The first generation Lexus LM was Lexus’ very first MPV model. It was only offered in China and a few other East Asian markets, including Malaysia, where demand for luxury MPVs has been strong. As the LM received positive reception and attracted attention in other markets, Lexus decided to market it as a more global product. Thus, the second generation Lexus LM was “born”, and has now arrived in Malaysia in two variants, namely the 7-seater LM350h and the 4-seater LM500h, with a starting price of RM1,228,000 (OTR, without insurance).
- 2024 Lexus LM350h – RM1,228,000
- 2024 Lexus LM500h – RM1,468,000
On the outside, the second-generation Lexus LM is now larger than before, measuring 85 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and 45 mm taller as compared to its predecessor. Sitting on Lexus’ GA-K platform, which the Japanese luxury carmaker claims to provide reduced weight, increased chassis stiffness, and a lower centre of gravity. This as a result enhances the vehicle’s handling and stability.
Designed using Lexus’ Dignified Elegancy exterior design concept, the second-generation Lexus LM now looks grander than its predecessor. In Malaysia, the luxury MPV is fitted as standard with the brand’s high-performance three-projector LED headlights, LED turn signal lights, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs), which together display an outward-facing bi-functional L-signature.
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The 2024 Lexus LM also proudly wears the Japanese marque’s latest Spindle grille design up front, similar to the ones found on the brand’s more recent models like the latest RX and LBX. The grille is now frameless and features a pattern similar to what has been compressed to create a larger lower grille section, and has become more of what Lexus calls a “spindle body”.
Round the back, there are LED taillights which run across the full width of the car. Located above the taillights is the “LEXUS” script which replaces the traditional Lexus L-emblem.
Customers in Malaysia can have their 2024 Lexus LM with a choice of four exterior colour options. This includes Graphite Black GF, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Agate.
Below are the standard exterior features included with the Lexus LM in Malaysia:
- Three-projector LED headlights
- LED DRLs
- LED taillights
- Front door with e-Latch handles
- Powered rear sliding doors
Powering both variants of the Lexus LM in Malaysia is Lexus’ hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain, albeit with different engines and electric motor setups. The LM350h’s hybrid system consists of a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder VVT-iE petrol engine and a front-mounted single electric motor.
The engine itself makes 190 hp and 239 Nm, while the electric motor makes 182 hp and 270 Nm. Paired with an e-CVT gearbox, the combined system output is rated at 250 hp, with power sent to the front wheels only.
The Malaysian-spec Lexus LM500h’s hybrid system, on the other hand, sports a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i petrol engine along with a dual-motor setup, one for each axle. The engine on its own makes 275 hp and 460 Nm. The front electric motor makes 87 hp and 292 Nm, while the rear electric motor makes 103 hp and 169 Nm.
Paired with a 6-speed Direct Shift automatic, power is sent to all four wheels via Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. This results in a combined system output of 371 hp.
Suspension-wise, Lexus has fitted the second-generation LM with its first Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Together with Frequency Sensitive Valves used in the dampers, the AVS is said to provide shock isolation and promises a flat ride even on rough or uneven roads.
Details of the Malaysian-spec 2024 Lexus LM350h’s powertrain and performance-related details are as follows:
- Engine: 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder VVT-iE
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Electric motor: Front-mounted single motor
- Combined power: 250 hp
- Layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Front suspension: MacPherson struts
- Rear suspension: Double wishbone
Details of the Malaysian-spec 2024 Lexus LM500h’s powertrain and performance-related details are as follows:
- Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
- Transmission: 6-speed Direct Shift automatic
- Electric motor: Dual motor
- Combined power: 371 hp
- Layout: All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Front suspension: MacPherson struts
- Rear suspension: Double wishbone
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Moving inside, the Lexus LM350h in Malaysia sports seven seats with a 2-2-3 layout, while the even more luxurious LM500h comes with four seats with a 2-2 layout. Both variants can be opted with either a Black or Solid White interior colour.
Standard equipment packed into both variants of the Lexus LM in Malaysia includes the twin glass roofs with power-operated sunshades. These can be opened or closed individually or together.
There is also the Rear Multi-Operation Panel which allows the rear passengers to control almost every function around the rear cabin from the comfort of their seats. Each passenger has a controller, designed like a smartphone, housed in the armrests between the seats.
As expected, each row of passengers gets their own dedicated aircon vents. What’s new here is that the aircon will monitor the temperature of the passenger’s four specific body areas, including face, chest, upper and lower leg, and from there determine the temperature of the aircon to keep them cooled.
The second-generation Lexus LM is also the world’s first car to provide a dynamic voice recognition function that responds specifically to commands from rear passengers. Microphones in the seats are positioned to recognise if it is the left or right side passenger speaking. With this accurate identification, air conditioning, seat position and lighting can be adjusted specific to the passenger’s location.
To make the LM an even more luxurious and comfortable MPV, Lexus has equipped it with the Active Noise Control function. This technology suppresses the engine’s booming noise by generating anti-noise waves through the audio speakers that have a cancelling effect.
Lexus says the passenger seats in the LM are inspired by those in first-class airline cabins, especially the ones inside the 4-seater LM500h. Speaking of the Lexus LM500h’s rear passenger seats, they are fully powered and can be reclined to a completely horizontal, airline bed-style and have integrated, extending ottoman leg rests.
Said to be made to resemble a modern living room, the Lexus LM500h’s rear cabin space comes with a partition in the front section with a glass panel that can be raised or lowered. The glass panel can also be dimmed for added privacy.
The partition, with a die-cast magnesium frame for extra rigidity, also houses a 48-inch widescreen display. The 7-seater Lexus LM350h in Malaysia on the other hand comes with a 14-inch ceiling-mounted display.
Below are the standard interior equipment that come with the Lexus LM350h in Malaysia:
- Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- Seven seats
- Black or Solid White interior
- Twin glass roofs with power-operated sunshades
- Side window sunshades
- Rear Multi-Operation Panel
- Foldable seat armrests
- Powered tailgate
- 12.3-inch full graphic instrument panel
- 14-inch central touchscreen infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
- 14-inch ceiling-mounted display
- 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
- Qi wireless charging
- Ambient lighting with 14 shades of colours and 5 themes
The more luxurious Lexus LM500h adds on:
- Four seats
- Rear seats with ottoman leg rests and massage function
- Glass panel partition for rear cabin space
- 48-inch rear wide-screen display
- 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
On the safety side of things, the Lexus LM in Malaysia comes with the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+) advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite as standard. The Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive and Advanced Park suite are also thrown in.
Below are the standard safety features included with the Lexus LM in Malaysia:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Intersection Assistance
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Tracking Assist (LTA)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
- Panoramic View Monitor (PVM)
- Advanced Drive
- Advanced Park
To recap, the 2024 Lexus LM has finally made its launch in Malaysia. Priced from RM1,228,000, the ultra-luxury MPV is offered in two variants, namely the 7-seater LM350h and the 4-seater LM500h.
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