Lexus Introduces the LM Luxury Minivan
Lexus has entered the luxury minivan market with its new LM model, which debuted at the Auto Shanghai 2019. This high-end vehicle aims to provide a premium travel experience for executives and families in Asian and European markets, where luxury minivans are popular for business and personal use.
Design and Features
The Lexus LM boasts a striking design, featuring a bold front grille and a distinctive rear spoiler. Inside, buyers can choose between a four-seat executive configuration or a seven-seat family layout. Both versions offer spacious, comfortable seating upholstered in high-quality materials.
Passengers will enjoy a host of amenities, including a 26-inch screen, a glass privacy partition, and a classic analog clock. Practical features include umbrella storage and two mini-refrigerators. The LM offers two engine options: the LM 350 with a 3.5-liter engine and the LM 300h, which features an electrified 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Customers can also choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive layouts. The vehicle’s suspension and acoustic insulation are designed to provide a smooth, quiet ride.
Market and Pricing
The Lexus LM is expected to go on sale in China and other Asian markets later this year, with an estimated price of around $100,000. The LM is the first minivan in the Lexus lineup, a brand known for its luxury sedans and sports cars. This move into the minivan segment reflects the demand for such vehicles in the Asian market, where executives prioritize using travel time productively for meetings or rest. The Shanghai Auto Show, at which the LM was unveiled, ran from April 18-25, 2019.
Focus on the Asian Market
Many industry observers have noted Lexus’s unusual move into the minivan market. However, the vehicle caters to a specific demand within the Asian market. Executives in this region often require comfortable and functional transportation for business travel. By offering a luxurious and well-equipped minivan, Lexus is positioning itself to capitalize on this need.
