Lexus brings luxury LM Hybrid People Mover to Australia

The second generation of the luxury Lexus LM People Mover has been unveiled and is coming to Australia.

According to Lexus, local launch timing, specification and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch.

It has previously indicated that it will launch three new models in three new segments for the brand by mid-2024, so the LM should therefore arrive in the next 12 months or so.

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Launched in Shanghai, where plush people movers abound, the LM measures 5125mm long, 1890mm wide and 1945mm high with a 3000mm wheelbase.

That makes it 30mm shorter, 95mm narrower and 190mm taller than a Kia Carnival on a 90mm shorter wheelbase. It’s also smaller than the Toyota Granvia, currently the classiest people mover the company offers locally.

The latest LM ditches the old car’s 3.5-litre V6 in favor of the 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid that’s “similar” to that found in the RX500h F Sport Performance. In the People Mover, this option bears the LM500h badge.

This engine will only be available in the four-seat flagship model, with the three-row versions sticking to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.

“Combined with a choice of two hybrid powertrains and a full suite of active safety technologies, the all-new LM will appeal to customers who demand the ultimate comfort and convenience of a personal luxury suite,” said John Pappas, Chief Executive of Lexus Australia, seemingly suggesting both powertrains, come here.

Three-row models are available with either six or seven seats, while two-row models offer four seats.

In four-seat configuration, there is a partition between the two rows, the upper part of which features a smoked glass top and a 48-inch widescreen display that can be used for media viewing or holding meetings.

The second row consists of individual captain’s chairs with armrests and a retractable ottoman, with a center armrest including a retractable table big enough for a laptop with non-slip leather covering.

Regardless of the rear seat layout, Lexus has included a “detachable, touch-sensitive multi-operation controller” for adjusting settings in the rear, with two multi-operation panels available on the armrests of the second-row seats.

The new LM debuts a Rear Climate Concierge that offers “holistic control” of air conditioning, seating position, sunshades, lighting and other features. There are four preset modes, although users can further tweak the settings.

According to Lexus, the rear of the cabin is constantly monitored by a thermal matrix sensor that senses ambient and occupant temperatures, estimates the temperature across the occupants’ face, chest, thighs and lower legs, and adjusts the air conditioning and heated seats accordingly.

It’s also used second-row seats that use two types of shock-absorbing material to “gently wrap” occupants, while third-row seats have thicker backrests and cushions to ensure they’re comfortable for adults.

The ambience is rounded off by 64-color ambient lighting.

Lexus says it has worked to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. One way to achieve this is to use a non-absorptive headliner “to create a subtle, natural sound reflection” in the cabin.

It is also said to have strengthened the chassis by 1.5 times by applying bracing to the rear underbody, radiator bracket, quarter pillars and other areas.

The LM gets adaptive variable suspension, while a new rear comfort ride mode prioritizes what its name suggests, minimizing pitch and roll under acceleration and deceleration.

Externally, the LM follows a similar design theme to the outgoing Asia Exclusive, with an enormous spindle grille.

Unlike the old car, the grille is closed at the top, giving it a familial resemblance to the latest RX. The treatment of the D-pillar with its quasi-floating effect exudes RX vibes.

The LM rides on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

Lexus calls the LM an “L-Series flagship,” similar to its LS sedan, LC coupe and convertible, and LX SUV.

The local launch of the luxury people mover is part of a more global offensive for the vehicle, which will be available in more than 60 countries.

Launched in China in 2020, the LM was the brand’s first people mover. It’s based on the third-generation Toyota Alphard launched in 2015, which is a common gray import in Australia.

In Australia, its main competitor will be the Mercedes-Benz V-Class.