Auto Shanghai 2023: Lexus LM hybrid makes its debut

Lexus had something special in store for those who attended Auto Shanghai 2023 as it unveiled the all-new LM luxury minivan.

The cousin of the Toyota Alphard just leveled up with even more style and luxury.

Exterior

Regarding size, the new Lexus LM is now 85 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 10 mm taller than its predecessor.

Aside from this, the luxury Japanese van carries the brand’s new design language, giving it a more elegant look.

The Lexus emblem is now placed at the tip of the hood just above the grille. This gives the LM a cleaner and more sophisticated appearance paired with new sharp LED headlights.

At the back, the LM gets a redesigned rear with its new full-width LED taillights and its new surround that carries the Lexus badging on its tailgate. It also receives a new set of 19-inch wheels to finish things off. 

Interior

The Japanese automaker keeps the wind noise at bay at high speeds using acoustic glass and a generous amount of sound-absorbing, sound-insulating and vibration-dampening materials. 

For its cabin, the new Lexus LM has a new sloping dashboard design wrapped in leather that features two massive screens that act as your instrument display and as your infotainment system.

The interior also gets a new color scheme with Solis White upholstery, copper trims and black accents with gray tone gradations. 

Like the previous version, the new LM is also available as a 7-seater or a 6-seater, with an ultra-luxury 4-seater variant available. 

A new partition feature is also available with the vehicle that separates the front and rear occupants. The upper glass of the partition can be dimmed for more privacy and for backseat entertainment, the new LM has a 48-inch widescreen display for viewing pleasure.

Depending on the model, the Lexus MPV gets access to active heating and cooling functions, plus a retractable table that is big enough to place a laptop. 

Power

Under the hood, the Lexus LM gets two new engines to replace the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline motor.

The first is a 2.4-liter turbo hybrid with eAxle and the second is a 2.5-liter unit with E-Four. The new powerplants mark the first time that all-wheel drive has become available for the nameplate. 

Lexus has focused on improving ride comfort and noise suppression for the newest version of the LM.

The automaker achieved this using an adaptive variable suspension system (AVS) that reduces vibrations. Aside from this, the luxury minivan also has a "Rear Comfort” drive mode that changes the AVS of the rear to stabilize it during acceleration and deceleration. 

Safety

Regarding safety, the new Lexus LM is equipped with a long list of safety features, including the brand’s Lexus Safety system suite.

This has a pre-collision warning system, brake assist and braking, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert and an abnormal driver response system.

The new Lexus LM is set to launch soon in 60 countries worldwide, but the Japanese automaker has yet to release any specific dates. 

Meanwhile, the next-generation of its "lesser" sibling, the Alphard, is slated for launch in Japan sometime May 2023.

Do you think the 2023 Lexus LM will be as big a hit as the Alphard in the Philippines?

Rate this story now using the five stars below. It will help us provide content that you enjoy!