About Lexus LM
The Japanese automaker launched the second generation of its premium minivan at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
Despite not being hotcakes anymore, MPVs excelled in one area where no other crossover or SUV couldn't: roominess. That was something anyone knew, but while some people didn't want to ride in a van-like vehicle, others needed that space for comfort. Lexus understood that clearly, and that's why it produced such a vehicle. The first generation was introduced in 2020 as an up-scale, badge-engineered Toyota Alphard. While some might call this new model a facelift for that, the reworked bodywork and platform and the changes involved in the vehicle allowed the carmaker to call it a new generation.
At the front, Lexus installed its already-known spindle grille that looked ginormous, covering most of the front fascia from the hood to the air dam. It was flanked on the lower side by two vents that channeled the air around the bodywork. Above the bumper were the slim headlights surrounded by daytime running lights. As expected, only LEDs were used for these. From its sides, the minivan featured front-hinged doors for the driver and side passenger and sliding ones for those seated in the back. The LM ended with a vertical tailgate adorned by a top-mounted roof spoiler.
The interior could compete against any other luxurious vehicle on the market. At the front was a standard cabin with two seats separated by a tall center console. The dashboard was covered in leather and wood trims and supported a giant touchscreen above the center stack. In front of the driver, there was a TFT inside the instrument cluster. Behind the front seats, Lexus offered a few choices with up to five seats on two rows or just two reclining captain seats. These benefited from ample legroom and headroom.
Powering this lounge on wheels was a 2.5-liter inline-four and an electric motor. The former moved the front wheels while the latter sent its torque to the rear axle when needed.