Perhaps the epitome of luxury MPVs, the Lexus LM now enters its second generation. The new Lexus LM has just made its world debut at Auto Shanghai 2023 and will be launched in 60 countries worldwide. For the first time, it will be made available for the first time in Europe.
On the outside, the second-generation Lexus LM was designed with the key concept of “Dignified Elegance”. The main goal of the exterior design was to create a unique identity through proportions that reflect “functional purity” and “dynamic performance”.
At the front end, the new Lexus LM sports a further evolved version of the Spindle Body, which has been the identity for the Lexus brand. This time around, a dash of body colour has been applied to the grille, making it look like a seamless integral part of the body. Lexus has also minimised the gap between the surrounding parts and body to improve aerodynamics.
Depending on the variant, the LM sits on either a set of 17-inch of 19-inch wheels. The Lexus LM measures 5,125 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,955 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 3,000 mm long.
RELATED: Lexus LM 350 brings First Class hospitality into a vehicle – RM1.148m
So far, there are two powertrain options for the LM, with both of them being electrified. The first is a 2.4-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine hybrid system with the brand’s “eAxle”. The second is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine hybrid system with E-Four/FF.
Inside, the second-generation Lexus LM provides either a 4-, 6-, or 7-seater configuration. The 4-seat version is specially designed for chauffeur-driven use. In the 4-seater version, a partition separates the front and rear seats. The upper portion houses a retractable glass window with a dimming function. Below is a 48-inch widescreen display that can be used for a variety of purposes including online meetings and entertainment. A refrigerator and storage spaces are located under the display.
RELATED: All-new 2023 Lexus RX to launch in Malaysia this year – rumoured pricing from RM470k
The main focus of the Lexus LM was both ride comfort and quietness. For rise comfort, torsional rigidity is 50% higher than that of the outgoing version. Structural adhesive has also been used for the upper body to help reduce vibration.
For seat development, passenger body movements were thoroughly analysed to ensure a naturally relaxed state for both body and mind no matter where you are sitting. Special attention was also paid to reducing head movement and stabilizing the line of sight. The front seats optimize surface pressure distribution on the seat cushion to hold the body, regardless of the amount of G-force during turning.
RELATED: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e debuts in Thailand – fully-electric SUV to launch in Malaysia this year?
Lexus-first features on the new LM include “AVS Suspension with Frequency-Sensitive Piston Valve” and a “Rear Comfort” drive mode. The former combines an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) actuator and a frequency-sensitive piston valve in the shock absorber. The latter enables an emphasis on rear-seat comfort. The dampening force characteristics of the AVS are set to prioritize rear-seat comfort, while integrated control of the gas pedal and brake reduces posture changes during acceleration and deceleration.
Safety features in the Lexus LM include Pre-crash safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with all-speed follow function, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Abnormal Driver Response System, and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). The Lexus LM also features “Advanced Drive (traffic jam support)” and “Advanced Park (with remote function)”
Lexus International new LM Chief Engineer, Takami Yokoo said, “The inspiration for the development of the new Lexus LM was the increasingly diverse lifestyles of customers in the luxury segment. This is where the development concept was born: creating a mobile space where customers can be their true selves. Our goal was to provide an environment that would allow busy individuals to relax in mind and body, free from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives―a space to inspire positive thought and action.”
GALLERY
