New 2024 Lexus LM teased

Lexus Australia has issued a media alert heralding the global debut of the new 2024 Lexus LM luxury people-mover at the Shanghai motor show next week.

The Lexus LM first appeared at the Shanghai show four years ago, and at the time was ruled out for Australia.

It was based on the already-lavish Toyota Alphard wagon designed primarily for Asian markets – and which is often seen on Aussie roads as a ‘grey’ import.

However, the tide has clearly turned, with Lexus filing for local trademark protection late last year of the LM 350h and LM 500h nameplates, which point to two powerful hybrid powertrains and an overhaul for the series that was launched in China with LM 300h hybrid and conventional LM 350 V6 engines.

That the Aussie publicity machine is cranking up for the unveiling of the new LM series, which is described as “all-new”, is telling.

In addition to the local trademark applications, Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas earlier this year outlined the brand’s expansion plans that include three all-new models before the end of next year.

One of these is expected to be the new-generation Lexus GX SUV, but the others are still to be confirmed.

We wouldn’t mind betting that the new Lexus LM is among Pappas’ “three fantastic new models in three new segments … [that] will expand our appeal to new types of customers as they land here over the next 18 months or so”.

In the LM media alert, Lexus said: “In advance of the unveiling of this stunning new vehicle for connoisseurs of true luxury, Lexus has released a teaser image showing some of the unique design elements.”

Who said the people-mover segment was dead? Watch this space as the global debut of the new Lexus LM draws near…

Related: Is the Lexus LM people-mover coming to Oz?

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