verdict

With its imminent debut, the Lexus LM is likely to carry an estimated price of Rs. 2.50 crore (ex-showroom, India) for this fully-imported MPV. This positioning notably places it at a premium of Rs. 1 crore in comparison to the Toyota Vellfire—an amount that could alternatively secure two luxurious 7-seater SUVs or even a bespoke sports car.

However, it's crucial to discern that the Lexus LM caters to a selective demographic, transcending the boundaries of sports cars and luxury SUVs. In doing so, it carves a unique and exclusive niche.