‘Give the people what they want,’ is a commonly used expression.
But Japanese luxury car maker Lexus doesn’t appear to have taken much notice of this phrase as it looks set to deliver a new model that goes completely against the grain of market demand.
With SUVs selling in droves, drivers have turned their back on some vehicle segments. And none more so than Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), which many manufacturers have completely omitted from new car line-ups or plan to ditch in the not too distant future.
Yet Lexus has done the complete opposite with the arrival of its latest model, the LM people carrier. But it isn’t a budget-friendly MPV for big families; instead it’s a ‘Luxury Mover’ with a massive widescreen TV that costs over six figures.
While ‘MPV’ stands for multi-purpose vehicle, think of the Lexus LM as a mega pricey van.
It start from £89,995 in the UK and the most expensive variant is a whopping £112,995.
Three variants will be available from launch – and all of them have the enormous grille at the front.
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As has been the way for Toyota and Lexus in recent years, power comes from a petrol-electric self-charging hybrid drivetrain.
This comprises a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a supplementary electric motor and compact battery allowing for short distances without producing tailpipe emissions – though how far hasn’t yet been clarified.
Power is delivered to all four wheels via an E-Four electronic system via a CVT automatic gearbox, with a maximum output of 246bhp.
With such a modest output, don’t expect to be breaking any speed records in the new Lexus bus.
It is limited up to 119mph, though the Japanese company hasn’t confirmed what the zero to 62mph time is.
Despite being a hybrid, it’s not the greenest model on the planet with CO2 emissions of 152 to 163g/km – and its price tag definitely means it will be hit with the expensive car tax subsidy for the first five years.
Average fuel consumption depends on spec and how many seats you choose, ranging from 47 to 51mpg.
An MPV for red carpet events rather than school runs
Since its official unveiling at the Shanghai motor show back in April, Lexus says it has already secured UK reservations ‘into double figures’. So not hundreds, then.
But while the LM might looks like a massive family wagon to rival the likes of Mercedes’ V-Class and the Volkswagen Multivan – which are among only a few traditional people carriers left on the market in 2023 – it’s instead aimed at a totally different clientele.
It could be viewed as a roomier alternative to luxury saloon limos, like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Lexus calls it a ‘first-of-its-kind model that offers the luxury features and ultra-refined performance of a limousine in a spacious people carrier package’.
That means it aimed at high-end shuttle service providers to whisk A-listers to red carpet events and to and from airport lounges, rather than mums on the mid-afternoon school run.
Comfort for back-seat occupants is the LM’s prime objective, with Lexus stating: ‘…passenger wellbeing is prioritised in everything from the design and functionality of the seating to precise control of the on-board atmosphere and quietness that has a natural and reassuring quality’.
This explains why the LM comes with the choice of a conventional seven-seat layout or the option for a limo-like four seat configuration.
Choose the latter and you can kick back in business-class-style armchairs in the rear cabin, which is sectioned off from the driver and front-seat occupant by a partition that’s equipped with active noise cancellation technology.
The divider also houses a massive 48-inch HD screen for watching content on the go and a glass panel that can be dimmed for complete privacy.
The monitor has three viewing modes: full screen, cinema or split screen, with the latter allowing two back-seat passengers to watch different content on the same display with the corresponding audio played through the headrest of their seat.
It also has a forward-facing camera so big-wig back-seat passengers can host Zoom conference calls from the comfort of their plush seats on the move.
Beneath the monitor there are individual left and right side glove boxes and a refrigerator for beverages.
The power seats have ‘semi-aniline’ leather upholstery and ‘Ultrasuede’ inserts.
Not only can they fully recline to horizontal to become comfy beds but also offer seven different massage programmes.
Between the rear chairs is a long centre controls including a smartphone-style control panel for the infotainment options.
In the back there are twin fixed sunroofs, power sunshades and a sophisticated ‘Climate Concierge’ system using thermal sensors to precisely control and direct heating and ventilation to the occupants for the most relaxing experience available on four wheels.
Individual folding tables pop out of the outer arm rests and there is a number of device-charging solutions with USB ports and wireless charging trays hidden in the side panels.
The infotainment package can be upgraded includes the Lexus Link Pro multimedia system, a 23-speakers with 3D Surround Sound audio and individual 14-inch monitors that fold down from the ceiling.
First deliveries are expected to arrive around the end of the year, though you might need to tune into celebrity award ceremonies to see one in the flesh.
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