While the Lexus LM is still a relatively new model to us as it just arrived in 2020, the Japanese automaker has already given the luxury minivan a complete makeover.
Lexus introduces the all-new LM
At this year’s Auto Shanghai, Lexus unveils the all-new 2024 LM, which is now in its second-generation form. The biggest highlight is the refinements made in the interior that aims to further improve ride comfort, particularly for rear-seating passengers.
Exterior
Before heading inside, let’s take a look at the changes on the exterior. Lexus reimagined its spindle grille, which sports hexagonal patterns and a borderless layout. The L-shaped design elements can still be seen in the new iteration, including the daytime running lights (DRLs) that have been moved upward.
2024 Lexus LM
But the chrome L-shaped trims on the side profile have been replaced with a more straightforward finish. The most probable reason for this update is to allow the integration of a floating roof design. And over to the back, a full-width taillight is fitted, along with subtle L-shaped design elements.
Interior
Now on to the highlight of the show. The ride comfort has been improved by strengthening the torsional rigidity by 50 percent. Structural adhesive is also used for the upper body and floor to reduce vibration. For the first time, Lexus features “AVS Suspension with Frequency-Sensitive Piston Valve,” providing excellent ride quality regardless of speed.
The entire dashboard layout has a simple finish so drivers can focus more on the road
Available seating options include four, six, and seven, with the four-seating configuration getting power ottoman seats, a retractable glass partition, and a 48-inch wide-screen display. The front seats optimize surface pressure distribution to comfortably hold occupants in place even in hard cornering, while the second-row seats get two types of shock-absorbing materials. As for the third row, the seats come with more comfortable thick cushions.
The 4-seater variant gives a more luxurious cabin experience
Another area that has been enhanced to further improve ride comfort is cabin quietness. The noise reduction works focused mainly on road noise and wind noise. Acoustic glass is used to help reduce high-frequency wind noise. Moreover, the integration of sound-absorbing, sound-insulating, and vibration-damping materials significantly reduces cabin noise.
Tech & Safety
Further enhancing the cabin experience is the use of ambient lighting with 64 illumination colors. It has 14 themed colors and 50 custom colors that can be configured by passengers. Lexus introduces the “Rear Climate Concierge” function. It provides integrated control for air-conditioning, seat position, sunshades, and lighting, helping create an optimal cabin environment.
The cabin is available with a 48-inch TV
In terms of safety, the Lexus Safety System+ is now available in the minivan. The main advanced driver assistance system functions of this system include Pre-Crash Safety (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with an all-speed follow function, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Abnormal Driver Response System, and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).
Engine & Powertrain
Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine has been discontinued in favor of smaller displacement engines. These include a 2.4-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine and a 2.5-liter inline-4 naturally-aspirated engine, both coming with hybrid assistance. The non-turbo setup is available with E-Four, Lexus’ all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
It is said to come with an elegant exterior design that evokes a sense of arrival
Lexus has yet to reveal the full specifications of the new model. But the automaker did reveal that the 2024 LM will be launched in over 60 countries including first-time markets.
We can expect that Lexus Philippines will bring the model in as the first-gen version is currently being offered to the local market. This is also our preview of the next-generation Toyota Alphard as the two minivans are essentially or somehow the same.
Here at Philkotse.com, you won’t miss the latest car models.