Plenty of car companies think they have the luxury market figured out and yet many ultra-rich Malaysians still have at least one Toyota Alphard or Vellfire at home. Why is that? Well, there’s really no substitute for space when it comes to passenger comfort. You can have the most supportive seats in your luxury German car, but a large MPV that gives each member of the family their own section of the vehicle is just a lot more enjoyable and practical. Which is why Lexus decided to see if they could also tackle this segment of the market with the LM.
The LM was first announced back in April 2019, but we got a whiff of news that they were working on it way back in 2014. Now Lexus Malaysia are taking orders of the LM 350 variant in particular. The LM 350 is priced at RM1,148,000 on the road w/o insurance and is only available in Black or White Pearl Crystal Shine. Order books are open today at all Lexus Malaysia outlets but the official launch of the vehicle is only expected in May of 2021.
Additionally, they’re bringing in the variant that has just 4 seats, so that’s two seats in front for the driver and front passenger and then two more VIP ‘Adaptipedic’ lounge seats in the rear. These seats have a huge amount of leg room and are both air cooled and heated with an Ottoman massage function.
The rest of the equipment list for rear passenger comfort is pretty impressive as well. It includes:
- a 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system
- a 26-inch full HD display panel for rear passengers
- a retractable glass partition between the front and rear passengers
- a fold-out magazine rack
- large storage cubicles on both sides of the vehicle
- a mini fridge
As for the vehicle itself, the Lexus LM350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 296hp and 361Nm of torque paired to an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic. It has 18” noise-reducing rims, 3-beam LED projector headlights, and the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+).
LSS+ features:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
It also comes with 7 airbags. Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
When Lexus decides to develop a spacious executive vehicle for your travels, you are assured that they will envelop you in total luxury and style ensuring that your every journey is filled with an aura of prestige.
Enter the Lexus LM350, an exquisitely-crafted MPV with the Lexus expression of Omotenashi hospitality. This mobile first class lounge articulates the sense of a Luxury Mover where passengers arrive in better shape than when they left.
From the outset, the Lexus LM350 cuts a dynamic outlook that expresses elegance and confidence in motion. The large spindle grille contrasts the ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlights while the high waistline impresses a vehicle of strength and spaciousness. Elegant 18-inch noise-reducing alloy rims finished in hyper chrome metallic blend perfectly with the chrome accents sprinkled sparingly around the vehicles.
A powerful 3.5-litre quad cam V6 pushing out 296hp and 361Nm of torque ensures that this full-sized MPV is able to cruise sedately with ample power to spare when needed. Transmitting power to the front wheels through a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission, the Lexus LM350 makes light work of any journey as it whispers along in quiet confidence.
Undoubtedly, safety remains a priority for all Lexus models and the LM350 comes with no less than the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+). It features the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) among others while seven airbags including two side curtain airbags reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision.
Inside the Lexus LM350 is where the pearl is truly found. The driver undoubtedly gains many of the features available in other Lexus models including a 12.3inch touch screen with controls that be activated through a touch pad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and plush semi-aniline leather seats. But much of the focus is placed on pampering the rear passengers.
By placing just four seats in the Lexus LM350, there is an abundance of space to accommodate the pair of VIP lounge seats with generous legroom available even when the Adaptipedic seats are fully reclined. Activate the Ottoman massage function in the air cooled or heated seats through touch controls on the rear central console to sooth you after a long day in the office. Enjoy too the dynamic full-bodied sound stage created by the 19- speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system that is able to offer you opera-house clarity.
Every journey in the Lexus LM350 is never just idled away as there is a 26-inch full HD display panel mounted between the two rows of seats. The screen has numerous playback functions and connectivity options so you can catch up on your favourite series or even conduct meetings in Lexus comfort. To ensure your privacy, Lexus engineers have included a glass partition that can be raised or lowered at a touch of a button. With space comes the ability to indulge. A fold-out magazine rack ensures that your daily readings can be tucked away neatly while large cubicles on both sides of the vehicle allows you to elegantly stow a handbag or an attache case out of the way. A mini fridge ensures your drinks are kept chilled at the optimum temperature that you prefer.
“In true Lexus fashion, the engineers have crafted a vehicle that heralds a new level of dignity in luxury motoring. From the immense road presence of the vehicle to the finite details of each interior component, the all-new Lexus LM350 is crafted to exceed the desires of those who appreciate the highest level of style and comfort on the move,” said President of Lexus Malaysia Mr Ravindran K.
“Lexus has once again delivered on the promise of elevating executive-class travel on the road. Whether your journeys are for urban commutes or inter-state travels, the notion of being transported in sophisticated elegance, top-level comfort and advanced safety is not compromised. Few vehicles on the road today are able deliver you in such a capable and dignified manner as the LM350 does,” added Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia Mr Akio Takeyama.
With the official launch of the all-new Lexus LM350 expected to be held in May of 2021 with the first owners receiving the keys a month later, Lexus Malaysia is encouraging eager buyers to place their bookings now to secure their vehicles.
All six authorised Lexus Centres around the country will be ready to accept orders of the Lexus LM350 from 23rd December 2020 for the 4-seater Lexus LM350 that is priced at RM1,148,000 on the road without insurance (Peninsular Malaysia). Two colours are available for the new model – Black and White Pearl Crystal Shine and all Lexus Malaysia vehicles enjoy a comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
