The Lexus LM is a luxury version of the Toyota Alphard, which is only sold in China and some other Asian countries: local entrepreneurs respect monocabs for the ability to literally enter the salon, almost without bending down. The model debuted in 2019, and now the updated LM is being presented at the Shanghai Motor Show, and Lexus immediately announced its intention to bring the minivan to markets in more than 60 countries, including Japan and Europe.
Previously, the relationship between the LM and Alphard was emphasized by a chrome zigzag on the central pillar, but the updated minivan does not have it. The fact is that the Lexus monocab debuted before Toyota: so perhaps we have the first hint at the look of the future Alphard.
A chrome trim now runs along the entire window line, while the A-pillar and C-pillar are painted black to create a floating roof effect. A huge grille (the Chinese public loves this) has changed the spindle to a honeycomb, but the headlights with an extended LED strip look very “Toyota”. The LM will be available in four interior colors (black, white, light beige and red) with either 17-inch or 19-inch wheels. The rear lights are connected by an LED jumper, like all modern Lexus.
The new LM is built on the GA-K platform, which is an evolution of the TNGA architecture: the same “cart”, for example, is used by the NX and RX crossovers. The wheelbase has not changed (3000 mm), but the overhangs have become larger: the overall length has increased from 5030 to 5115 mm. The LM is also wider (1890mm; +40mm) and taller (1945mm; +10mm). Lexus says that with reinforced radiator mounts and rear stacks, as well as additional bracing between the spars, torsional rigidity has increased by 50% compared to the 2019 model, which is designed to reduce vibration.
A bunch of displays (a 14-inch touchscreen of a multimedia system and a digital instrument panel) for the LM are the same as for platform crossovers
As before, the LM will be offered with two interior layout options. Regularly there are three rows of seats, and conditional seven seats are obtained due to the additional headrest on the “gallery”: the seats of the third row are molded for two passengers, and on the second row all LMs have separate seats with ottomans and individual touch screens. Already in the basic configuration, electric adjustment of the first and second row seats, the Mark Levinson audio system and a wide range of Lexus Safety System + electronic assistants are provided.
The four-seater version has a limousine partition with electrochromic glass. Below it is a 48-inch display that can be used for video conferencing. Even lower – built-in refrigerator and compartments for small luggage. The rear seats automatically inflate one of the side airbags in corners to better hold riders, and when braking, the angle of the airbag rises slightly. Not only the cushion and backrest are heated, but also the armrest and even the ottoman. The luxury version also has additional noise isolation, including the function of active noise reduction – the proprietary audio system is responsible for this.
So far, two hybrid versions with all-wheel drive are presented, where the rear wheels are rotated by an electric motor. The initial LM 350h is equipped with a 2.5-liter “aspirated” paired with a CVT, the peak output of the installation is 250 hp. With. and 239 Nm, maximum speed – 190 km / h.
The modification of the LM 500h based on the 2.4-liter T24A-FTS turbo engine and 8-speed “automatic” develops about 350 forces (the exact characteristics will be announced later). Probably, over time, the range will be replenished with simple gasoline versions without a hybrid “makeweight”.
Sales of the new Lexus LM in China will begin in the summer, and by autumn the minivan will debut on the European market. The model was assembled at the Toyota Auto Body plant in Inaba, where the Toyota Alphard is also produced. The outgoing minivan is the most expensive serial single-cab on the planet: the price of the Lexus LM in China starts at 1 million 166 thousand yuan (13.8 million rubles), and for a four-seater modification they ask for 300 thousand yuan more (17.4 million rubles) .
Leave a Reply