Lexus LM Luxury MPV Revealed In India, Bookings Open

• Lexus LM revealed, bookings open.

• WIll be the brand’s first MPV for India.

• Is based on the same platform as the Toyota Vellfire.

• Gets a self charging hybrid powertrain which powers all four wheels.

• Could be priced over the Rs 1.2 crore (ex-showroom) mark.

India is going to get its first Lexus MPV in the form of the Lexus LM. The LM, which is short for Luxury Mover, is based on Toyota’s GA-K modular platform, the same one that underpins the Toyota Vellfire. Alongside its reveal, the Japanese carmaker has also opened the order books for the MPV.

Styling

Yes, the Lexus LM is technically a van – in the truest sense of the word – but don’t associate that term with a boring people mover. Despite what its silhouette suggests, the LM looks chic as Lexus has done its thing. The huge spindle grille, sharp headlights, and sleek LED tail lights at the rear give it a resolute look. You can check out the in-depth design details here.

In fact, Lexus has gone the extra mile to optimise air flow, which will in turn reduce wind noise and offer a cocooned ride to the passengers.

Cabin

Lexus says the cabin of the LM is a mixture of two worlds: part living room and part office. Now in most cases, this would be an exaggerated marketing jargon, but not here. 

First up, you can spec it to either have four or seven seats, and it is the former where the levels of luxury are really heightened. From a 48-inch widescreen TV, a 23-speaker surround-sound audio system to wide recliner Ottoman seats with pillow-style headrests, this MPV is a movie theatre on wheels. 

The cabin has been further noise proofed and you get a glass roof above which, along with the light colours used inside the cabin, will elevate the sense of space and airiness (not that there will be a scarcity of it).

The front area packs a 14-inch touchscreen system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a heads-up display, wireless phone charger and a digital driver’s display for your chauffeur. Your chauffeur’s duties will also be easier behind the wheel, thanks to the presence of ADAS.

Powertrains

The Lexus LM packs a single 2.5-litre self-charging strong-hybrid powertrain, rated at 250PS. It sends power to all four wheels and can do the 0-100kmph sprint in a claimed 8.7 seconds. Not too shabby for a big luxury MPV! 

The global markets also get a 2.4-litre turbo mild-hybrid powertrain in the LM 500h, but that powertrain won’t make its way to India.

Also Read: Volvo Will Open Bookings For The C40 Recharge POST Its Launch

The Lexus LM may be priced at a slight premium over the Toyota Vellfire, which retails from Rs 1.19 crore (ex-showroom). It won’t have any direct rivals (apart from the Vellfire) but it can be considered as an alternative to luxury 3-row SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.