There is no practical scenario where anyone needs a van that costs as much as a condominium in BGC. For 95% of your transport needs, a Toyota Innova will do the job. If you need something bigger there’s the Hiace. If you want something with more capability there’s the Fortuner. You get the idea.
So, why would anyone have use for a P10,718,000 four-seater Lexus LM350h?
Let’s get one thing out of the way first. If you don’t see the point in paying P6 million for a Lexus LM over its seven-seater Toyota Alphard twin, then the LM simply isn’t for you. And that’s okay, because the Alphard is a very fine van.
But the beauty of life is there are options: There is fine, and there are the finer things. The Lexus LM is in a class of its own. We learned what the Lexus MPV has to offer during an encounter in Japan.
The first thing you notice is the face. While the previous-generation LM and Alphard looked similar from afar, the new LM distinguishes itself immediately with its eye-catching grille. It’s a bold lattice design that a lesser brand might have done tackily. But Lexus pulls it off nicely.
The sides are elegant slabs of sheet metal, culminating in the rear light bar that’s so trendy lately. Bottomline is the new LM has more presence than its predecessor, and that’s already a big check for its intended customers.
But it’s inside where the LM shines, especially this four-seater variant. You have to pause a bit when the power sliding doors open, because the sheer opulence that greets you is breathtaking. The legroom is the size of a small studio apartment. The whole cabin is finished in white leather and bronze accents. Our market will get a black interior, however, and I feel a little disappointed we’re not getting this white look.
I would describe the seating position as business-like. There’s a separator between the two reclining captain’s chairs, and it’s wide. The LM makes full use of its cabin space. Nestled between the two seats are two remote controls the size of smartphones, to manipulate the LM’s audio, seat adjustments, climate, and lights. The rear seats are four-way power adjustable, with two-way settings for the power ottoman, and a table for the ultimate work-from-traffic setup.
The way the rear seats pamper the occupants is mind-boggling. There is a “thermal matrix IR sensor” that reads the passengers’ body temperature, and then sections the body into four zones (face, chest, thighs, lower legs). By estimating the body’s “thermal sensitivity” to hot and cold, the system controls the A/C and seat heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature at all times. Think of it as a Super Auto A/C function.
There are lamps galore, to illuminate the cabin any way you want. There are lights for the room, vanity, reading, rear personal, door courtesy, push start, inside door handle, front and rear foot, luggage, glove box, and console box. And if you want lighting to suit your mood, 64 illumination colors are available to choose from.
And then there’s that screen. 48 inches of widescreen visual nirvana, big enough for two video feeds side by side. The LM’s connectivity options also allow for online work meetings, letting you stay productive on the road. This is complemented by a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
The seven-seater LM variant gets a 14-inch screen and a still potent 21-speaker Mark Levinson setup. Also exclusive to the four-seater LM is a refrigerator big enough for a bottle of champagne. Because every trip in this plush van is an occasion to celebrate?
In Japan there exists an LM500h, the turbocharged variant with a reported 349hp of combined output. What we get in the Philippines is the LM350h trim, with 247hp and 239Nm of torque. As indicated by the ‘h’ in their model name, both are now hybrids, which should improve fuel economy compared to the previous V6 engines. And in our country, that hybrid powerplant means you don’t fall prey to an outdated traffic reduction system.
With a model like the LM, the most important review is the one as a passenger. But since a test drive was available, I gave it a go behind the wheel. The cockpit is a noticeable improvement over the previous generation’s. Everything is cleaner and simplified. The LM now gets the 14-inch infotainment screen with integrated buttons seen in newer Lexus vehicles. Rest your elbow on the soft leather center console and the short shift knob falls on your hand. It’s quite relaxing, actually.
It’s a short drive, so I can’t comment much on handling or sportiness. I do feel ample power and response from the engine, and I believe expressway speeds will be a cinch regardless of powertrain.
A quick driver change later, I’m in the back seat and I get to feel the LM the way it was meant to be experienced. It is my first time to ride a four-seater Lexus LM while it is moving. It’s as quiet as a bank vault, and quite airy with the light cabin material and the dual sunroofs. I paused to bask in the idea that I’m being chauffeured in a premium MPV. Pardon the cliche, but it’s really like riding business class on the road.
The feature that fascinates me the most is the power partition between the driver and rear passengers. Flick a button and it raises up. Press another button and it frosts over, completely blurring the view in the back. I believe the previous LM already had this feature. The partition is soundproof. I ask the person in front to start talking while the partition is down. When the glass completely shuts, I don’t hear her voice anymore. This partition can be controlled from either the front or rear seats.
I don’t bother pairing my smartphone and trying the Mark Levinson audio system; I’m sure it’s going to be great. The world stops inside this spacious LM cocoon. The scenery slows down and I just live in the moment.
For the LM’s intended market like industry titans, C-suite executives, and high-profile individuals, I imagine these quiet times are precious. These are people whose decisions affect companies, industries, and even our economy. The LM’s ability to shut off the noisy world and provide a safe, comfortable and premium space to marinate and process thoughts, or even just to give a respite from the endless demands of modern life, is a priceless feature.
No other vehicle in the market can offer the presence, comfort, convenience and brand cachet like the Lexus LM. No wonder it has helped Lexus Philippines leap to the top of the segment in sales last year.
It’s safe to say that no one needs a Lexus LM. But what it offers in safety, peace of mind, cachet, and design calls to certain people. These are attributes that reflect the quality of life they have (hopefully) worked hard for. In a busy world, at the crazy pace we live life these days, a fully equipped metal oasis is a dream come true.
