New Lexus MPV Targets A-Listers and Red Carpet Events with a Price Tag of Up to £113k, Not Meant for the School Run

 

Lexus LM: The 'Luxury Mover' Competing with Limos like Mercedes S-Class

With prices ranging from £89,995 to £112,995, this is Britain's most expensive MPV.

Top-of-the-range models feature business-class armchairs and a 48-inch TV screen.

'Give the people what they want' is a frequently used saying.

However, Japanese luxury car manufacturer Lexus seems to have disregarded this phrase as they prepare to introduce a new model that goes against the prevailing market demand.

While SUVs continue to sell rapidly, drivers have largely turned away from certain vehicle segments, especially Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), which many manufacturers have removed from their new car line-ups or intend to phase out in the near future.

However, Lexus has taken a completely different approach with the launch of its latest model, the LM people carrier. It is far from being a budget-friendly MPV for large families; instead, it is a 'Luxury Mover' featuring a massive widescreen TV, and its price reaches over six figures.

While the term 'MPV' typically stands for multi-purpose vehicle, the Lexus LM can be likened to an exorbitantly expensive van.

The starting price for the UK market is £89,995, and the most expensive variant costs a staggering £112,995.

At the launch, three variants will be available, all of which boast the distinctive and massive grille at the front.

As is the trend for Toyota and Lexus in recent years, the powertrain of the Lexus LM is a petrol-electric self-charging hybrid system.

This hybrid system consists of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an additional electric motor and a compact battery, enabling short-distance travel without generating tailpipe emissions, though the specific range hasn't been disclosed yet.

The power is transmitted to all four wheels through an E-Four electronic system, connected to a CVT automatic gearbox, resulting in a maximum power output of 246bhp.

Given its relatively modest power output, the new Lexus LM is not expected to set any speed records. It is electronically limited to 119mph, and the precise zero to 62mph time has not been officially confirmed by the Japanese company.

An MPV designed for red carpet events rather than school runs

Since its official debut at the Shanghai motor show in April, Lexus has already received UK reservations for the LM in double figures, though not in the hundreds.

While the LM may appear to be a large family wagon competing with the likes of Mercedes' V-Class and the Volkswagen Multivan - two of the few traditional people carriers still available in the market in 2023 - it is actually targeted at an entirely different customer base.

It can be seen as a more spacious alternative to luxury sedan limousines such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Lexus dubs it a 'first-of-its-kind model that provides the luxurious features and refined performance of a limousine in a spacious people carrier package.'

This means it is geared towards high-end shuttle service providers, catering to A-listers attending red carpet events and offering transport to and from airport lounges, rather than being intended for mothers on the typical mid-afternoon school run.

The primary objective of the LM is to provide comfort for back-seat passengers, as stated by Lexus: "...passenger wellbeing is the top priority, encompassing everything from the design and functionality of the seats to precise control of the on-board ambiance and serenity, which exudes a natural and reassuring quality."

This is why the LM provides a choice between a traditional seven-seat layout or a limo-like four-seat configuration.

Opting for the latter allows you to indulge in business-class-style armchairs in the rear cabin, which is separated from the driver and front-seat occupant by a partition equipped with active noise cancellation technology.

The partition also houses an enormous 48-inch HD screen for on-the-go entertainment and a dimmable glass panel for complete privacy.

The monitor offers three viewing modes: full screen, cinema, or split screen, enabling two back-seat passengers to watch different content on the same display, with corresponding audio played through their headrests.

Beneath the monitor, there are individual left and right-side glove boxes, as well as a refrigerator box for beverages.

The power seats boast 'semi-aniline' leather upholstery with 'Ultrasuede' inserts. Not only can they fully recline to form comfortable beds, but they also offer seven different massage programs.

In the rear, you'll find twin fixed sunroofs, power sunshades, and an advanced 'Climate Concierge' system that utilizes thermal sensors to precisely regulate and direct heating and ventilation for the most relaxing experience possible on four wheels.

Additionally, there are individual folding tables integrated into the outer armrests, along with various device-charging solutions featuring USB ports and hidden wireless charging trays in the side panels.

The infotainment package can be upgraded, and it includes the Lexus Link Pro multimedia system, a 23-speaker 3D Surround Sound audio, and individual 14-inch monitors that fold down from the ceiling.

The first deliveries of the Lexus LM are anticipated to arrive by the end of the year, though you may have to watch celebrity award ceremonies to catch a glimpse of one in person.