REVEALED at the Shanghai Motor show, the second-generation 2024 Lexus LM aims to set the benchmark when it comes to luxury minivans. The LM is one of the best-selling models of the Japanese luxury automaker in the Philippines, which means that the launch of a nextgeneration model is indeed important for its customers and fans in the Philippine market.

Measuring 5,125 mm long (+85 mm), 1,890 mm wide (+40 mm), and 1,955 mm tall (+10 mm) with a 3,000 mm wheelbase, the new LM is marginally bigger in every dimension than the outgoing model. It has also finally migrated to the TNGA-K platform that’s also shared with Lexus NX and RX. As a result, the new LM has 50-percent higher torsional rigidity for improved refinement and handling. Migrating to the new platform also means that it now inherits many of the current Lexus design cues, such as the frameless “Spindle Body” grille design that debuted in the RX.

The lines have also been smoothened out for a cleaner appearance, while the tighter panel gaps not only make it look cleaner but also improve aerodynamics according to Lexus. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the variant, while the rear end of the LM also ditches the Lexus emblem in favor of the Lexus script being proudly displayed on top of the full-width LED tail lights.

The sumptuous interior of the 2024 Lexus LM also adopts similar design cues that bring this luxury MPV in line with the rest of the model range. This includes a sculpted dash design with a generous serving of wood and leather, as well as a new Lexus Interface Infotainment System. Panel gaps and window trimmings have been simplified as a way to reduce visual noise, thus making the interior feel more like a living room.

Three seating configurations are available for the 2024 Lexus LM. Beginning with the six- and seven-seater layout, this comes with two power-adjustable captain’s chairs with ottomans in the second row. Meanwhile, the third row can either be a three-person bench seat or a two-person bench seat with a foldable center armrest. This layout also features an overhead console that serves as storage as well as a fridge that’s located behind the front center console.

The most luxurious layout is the four-seater model, as this ditches the third row altogether in favor of two armchairs. More privacy is also added courtesy of the power-deployable sunshades on all windows as well as the partition that separates the rear occupants from the driver. Behind the partition is a massive 48-inch screen where VIPs can link their laptop for work. Speaking of laptops, the armchairs also contain leather-wrapped folding tables that are stored under the center armrests as if you’re seated in a first-class airplane seat.

In line with the electrification goals of Lexus, the new LM only comes as a hybrid this time around. The range kicks off with the LM 300h, which has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Though its output has not yet been revealed, this powertrain produces 246 hp and sends power to the front or all four wheels via an e-CVT (continuously variable transmission) in the RX and NX.

The fastest LM available is the LM 500h, which gets a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to electric motors driving the rear wheels, thus making it all-wheel drive (AWD). If this sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the same powertrain that’s found in the RX 500h F Sport Performance, which means this gets a six-speed automatic. Likewise, its output has not yet been announced, but in the aforementioned RX, it produces 371 hp.

Adaptive Variable Suspension

On top of the new TNGA-K platform, the LM also now features the brand’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for the first time. There’s also a new Rear Comfort driving mode that prioritizes rear seat comfort by reducing the swaying motions during acceleration and braking. Combined with the thicker glass and sound insulation, the LM is expected to feel more dynamic yet comfortable and luxurious than ever before.

The 2024 Lexus LM will be sold in 60 countries around the world before the end of the year. Considering how popular the LM is in the Philippine market, expect this luxury MPV to be launched sooner rather than later, probably in just a year’s time.