The Lexus LM sets its sights on the Mercedes V-Class at the top end of the luxury MPV market. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Lexus redefines what an ultimate luxury MPV can be with this LM. A limo might cosset you but the huge stretch-out cabin here spoils its occupants in an even more opulent way. There's really nothing quite like it.

Background

Elsewhere in the world, Lexus has long been known as a purveyor of huge luxury people carrying MPVs, but never here - until now. The LM (for 'Luxury Mover') launched in the UK as one of the brand's most expensive models ever. And it's intended for chauffeur-driven top executives who don't want a big saloon or SUV. You might not think it a six-figure proposition to look at - until you take a look inside and sample a cabin which quite simply takes luxury to another level. And a standard beyond the model this Lexus is most obviously aimed at, the Mercedes V-Class. There's no full-EV LM variant to rival that German competitor in its EQV form, but the fossil-fuelled self-charging Hybrid engine in this Japanese contender is a step more sophisticated than any combustion powerplant available in a V-Class. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Though the concept of a Lexus MPV might be unusual, the underpinnings that this one rides upon are more than familiar - the GA-K platform we've already seen in slightly shorter form in the brand's NX and RX SUVs. The single engine option's familiar from other Lexus models too, a '350h'-badged 2.5-litre four cylinder self charging petrol-powered full-Hybrid unit. It's mated as usual to a CVT automatic gearbox and is paired with an electric motor allowing the car to run purely on battery power for short urban periods. This engine puts out a more-than-adequate 247bhp, but in damp conditions you'll only be able to properly transmit its 239Nm of torque to the tarmac if you pay the extra to swap the standard front-driven format out for the brand's E-Four four wheel drive system. That provides an extra electric motor to power the rear axle. This can send up to 80% of the powertrain's torque to that back axle - or up to 100% to the front. Maximum speed is 118mph and 62mph from rest takes 8.7s. There's been a huge emphasis on cabin noise reduction - active noise-cancelling tech, improved sealing and air-tightness, noise-reducing wheels and tyres and a special headliner said to enhance insulation by 40%. There's also a unique 'Rear Seat Comfort' driving mode supposed to "adjust suspension performance and drive torque distribution, suppressing vibration helping both the vehicle and its passengers maintain a comfortable posture". There are also a range of systems aimed at counteracting the LM's prodigious size and weight. - 'Automatic Smart Stop Braking Control', 'Pitch Control' and an 'Adaptive Variable Suspension' set-up intended to balance dynamics and comfort.

Design and Build

The LM is big: you knew it would be. Specifically, 5,125mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,940mm high. Unlike with a rival Mercedes V-Class, there's only the one body shape on offer. What's pretty certain is that you won't be choosing this Lexus on the basis of the way it looks, though a few interesting design touches do feature; swept-down detailing over the rear D-pillar, a kicked-up waistline above the driver's door and a simply enormous front grille that should scatter highway dawdlers in its wake. The big wheels are 19-inches in size. But none of this matters because what you'll be choosing this 'Luxury Mover' for is the experience of being shuttled along in a rather exquisitely-trimmed boardroom. Well, if you choose the four-seat version with its two individual armchairs at the rear anyway. With this variant, the rear part of the cabin is shut away by a dimmable glass partition that can be electrically raised or lowered and houses a 48-inch HD screen. Lexus hasn't been afraid to specify van-like sliding side doors because they make access so much easier in tight spaces. Of course some potential customers will still want an LM that functions like a conventional large MPV, so Lexus also provides a seven-seat cabin format option, which makes the most of the car's lengthy 3-metre wheelbase. Either way, you're assured of an extremely high level of the brand's fabled 'Omotenashi' hospitality.

Market and Model

There are various variant choices to decide between here. The conventional seven-seat LM 350h is priced at around £90,000 in front driven form - or about £93,000 with four-wheel drive. Stretch to the top four-seater 'Takumi' version at around £113,000 and you have to have the e-Four system. The standard model comes with 19-inch wheels, twin sunroofs, powered seats in the first two rows, dual zone climate controls and powered sunshades. An infotainment package adds the 'Lexus Link Pro' system, uprated speakers and a 14-inch monitor for rear-seated folk. Highest-quality L-aniline leather is used for the upholstery, in Black or Ammonite Sand with contrasting piping and suede inserts on the rear seats. And woodgrain trim is featured in a traditional Japanese herringbone pattern, created with 3D printing. 'Takumi' spec with its twin rear armchairs shifts the luxury up to another level, giving you an enormous 48-inch widescreen monitor built into an electrically-retracting dimmable glass partition panel. Beneath this, there's a fridge and individual glove boxes. The rear seats get folding tables, along with a wireless charging tray and charge points. A bespoke 23-speaker Mark Levinson 3D Surround Sound system also comes included at this level. And there's a 'Lexus Climate Concierge' that uses thermal sensors to control the heating and ventilation. As you'd expect, all LM models are equipped with the latest 'Lexus Safety System+' active safety and driver assistance features, together with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Cross Traffic Alert and LED headlights with the AHS adaptive high-beam system. Smart Exit Assist helps prevent doors being opened inadvertently into the path of traffic and cyclists approaching from the rear.

Cost of Ownership

The fuel and CO2 returns for this LM are, as expected, pretty similar to those of the brand's RX 350h luxury SUV, whose GA-K platform and 2.5-litre Hybrid drivetrain it shares. That means a combined cycle reading of 39.2mpg and a CO2 return of 152-163g/km. Which is pretty good for a huge luxury People Mover of this size and weight. Whichever kind of LM you decide upon, at higher speeds, you'll need to bear in mind that the quoted fuel figures are even more heavily dependent than normal on the driver assuming a significant degree of restraint. Certainly, for noteworthy levels of frugality in day-to-day use with this Lexus, you'll need to keep the powertrain operating setting in 'EV' mode as often as possible. On to after-sales cover. It's worth pointing out that Lexus gives you a much better warranty than the limited three year one you'll get with most premium rivals. From the showroom, the car comes with a three year warranty, but providing you continue to regularly maintain it at a one of the brand's franchised dealerships, 12 months of extra warranty cover will be included with every scheduled service, up to 100,000 miles or ten years, whichever comes first. Fixed price servicing plans are available if you want to spread the cost of maintenance, allowing you to spread the cost over two years or more. However you go about paying for maintenance, on an LM it shouldn't cost you too much. The Hybrid set-up has a good record for minimising tyre wear and its battery will last the life of the car. Plus the regenerative braking set-up helps extend the life of the brake pads: over 60,000 miles of driving, the front pads should only need replacing once, while the rear pads and all discs will probably last the full distance.

Summary

The LM doesn't make as sophisticated a chauffeur-driven statement as a luxury limo would, but once inside this Lexus, we think few potential owners are going to care. You don't choose a private jet based on what the fuselage looks like; it's all about the cabin experience, which in an LM delivers not only a sumptuous ambiance and cutting-edge technology but also huge levels of stretch-out space - which is of course the ultimate luxury. An all-new MPV is a rare thing indeed these days; and one not overtly based on a van is even rarer. But Lexus clearly feels it's seen a niche here that others have missed. It'll be interesting to see if they're right.

Chassis/Suspension

AVS - Adaptive variable suspension

Communication

Wireless charging pad for front seats

Two wireless charging boxes in rear cabin

E-call

Driver Aids

Lane change assist

Lexus safety system + 3

5 Drive modes - EV/Normal/Sport/Rear Comfort/Custom

Auto remote parking

Driver monitoring camera

Power assisted steering

Road sign assist - RSA

Panoramic view monitor

Front cross traffic assist

Blind spot monitoring

Intelligent park assist

Active cruise control

Driver Convenience

Smart entry and push button start

Driver Information

Lexus link pro with 14" touchscreen

Driving Mirrors

Heated, auto-folding outside mirrors with memory function, and turn indicators

Engine

220v AC Inverter

Entertainment

Rear 48-inch monitor with 2 HDMI inputs

Mark Levinson 3D surround sound system with 23 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Fixed moon roof

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Daytime running lights

LED headlights with AHS

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Front and rear 2 Zone air conditioning with Nanoe-x technology

Interior Features

Front and rear cabin divider screen

Electric sunshade

Electrically adjustable steering column

Stowable table in outer side armrest for rear passengers

Rear refrigerator

Touch steering switches

Heated leather steering wheel

Semi-aniline leather upholstery

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

Safety

Two 3 point rear seatbelts

Pre collision system

Child locks on rear doors

Seats

Massage rear seats with seven programs and five levels of pressure, each program lasting 15 minutes

Power adjustable front seats with driver memory and driver 4 way lumbar support

Air type lumbar support for rear first row seats

Front and rear head restraints

2 Fully reclining rear seats with swede inserts

2 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Heated and ventilated front seats

Heated and ventilated rear seats

Security

Digital key

Wheels - Alloy

19" Alloy wheels

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.3

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: 0.17

HC: 0.02

NOx: 0.06

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.006

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 171

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 143

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 191

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 163

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 171

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 172

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 140

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 143

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 147

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 191

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 198

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 167

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 163

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 87.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 103.4

CC: 2487

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 14.1:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: A25A FXS

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 37.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 37.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 37.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 45.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 43.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 38.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.4

General

Coin Series: Takumi [4 Seat]

Coin Description: h

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Badge Power: 250

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.1

Top Speed: 118

Engine Power - BHP: 250

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 184

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 176

Engine Torque - NM: 239

Engine Torque - RPM: 4300

Engine Torque - MKG: 24.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R19

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5130

Width: 1890

Wheelbase: 3000

Height (including roof rails): 1930

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2295

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2870

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Loading Weight: 575

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 110

No. of Seats: 4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 752

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 5.9

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite black

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sonic titanium

Special metallic - Sonic white

Special metallic - Sonic agate

Trim - Leather

Semi-aniline leather - Black

Semi-aniline leather - Ammonite sand