Launched: 2024 Lexus LM – 2 Hybrid Variants, From RM1,228,000 Onwards

Lexus Malaysia (UMWT) announced the arrival of the new second-gen Lexus LM ultra-lux MPV range earlier today. Two hybrid variants were announced - LM350h and LM500h.

Think the latest-gen Toyota Alphard and Vellfire luxury MPVs duo aren’t… well, posh enough? Then step right this way then Datuk, Datuk Seri, Tan Sri. Launched earlier today by the Lexus Malaysia arm of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) was the new 2024 Lexus LM hybrid-powered luxo-MPVs range.

Those familiar with the LM will already know that this is the ultra-luxurious redux of the popular new TNGA-based Toyota Alphard and Vellfire duo mentioned earlier. In Lexus form however, said MPV takes luxury to a whole new level, and one can argue the LM stands evidently more opulent.

Though based on the latest-gen Alphard and Vellfire, the Lexus LM redux takes on a much higher level of luxury. These also boast sharper and more up-market styling.

Notable to is the Lexus LM's chassis, which boasts adaptive dampers. Note the larger and snazzier 19-inch wheels too.

First unveiled globally back in April last year, the Lexus LM returns for a second generation featuring a bevy of new tech and luxuries on board, all presented with a brand new aesthetic and design too. Locally, Lexus Malaysia is offering it across two variants – LM350h 7-seater, and LM500h 4-seater.

Visually, the LM is easily set apart from its lesser Toyota twins thanks to typical design traits of Toyota’s famed L-marque. Key amongst which include distinct new and all-LED headlights and taillight combination, trademark Lexus ‘spindle grille’, as well as larger and snazzier 19-inch wheels.

Each variant boasts a specific petrol-electric hybrid powertrain setup, along with differing automatic transmission types, as well as front- (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.

Mechanically, the LM350h harnesses a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force 4-cyl Atkinson-cycle petrol mill that’s augmented by a pair of e-motors instead of turbochargers. Whilst the combustion half outputs 190 PS and 239 NM, the electrified half adds a further 182 PS and 270 NM.

Altogether, peak combined output stands at 250 PS, which is managed by an eCVT automatic box to drive the front wheels, thus allowing 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 9.1 seconds plus a claimed V-max of 190 KM/H. Crucially, this hybrid is also able to sip as low as 5.5 litres/100 KM on average.

Step up to the LM500h and it gets a peppier 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol mill as its base instead, which is further augmented by a single rear e-motor. Altogether, this setup boasts combined outputs of 371 PS and 550 NM that drives all four wheels (AWD) via a 6-speed automatic box.

Altogether, the LM500h’s setup enables 0-100 KM/H sprints in a much quicker 6.9 seconds whilst enroute towards a claimed 185 KM/H V-max. Crucially, electrification sees this opulent range-topper sip as low as 6.6 litres/100 KM of fuel on average too.

Up front, things appear similar to the lesser Alphard and Vellfire, albeit more luxurious. There's a new Tazuna infotainment suite lifted from the second-gen NX, but it's now rid of the cumbersome Remote Touch pad.

Underneath, both variants underpin the same TNGA-K chassis as the Alphard and Vellfire, but these Lexus offshoots benefit with a better ride thanks to their adoption of adaptive dampers. Powertrain aside, the key difference separating both variants stem from their differing seating layouts and arrangement, as well as the subsequent level of kit and amenities primed in each.

Starting with the LM350h, this base version of the LM features a 7-seat layout across three rows in a 2-2-3 arrangement. This gets matched with a 14-inch roof monitor, quad-zone climate control, 21-speaker Mark Levinsion audio suite, rear wireless charging pad, 360-degree camera with “see-through’ function, twin glass roof panels, magnesium folding tables, and powered sunshades.

Present too up front is the new Tazuna infotainment interface first seen in the second-generation NX crossover. The suite pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 14-inch centre touchscreen, physical climate control dials sans the cumbersome Remote Touch pad.

Primed exclusively in the LM500h is a pair of business class-style ottoman seats primed with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear passengers also get to back in a massive 48-inch display screen with dual HDMI inputs.

Step up into he LM500h and it sees a fixed four-seat layout in 2-2 arrangement instead. It also boasts a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio suite, a pair of business class-style ottoman second row seats with built-in heating and ventilation plus massage functions, and a massive partition splitting the front and rear halves of the cabin.

Said partition mentioned also houses an equally massive 48-inch entertainment display screen with dual HDMI inputs plus split-screen function for passengers to indulge in. Also present in the range-topper is a fridge, umbrella holder and large twin storage compartments on either side, and a retractable electrochromatic glass screen with die-cast magnesium frame.

Lastly, both variants come laced with the LSS+ ADAS suite as standard.

Lastly, shared across both is the full suite of Active Driver Assistance (ADAS) from the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) package that enables high-degree of semi-autonomous driving. Key highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-Go function, Lane Centering Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Park Assist, Front and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with auto-brake, and more.

Aptly, with this much added opulence, the Lexus LM duo rightfully command stiffer prices over the Toyota-badged Alphard and Vellfire duo they’re based on. Things start at RM1,228,000 for the LM350h 7-seater, whilst the ultra-posh LM500h 4-seater range-topper commands RM1,468,000.