SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: 2024 Lexus LM coming to Oz

The new-generation 2024 Lexus LM people-mover has today been unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in China and confirmed for launch in Australia.

As carsales reported last week, a local release for the all-new luxury liner was widely anticipated after Lexus Australia’s publicity machine started cranking up with teaser images ahead of the show, just a few months after promising to expand into three new market segments before the end of next year.

The company also filed for local trademark protection late last year of two LM hybrid nameplates – and we can now report that two four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain options will indeed be heading Down Under for the LM.

These are a 2.5-litre unit for three-row versions, while a flagship four-seater model grade will be offered with a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a version of which is already employed in the new Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance (producing 273kW/550Nm).

Luxury people-movers are only a niche proposition in Australia, but Lexus clearly sees an opportunity with the executive chauffeur market for the LM, which is based on the already-lavish Toyota Alphard (often seen on Aussie roads as a private ‘grey’ import) and was previously ruled out for our market in its first generation.

Australian launch timing, pricing and specs are still to be confirmed, but we expect the LM to arrive in the first half of 2024 and to be available with a two-row/four-seat executive layout and a three-row configuration with either six or seven seats.

As per the first-generation LM, the lavish Lexus MPV makes an incredibly bold statement with its bluff spindle-like front-end design and its imposing dimensions, which are 5125mm long, 1890mm wide and 1945mm high. It rests on a 3000mm wheelbase and its front/rear track measures 1600/1615mm.

That makes it longer (in both overall length and wheelbase) than the Lexus LX flagship SUV, and while a little narrower and lower to the ground than its off-road-capable sibling, the LM clearly majors in rear seat comfort, space and amenity.

The four-seater model even puts a smoked-glass partition between the front and rear compartments, maximising passenger privacy and providing a wall against which a massive 48-inch widescreen display can be fixed.

More a first-class airport suite than a back seat, the four-seater’s rear passenger compartment features captain’s chairs with arm rests and ottoman. The centre arm rest includes a retractable table that can house a laptop computer on its non-slip leather-clad surface.

There’s also a first-for-Lexus ‘Rear Climate Concierge’ that enables control of the air-conditioning, seat position (and temperature), sun shades, lighting and other features in the rear compartment.

It’s not all DIY back there, however, with a thermal matrix sensor constantly monitoring the cabin and even the occupants’ body temperatures, adjusting the climate control and seat heating to suit.

Preferred settings for rear climate, seating position, audio, lighting etc can be adjusted via individual panels on the arm rests.

Beyond the luxury features, Lexus points to mechanical aspects of the LM geared towards comfort and refinement.

These include an unwavering commitment to low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), with special emphasis on reducing wind and road noise and engine noise and vibration. Lexus says the cabin headlining is also non-absorbent to create “subtle, natural sound reflection” that heightens the sense of interior spaciousness.

Elsewhere, the ride quality is said to be exceptional thanks to extra chassis strengthening and an upgraded version of Lexus’ adaptive variable suspension (AVS), which uses frequency-sensitive valves to minimise vibration.

There’s also a new ‘Rear Comfort’ drive mode that is said to prioritise the AVS damping force characteristics for rear-seat comfort “while minimising pitch and roll characteristics during acceleration and deceleration”.

Count on a full suite of Lexus Safety Sense+ features to be fitted to the LM, which will really only count as competitors the electric LDV MIFA 9 (from $106,000 to $131,000 plus on-road costs) and Mercedes-Benz V-Class (from $91,688 to $155,338 plus ORCs for the EQV).

“The all-new LM creates a dignified, elegant and whisper-quiet cabin, with the ability for rear passengers to relax or conduct business in luxurious comfort,” said Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas.

“Combined with the choice of two hybrid powertrains and a full suite of active safety technologies, the all-new LM will be sure to delight customers who demand the ultimate comfort and convenience of a personal luxury suite.”

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