2024 Lexus LM 350h Sports Luxury Review

The big, luxurious people mover was never on the minds of car buyers in Australia, until recently. The growing premium chauffeur service, along with the increase in private tour operators mean there’s now a demand for these new class of luxury vehicle locally. Crucially this segment is served by just two models, the long-running Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer and newcomer Lexus LM, the latter is what we’re going to take a closer look at.

But first, let’s be clear on one thing. Despite the Vito Tourer’s tri-star badge it’s not really a direct competitor to the Lexus LM, at least not in terms of price, features and luxury level. With a sticker of $89,774 plus on-road costs it’s a reasonable ask for model that’s actually based on a commercial van albeit decked out like a people mover.

The Lexus LM on the other hand, is designed from the ground up to be a luxury van, though it shares the same platform and drivetrain with the fourth-generation Toyota Alphard (not sold in Australia). Pricing starts at $160,888 for the LM350h Sports Luxury 2WD, stretching to $165,888 for the AWD version. The range topping LM500h Ultra Luxury AWD costs a whopping $220,888. All prices exclude on-road costs.

Currently, if you’re looking a non-compromising super luxurious people mover available in the Australian market, there’s only the Lexus LM. It’s a niche market for sure, but the LM can have it all to itself. What are the chances of it succeeding? Read on.

One of the many remarks I heard while in possession of the Lexus LM is ‘what on earth is this thing?’ The LM is a tall and imposing vehicle but what draws most people to it is that large Lexus spindle grille up the front. It’s by far the largest grille (not just Lexus grille) I have ever seen on a vehicle. Stretching from the bonnet right down to the base of the bumper, it’s truly massive. But somehow, it works on a vehicle as big as the LM and it blends well with the rest of the design. It’s got some classy detailing in it as well.

It seems to me that the grille is the design centre piece that sets off the rest of the styling. Flanking the grille is a pair of striking headlights, along with fog lights lower down in the bumper. Bold lines from the fascia sweep elegantly backwards and onto the sides of the car breaking down that otherwise vast and blend canvas. The rear features a light bar that wraps around from side to side emphasising width. As with the new generation of Lexus models, the name LEXUS is proudly laid out across the tailgate in lieu of the corporate ‘L’ badge.

For anyone who’s been in a Toyota Alphard (I happen to be one of them) they’ll know how incredibly plush the cabin is. The Lexus LM is on another level. From the execution and detailing to the quality and craftsmanship, the LM is on a league of its own. From a car maker that’s known for its obsession to fine details and perfection, the LM encompasses all the luxury that Lexus has to offer.

Top shelf materials used in the LM include semi-aniline leather upholstery for all seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with ‘Burgundy Sumi’ woodgrain ornamentation, multi-colour ambient interior lighting and an extended overhead console with ‘Yabane’ ornamentation (Japanese arrow feathers vector).

While a 4-seat version is available on the flagship LM 500h, the LM 350h tested here is a 7-seater, with the second row made up two fully reclining, power operated captain’s chairs complete with ottomans and massage functions. Heating and ventilation is featured not just on the seats but also on the ottoman and armrests. All functions are controlled through individual removable smartphone-like controllers.

These are some of the best seats in the business. Akin to business class seats on commercial jets, they are superbly comfortable and will make any long road trips feel a little too short. If you fancy some entertainment a 14-inch screen flips down from the overhead console on activation. It can play any compatible video from a portable device via a HDMI connection. The overhead console features switchable mood lighting on both sides which does truly set the tone at night. There’s also a sunroof with motorised shade for each captain seat.

Perhaps the only thing missing for the second row is a wireless phone charger. I wish there was one for each second row passenger. For such a large mover and at this price point, the fitment of just one wireless charger at the front doesn’t quite make sense.

The third row seats aren’t as special as the second row but still feel pretty plush with plenty of room to wiggle about. The seats are mainly designed to accommodate 2 passengers but a third person can go in the middle just fine with the centre armrest retracted and centre headrest installed. A ‘walk-in’ function can be activated at the press of a button to slide the second seat forward for easy access to the rear seats.

As for the front row seats, the chauffeur and front passenger are both treated to very comfortable seats with heating and ventilation. The driver’s seat is eight-way power adjustable while the passenger seat is four-way adjustable.

Apart from the front windows, all windows plus the rear windscreen have dark privacy tinting. The four rear windows also have power operated sunshades which can be either individually or group operated.

As the LM is low car, care must be taken when opening the two rear sliding doors as they open outwards before sliding to the back. There’s a chance the door may hit the curb if the car is parked too close to one.

The LM features Lexus’ latest generation of cabin tech which includes a large 14-inch centre touchscreen display with ‘Hey Lexus’ voice recognition, built-in sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. Audio is played through a 21-speaker Mark Levinson 3D surround sound system which sounds pretty amazing to say the least.

