LEXUS Malaysia has unveiled the all-new Lexus LM multi-purpose vehicle lineup that rivals luxury sedans in comfort and upscale accoutrements.
The hybrid-powered MPVs are available as the LM 350h which costs RM1,228,000 (on-the-road without insurance) and the range-topping LM 500h at RM1,468,000.
There are four exterior colours available, including Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz and Sonic Agate while the interior can be specified in either Black or Solis White.
With a 3,000mm wheelbase, the new LM has a length of 5,125mm (+85mm), width of 1,890mm (+40mm) and height of 1,955mm (+45mm) against the previous generation LM.
The new LM uses the Lexus GA-K passenger car platform that's lighter, stiffer and has a lower centre of gravity.
Power for the front wheels of the seven-seater LM 350h comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre direct-injection engine that produces 190bhp and 239Nm of torque.
A Series Parallel Hybrid System with a single motor at the front generates 182bhp and 270Nm and when combined with the engine's efforts, its combined system output is bumped up to 250bhp.
Managing power delivery is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).
The engine charges up the low-resistance nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack and depending on charge availability, the LM can be propelled entirely by the electric power for a limited distance.
The four-seater LM 500h – meant for the chauffeured experience, uses a 2.4-litre (2,393cc) turbocharged engine instead that produces 275hp and 460Nm of torque for that effortless "glide-off" experience.
This time, a six-speed direct Shift automatic transmission manages power delivery to the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system for added traction.
Additionally, the same battery pack helps to supply power to the front (87hp with 292Nm) and rear (103hp and 169Nm) electric motors for a total system output of 371hp – allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.6 seconds.
As standard, the LM's exterior features a new frameless Spindle Body grille that's been blended into the bodywork before getting a satin effect and rolls on newly-designed 19-inch Multi-Spoke Mesh Aluminium wheels with 225/55 series tyres.
For lighting, LEDs are used for the new pair of tri-beam LED projector headlights with daytime runners and dynamic turn signals.
Although the doors may have grab handles, they use an e-Latch system (button on the inner section of the handles) and come with Safe Exit Assist function which works with the vehicle's Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) to ensure safer exit from vehicles approaching from the rear.
Rather than the usual centrally-located boot latch for the powered tailgate, dedicated opening and closing buttons have been provided just above the rear LED light clusters where the sliding door rails end – properly positioning a person when accessing the boot.
Inside the LM 500h's cabin has been embellished with Gin Sui Boku and "Yabane" (Herringbone Wood) Ornamentation while entertainment comes from a 48-inch Ultrawide Display with dual screen function.
Also available, is a removable multi-operation panel for each passenger who gets access to individual functions such as climate control, seat posture and lighting while enjoying the openness via an independent glass roof or shaded from glare by the integrated sunshade.
“We strongly believe that the two new Lexus LM variants will continue to be at the pinnacle of luxury in the mobility segment, catering to discerning customers who are looking for a heightened level of indulgence and refinement in their day-to-day transport," said Lexus Malaysia president Datuk Ravindran K.
