Newcomer is much more than just a van with seats. Limousines beware…
MATT SAUNDERS @thedarkstormy1
TESTED 15.1.24, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ON SALE NOW
f the sight of the new Lexus LM makes you wonder why anyone would spend six figures on a van-shaped “luxury mover”, it’s probably because you’re simply not “hyper-affluent” enough. For a few minutes at least, just try to be a bit Bezos.
Imagine that you travel almost everywhere by private jet – except when you’re travelling by road. You’re used to top-level luxuries in every corner of your life and time to yourself is among those that you value the highest (bless).
So what you experience inside a ‘limousine’ is far more important than how it looks, how it drives or what it says about you. Would you not prefer one that you can step in and out of even more easily than a black cab? One with enough room inside for you to genuinely repose? One with blinds and cabin dividers that enable you to shut out the world, as well as the driver up front? One with seats and tables like your Gulfstream – but with the digital technology to beat it?
The 200 or so deposits that Lexus UK took for this car after opening the order book last year suggest that you just might.
This isn’t the first LM, but the second-generation model steps the commitment to luxury up a notch. Like its Toyota sister (the Alphard, also replaced last year), it’s now based on a proper car platform and has coil-sprung independent suspension. But unlike that MPV, it has a chassis specially reinforced, insulated and tuned for cosseting ride refinement.
There’s only one engine option in the UK: a 247bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder as part of a ‘self-charging’ hybrid system. Although you can have an extra electric motor for part-time four-wheel drive.
Two cabin configurations are available: a seven-seater and (in top-of-the-range Takumi spec, as tested) a strict four-seater, complete with a chauffeuring-grade cabin-divider bulkhead and a pair of fully reclining, outrageously well-furnished, lounge-style rear chairs.
Thought the ‘sleeping seat’ in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class was cushy? You’ve seen nothing yet, Jeff. These ones go fully flat (although Lexus doesn’t recommend flattening them when the car is in motion, and they’re actually more comfortable inclined just a little). The sheer size of the LM and its monocab packaging affords the necessary space. I’m 6ft 3in yet didn’t come close to running out of leg room.
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