For the first time in the history of the marque, Lexus will be releasing a minivan model called the LM. The car just debuted at the 2019 Auto Shanghai show in China.
That said, the ‘new’ Lexus LM is essentially a luxed-up version of the Toyota Alphard. As such, it gets to inherit most of its main units and components from its donor vehicle. As far as one can tell by looking at the Shanghai show car, exterior differences boil down to a new, huge radiator grille, ES/LS-style headlights, chrome-coated wheels, and a different rear.
Inside, there is a partition wall separating the driver’s cockpit from the passenger area. The partition itself houses an umbrella hanger, a clock, a mini fridge, and a 26-inch display. The passengers sit on individual seats with two armrests, rather than benches. There is a touchscreen display built into the middle armrest that you can use to access certain functions of the car. A three-seat-row version of the minivan will be added to the lineup in the future, the company says,
The LM 350 version comes equipped with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 300 hp (224 kW). The LM 300h ships with a hybrid drivetrain incorporating a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric engine for 200 hp / 149 kW total output. Both are available in FWD and AWD variants.
Lexus has specifically designed the MPV for sale in China and Southeast Asia. It remains unclear whether the model will ever become available outside of those markets.
Photos: Lexus