One should not rush into signing a contract just because a car looks good. There is something essential to do beforehand: hire a driver. Only then can you truly enjoy this vehicle. The Lexus LM 500h ‘Royal’ is a chauffeur-driven minivan. While I plan to test the six-seat Executive model later, I took the four-seat Royal for a spin. Typically, a test drive starts from the driver’s seat, but with the LM Royal, it begins from the back. That’s where the real value is.
The design is definitely not ordinary, but it is still a minivan at the end of the day. However, the moment you open the door and behold the interior, a delightful surprise unfolds. This is what a minivan can be like! I witnessed the essence of a Japanese premium minivan crafted by Lexus. To think this large vehicle carries only four passengers; truthfully, it’s a car primarily made for just two individuals in the rear seats.
When the powered door swings open, a motorized step descends to a height of 220mm. As your hand naturally reaches out, you’ll find a handle, and there’s even space for an umbrella. Every touchpoint, every place to step, and every place your eye rests has been meticulously crafted. This attention to detail signifies the care and effort invested into this vehicle.
As you settle into the back seat, the first thing you encounter is a partition. This wall can either completely separate the front and rear or be lowered to create an open space. The decision lies with those in the rear. If locked from the back, it cannot be opened from the front, and vice versa. The transparent glass can transform into a frosted surface at the push of a button, effectively segregating the front and back as needed. When the space is divided, sounds from the back are kept from reaching the front.
The 48-inch ultra-wide screen is a spectacle. The partition that separates the front and rear serves as a monitor. With a 32:9 aspect ratio, it supports various functions from enjoying widescreen videos to multitasking work. It can also split screens in a 16:9 format. There are multiple screen modes, including single and dual-screen options. The audio setup allows for sound separation between screens when using different audio visualizations, enhancing the convenience for passengers. One can watch YouTube or Netflix and even use it as a workspace.
Excluding the front row, there are just two seats in the rest of the vehicle. Is this what a spacious high-end apartment with two people living in it would feel like? The sophistication that space itself offers is of the highest level.
The rear seat cushions envelop passengers’ bodies. It embraces them from head to toe. The armrests are equipped with heating elements. Thoughtfully adjusted, the cushions also help alleviate fatigue from the lower back. There are seven relaxation modes to provide soothing comfort. You can receive massages from your shoulders down to your thighs. The large headrests, designed to accommodate head placement, are made from top-tier materials. The seats further enhance comfort by mitigating the car’s natural vibrations.
The targeted air conditioning functionality is a fresh concept. An infrared sensor is installed at the top of the partition to detect the temperature of the windows, trim, and ceiling, estimating the temperature of specific body parts (face, chest, above knee, below knee) and adapting the air conditioning as needed for each zone.
Most functions are managed through a multi-operation panel. A remote-style touch controller allows individual adjustment of the seat, air conditioning, lighting, sunshades, and audio on either side of the vehicle. The monitor can be controlled via a separate remote. There is a refrigerator with two cooling levels, always ready to keep beverages cool. It has a capacity of 14L.
Near the rear lamps, there is a button. This button opens and closes the powered trunk door, operating it from the side rather than from behind. When it is opened from behind, you need to press the button and step back slightly, but pressing the button from the side requires no movement. That’s quite convenient.
After enjoying some time pretending to be a wealthy passenger in the back seat, I switched to the driver’s seat. This was the experience of being in the chauffeur’s role.
The vehicle is equipped with a 2.4L turbo hybrid system and a six-speed automatic transmission. It boasts a total output of 368 horsepower with a curb weight of 2,470 kg. This translates to a weight-to-power ratio of 6.7 kg per horsepower, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Despite its hefty size, it has enough power to accelerate quickly.
Nevertheless, this is not a car designed for fast and aggressive driving. It is better suited for comfortable, smooth movements. The ride quality is, in fact, incredibly smooth—among the softest I’ve experienced recently. Still, it does have the ability to adjust its firmness; when encountering significant impacts, it exhibits strong rebound resistance, mitigating the body’s sway. Thus, while it tends to be soft, it is not always so, showing a firm stance when necessary.
In addition to Normal, Eco, Sports, and Custom modes, there’s also a Rear Comfort mode. This mode prioritizes the ride quality for backseat passengers, showcasing a key functionality of this vehicle. It optimizes the driving stability control for rear seating and acts to suppress rolling during braking, thereby heightening overall comfort for passengers in the back.
Of course, it features all-wheel drive. It is equipped with an electronic DIRECT4 AWD system that includes a 76kW e-Axle electric motor at the back. The torque distribution can be adjusted between the front and rear, from a maximum of 100:0 to 20:80. The combination of 2.5 tons’ weight, 368 horsepower, and all-wheel drive is perfectly harmonious, delivering smooth and comfortable movement. When the acceleration pedal is pressed deeply, the weight of 2.5 tons is first felt. In Sports mode, that heaviness diminishes somewhat. It transmits powerful force smoothly, effortlessly pulling that hefty mass forward. The stability of the all-wheel drive enhances its high-speed performance, allowing it to cruise effortlessly. It drives beautifully.
While it performs exceptionally, the owner seated in the back is likely not too keen on such speed. Comfort, tranquility, and reduced vibrations are all preferred elements. This is not a vehicle designed to please the driver; the priority lies firmly with the backseat owner.
This vehicle seems ideal for a successful celebrity who enjoys a leisurely ride. It can accommodate four golf bags, perfect for transporting a group of golf enthusiasts. Moreover, it serves as an excellent choice for those often handling work tasks while on the go. There are no further options for formal occasions. Though it may not sell in large volumes, it is likely to find a dedicated clientele. With a price of 196 million won, it exemplifies Lexus’s sense of pride.
Oh Jong-hoon’s straightforward remarks.
The process of activating the numerous rear-seat conveniences and features isn’t very intuitive. I found myself repeatedly searching for buttons while trying to split and merge screens or search for YouTube channels. A more intuitive user interface would have been appreciated. Despite a sales price of 200 million won, there’s no head-up display and no air suspension. Given the lower yen rates, a little more investment would have been welcome…
Oh Jong-hoon yes@autodiary.kr