It has been six months since the 2024 Lexus LM was first unveiled but it is only now that it has been officially presented in Europe and the UK with the automaker dropping an extensive media gallery showcasing the luxurious minivan.
European customers will be able to order the 2024 LM with either four or seven seats. As it is in overseas markets, the four-seat version is the most luxurious of the two and according to Lexus, “is the pinnacle of luxury.” The rear seats of this model have been inspired by those from first-class airline cabins and have been designed to reduce head-sway, improve posture, and can be reclined to fully horizontal should passengers ever need a rest.
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What’s more, these seats have a tilt function to prevent the occupant from sliding forward when the vehicle is braking, offer heated and ventilated functions, and include seven in-seat massage functions. The seats are clad in semi-aniline leather and also have extended ottomans. Seven-seat versions have VIP seats in the second row and flip-up seats in the third row in a two-plus-one configuration.
Lexus has employed a host of other features to make the LM feel like a private jet on wheels. This includes a 23-speaker Mark Levinson 3D surround system and a 48-inch ultra-widescreen monitor on four-seat versions, Active Noise Control, and both noise-reducing wheels and tires. The four-seat version also includes a five-layer headlining while the seven-seat model has a slightly less advanced 21-speaker audio array. The seven-seat model makes up for the lack of a 48-inch display with a smaller 14-inch drop-down screen in the ceiling.
The car manufacturer hasn’t forgotten about the driver or the front-seat passenger either. For example, there is a 14-inch infotainment display, a Qi wireless charger, two USB-C ports, ambient lighting, a digital rear-view mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display.
All European and UK models will be sold in LM 350h guise with left-hand drive models coming with all-wheel drive as standard while British customers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Grunt comes from a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain producing 247 hp and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque, allowing the all-wheel drive model to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds and a 190 km/h (118 mph) top speed. Drivers can choose between Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom modes.
An abundance of safety features come standard. These include emergency steering assist, adaptive cruise control, proactive driving assist, a driver monitor, lane change assistance, and front-cross traffic alert.
The brakes of the LM are also impressive. Lexus has incorporated its Braking Posture Control system that controls vehicle roll and pitch under braking by varying the front-rear distribution of braking force. It also has Smooth Stop Control that reduces the rocking feeling when the car is brought to a stop. The trick suspension, complete with MacPherson struts up front and rear double wishbones with trailing arms at the rear, maximizes occupant comfort and features Frequency Sensitive Valves that modify damper performance at micro-amplitude and high-frequency levels.
Lexus has not yet announced pricing details for each individual market where the LM will be sold. What we do know is that it will start at £89,995 ($109,680) in the UK and top out at £112,995 ($137,710).