“A new choice emerging in the flagship market” is the slogan for the Lexus LM released by Lexus Korea.
The Lexus LM held its launch event on the 24th in Gangnam, Seoul. The Lexus LM is Lexus’s flagship MPV model that began full-scale sales in 2020 and transitioned to its second generation in 2023. Sales in Korea began with the second-generation model.
Lexus has taken on the challenge of redefining the role traditionally held by the LS as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, positioning the LM as a new pioneer in the chauffeur-driven market. The LM exceeds expectations. Its seamless grill design, which smoothly integrates with the car body based on Lexus’s design identity of ‘spindle body,’ is stylish and demonstrates exceptional aerodynamics.
Measuring 5,135 x 1,890 x 1,955mm, upon opening the second-row door, an umbrella holder and an umbrella can be found. The holder is designed to let water drain. A retractable partition separates the driver’s seat and the second row, ensuring the second-row passengers have their privacy and can enjoy their time alone. A 48-inch wide display is installed in the partition, allowing passengers to enjoy popular content like YouTube and Disney Plus while on the move.
Below the display, there is a small refrigerator for refreshing drinks during travel. The model features a 2+2 seating structure for four passengers. The second-row VIP seats are large independent chairs that cradle the body, offering the utmost comfort during travel. Additionally, the design enhances support for prolonged sitting.
The roof and dashboard are outfitted with the finest leather materials, further enhancing the luxurious feel associated with Lexus. The driver’s instrument panel and a 14-inch touch display are interconnected. The touch display is equipped with a navigation system developed in collaboration with LG Uplus, offering smart route guidance.
It is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbo hybrid engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, showcasing a powerful total system output of 368 horsepower.
The primary target customer is expected to be corporate clients. Kang Dae-hwan, Vice President of Lexus Korea, stated, “Currently, around 500 units are reserved,” and “traditionally, corporate clients have been limited, but in the case of the LM, 50% of the reservation customers are corporate clients.”
Vice President Kang also explained the Lexus Care service. “The Lexus Care service offers a basic warranty period of 4 years or 100,000 km, and after the warranty ends, it will be automatically extended for one year each time a regular check-up is performed. A total of 10 years or 200,000 km of warranty applies, similar to the warranty system exclusive to Lexus hybrids, now applied to the LM.”
The Lexus LM500h is priced at 148 million KRW for the 6-seat model and 196 million KRW for the 4-seat model.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr