Lexus just announced that it would bring a brand new car model to the 2019 Auto Shanghai motor show starting in a couple weeks. Chinese media seem to agree that the car in question is a minivan/MPV based on the Toyota Alphard chassis.
Supporting this theory is a statement that the CEO of Lexus Philippines made last year. He said the luxury car marque would be releasing its first minivan in 2019.
Finally, the company applied for trademarks “LM350” and “LM300h” in China a while ago. Up until now, Lexus has never been using similar alphanumeric designations for its sedans or SUVs.
Based on the only teaser pic available right now, the car stays true to the overall design philosophy of the Japanese brand. In particular, it has the traditional narrow-slit headlights and the spindle-shaped radiator grille. As for the daytime running lights, Chinese media have been comparing these to a hook-like weapon used in ancient China.
In the fall of 2018, information leaked that Lexus was working on a new SUV based on the LF-1 Limitless Concept and destined to rival the Lamborghini Urus when it goes on sale.
Photos: Lexus