The Lexus LM is a VIP van you haven’t heard of… UNTIL NOW!

Have you ever wondered why the most luxurious cars built by European brands are limousines? Or were at least until the extreme SUV boom?

To be honest, I’ve never asked myself this question, either. Until I’ve been a passenger in the possibly most luxurious and spacious Minivan on the market; the Lexus LM, standing for “Luxury Mover”.

What is it all about?

The LM is gate-crashing a world of VVIP travel, openly inspired by the kind of hermetically sealed high-end travel experience enjoyed by serial users of private jets. Lexus took Toyota’s GA-K-platform known from the Toyota Alphard and Esquire (surprisingly the Lexus NX and RX, too) and built a VIP van. The advantage? More room and space, possibilities to move the seats, versatility, trunk space and an easier access to the cabin compared to a limousine but still able to “act” like an SUV. So, it promises more acceptable structural rigidity and body control if not searing car-like reflexes.

First impressions:

Presence, opulence and majesty, but in a modest way. Pretty Japanese. It’s the fourth model in Lexus’s ‘Next Chapter’ narrative, whose design philosophy is predicated on ‘dignified elegance’ and an execution that majors on a ‘Resolute Look’. Well, they got that second bit right. There’s obviously a much greater frontal area to play with here, and the ‘spindle’ grille is as – let’s call it: striking as ever. It’s body-coloured on the LM. There’s a deep windscreen, sliding side doors, and a full-width L-shaped light bar runs round the tailgate to enhance the stance. The LM is 5.1m long, 1.9m tall, and 1.89m wide. It’s not pretty, but it is sort of cool. And it has massive presence everywhere you go. And that’s the counting factor. It looks like an opulent way of transportation – and certainly is, too. It leaves questions in the pedestrian’s eyes.

Let’s have a seat.

Having a seat in the Lexus LM is like opening a shell to reveal its pearl. This is it. Peak luxury. Almost lost for words, all of my passengers took a. seat and let their eyes wander through the cabin and its endless features.

The Lexus called “VIP” package throws out the third row of seats, replaces the two remaining with proper and fully flat captain’s chairs. I’ve got to start with the seats then. Lexus claims inspiration from the world of first-class air travel, but the chairs in the LM are perhaps even better than that. Just because a minivan isn’t a jet and the seats are mounted higher up than usual. The center of gravity can be problematic, which can lead to a swaying sensation and motion sickness, especially with closed curtains (advantage for the Lexus LS). At least that’s what I experienced. The headrests provide support from the top of the back rather than just the neck, keeping your core more secure. They’re heated and ventilated, there’s an air pocket lumbar support system, and seven different massage settings. The upshot are the best seats I’ve ever experienced in a car. The heating even extends to the leg ottomans and the armrests! And of course the seats are able to fold almost completely flat.

The 4-seater VIP cabin offers a 23 speaker – yes, you read that correctly – 23 speaker Mark Levinson surround system which is out of any competition. Imagine playing Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” and the song’s solo kicks in at 4:30min… The 3D Audio lets you loose and thinking the British rock stars are playing in the car. It is indeed, a moving sound studio. But not only that, the Lexus LM is able to be transformed into a drivable business lounge or relax zone for any kind of journey and driving distances.

The LM’s rear cabin is simply impressive. Everything is covered in leather, wood or carpet. The four-seater LM has a cabin partition that sits in a die-cast magnesium frame. It’s sort of a New York taxi reminiscent, but superior in every other perspective. The upper section has a glass screen that can be closed or left open and able to be dimmed by pushing a button. It also features thermal sensors which use infra-red surface temperature tech to scan the occupants and adjust the cabin atmosphere accordingly. This is integral to the LM’s so-called Climate Concierge, which uses nanoe™-X2 air purifying tech to minimize viruses and allergens. Still… impressive in any sort or imagination.

And I haven’t even mentioned the 48inch flatscreen that can be used as a cinema, split screen interface for zoom-meetings or TV to play games on your gaming console via HDMI ports. There’s inductive phone charging, a fridge underneath the screen, illuminated mirrors to do your makeup and foldable tables underneath your armrests.

Come on, hit the road!

The Lexus LM is powered with a reliable hybrid power unit able to deliver up to 250hp/ 184kW with a worldwide leading thermal efficiency of 41%. As this isn’t an astonishing amount of power the LM is still able to reach 100kph in slightly under 9 seconds. Quite alright for a 2.3-ton bus. But honestly, speed isn’t the main focus while driving this luxurious black VIP cabin through the speeds. It’s more of like doing it the most comfortable and confident way possible. Because this car has presence. The unconventional design attracts attention – and questions; What on earth is this car? Where is it heading? Who sits on the back seats? Could it be a celebrity?

You’re the main focus point as the driver of a Lexus LM. Sitting pretty much upright in the ivory seat… only white gloves are missing, but still maneuvering the LM through traffic like a champion. Thanks to the van’s form and short bonnet, its dimension can be easily assessed through the side mirrors. Even as a driver, the Lexus LM is a comfortable car to be in.

But the real music plays in the back. And what a cabin it is.

You see, this Japanese minivan is a close competitor to any Rolls-Royce. For less than half the price.

What should I buy?

The Lexus LM (with the VIP trim) is beyond everything I’ve driven so far. And definitely not your ordinary choice. With a price tag speaking of CHF 175’000.- definitely not a bargain, either. But if you start comparing to its competition, it gets you thinking.

Mentionable is the 10 year / 185’000km warranty which none of the luxury car brands have on offer. This proves that Lexus knows exactly what they’re selling. The Lexus LM has a phenomenally luxurious rear compartment, superb build quality, refinement and it’s a proper left-field luxury option worth to have a look at.

I would venture to say that Lexus's LM clientele consists mainly of companies and limousine services. As Lexus Switzerland recently announced that the Zürich Airport has upgraded its VIP-Services with seven Lexus LM. This news might underline my predictions.

To end this review, I’d like to thank Lexus Switzerland for lending me their Lexus LM350h for a whole week to fully test it with passengers. It is a car that takes luxurious traveling to a completely new level.

Review & photos by RPM | Robin P.M.