In addition, the LM is the first Lexus model to feature a 12.3-inch fully digital instrumentation display. It looks much better than the smaller digital display found in other Lexus models though it still lacks fanfare and configurability compared to rival systems. Complementing the digital display is a head-up display which projects essential driving information onto the windscreen.

The LM 350h on test is powered by a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with an electric motor – the same powertrain as that in the RX 350h. The drive battery for the electric motor is a 5.0Ah Nickel Metal Hydride battery which is surprising to see given almost all other makers – including Toyota – have moved on to the newer, more efficient Lithium-Ion type. Nevertheless, the hybrid powertrain produces a combined output of 184kW and 270Nm, all channelled to the front wheels via a CVT automatic in my 2WD version. LM 350h AWD variant gets a second electric motor at the rear axle.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive, having been tuned to perfection in the last two decades, remains one the best hybrid systems on the market. Rolling off, electric power provides the initial drive. As you accelerate the engine kicks in to provide more power as required. Energy from braking or coasting is recuperated to recharge the battery and the stored energy is redeployed to the electric motor the next time you accelerate. The Lexus system impresses with fast battery self-recharge and sparing use of the engine in urban driving under 60km/h, contributing to a rated combined average fuel consumption figure of just 5.5L/100km (tested average 6.6L/100km). For a large mover, that’s pretty impressive.

The transition from electric to combustion power is near seamless, delivering a very refined driving feel. It may lack engagement but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is such a great match for this type of hybrid system and vehicle. For the most part it’s quiet, operating discretely in the background, yet it’s suitably responsive when you put your foot down. The engine does get loud when you’re in the upper rev range though.

Traction from the 2WD is pretty good as long as you stay away from slippery surfaces, and for such a behemoth of a vehicle the handling is surprisingly car-like as well with not much lean around the bends. The steering is also light and precise making it easy to manoeuvre through city streets.

I find the ride quality at the front of the car softer than at the rear, meaning passengers in the second and third rows will feel a little more firmness in the ride than their chauffeur will when the road surface is all but perfect. But overall the LM still delivers one of the plushest rides of any passenger cars I have driven or sat in. And the cabin is so well insulated from outside noise you can really have a quiet conversation with your fellow travellers or a conference call.

The LM is covered by Lexus’ five-year/unlimited km warranty. Service interval is 15000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. The company offers a free Lexus loan vehicle when your Lexus is being serviced or can even come to your home or workplace to pick up and then return your Lexus for servicing.

Verdict

Design & Comfort

9.0/10

Performance & Handling

7.5/10

Quality

8.5/10

Economy

8.5/10

Equipment & Features

8.0/10

OUR SCORE

4.2/5

Our Score: 4.2/5

+ Plus

  • Imposing looks
  • Ultra opulent cabin
  • Refined hybrid drivetrain
  • Excellent fuel efficiency

Minus

  • Pricey for a people mover
  • Dashboard screens lack of fanfare
  • Ordinary third row seats

Overall

The Lexus LM represents most luxurious, stylish and private form of ground travel currently available. Whether it’s for business, leisure or merely just transiting, the LM’s opulent and feature packed cabin will make any journey through any roads a very relaxing and enjoyable one for its passengers.

The notion of SUVs are cooler than vans might ring true but not for something like the LM, for it looks pretty badass and special. I can even imagine one of these dropped on a set of nice aftermarket wheels, that’d be truly sick.

2024 Lexus LM 350h Sports Luxury pricing and specification

Price (Excl. on-road costs):From: $160,888

As tested: $160,888 (Sports Luxury 2WD)

Warranty:5 years/unlimited kilometers
Warranty Customer Service:3 years roadside assist
Country of Origin:Japan
Service Intervals:12 months/15,000km
Engine:2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine, electric motor:

184kW, 270Nm

Transmission:e-CVT
Drivetrain:Front-wheel drive
Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km):Claimed: 5.5

Tested: 6.6

RON Rating:95
Body:People Mover, 7 seats (LM 350h)
Safety:
  • 8 airbags
  • ABS, BA, EBD, ESC
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane-Keep Assist System
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Emergency Brake Assist
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking
  • Traffic Sign Recognition and Display
  • Rear & surround view camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • ISOFIX
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B) mm:5,130/1,890/1,940/3,000
Ground Clearance:156
Kerb Weight (kg):2,305
Boot Space (L):119
Entertainment:
  • 14-inch colour touchscreen
  • 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio
  • Satellite navigation
  • AM/FM/DAB+
  • Bluetooth
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • USB
  • AUX
  • iPod

Check Also

2023 Lexus NX 350h F Sport AWD Review

Last year we drove the Lexus NX 350 and NX 450h+, the petrol and plug-in …