Luxury Mover Lexus LM Debuts In India; Bookings Open

Lexus India, the leading luxury automobile manufacturer, has commenced the bookings for its flagship MPV, the all-new Lexus LM. Bookings for the all-new Lexus LM can now be made across all authorised Lexus Guest Experience Centers as well as Lexus Merakis in India.

The first-generation Lexus LM was launched in 2020 to meet mobility demands of super-rich customers, for a chauffeur-driven MPV in Asian markets. Offering both 4-seat and 7-seat configurations in the ultra-luxury segment, the Lexus LM was very well received across markets. In the intervening years, the needs and desires of the global luxury market have further intensified and diversified. In response, the new LM has been completely redesigned, reevaluating its value and raison detre as a Luxury Mover, from where the model’s name is derived.

The core objective of the engineering and design team was to create a vehicle that provided an interior space and dynamic experience where all passengers could naturally feel at ease. 

The exterior design projects an elegant presence and aerodynamic form in line with the Lexus design language, the vehicle’s lines reflecting functionality and dynamic performance. In the interior, the front cabin design combines practicality with refinement to allow drivers to focus, while the spacious rear suite offers meticulously crafted seats and trim alongside a variety of features and technology to make the most of customers’ precious travel time.

Expressing his views on this momentous occasion, Lexus India President, Naveen Soni, said, “This is a new category for Lexus in India and the fact that we received an overwhelming response for the previous generation LM showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year, only reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. The LM will present a new standard for ultra-luxury mobility in the industry. Basis an ‘all-time-high’ requirement from ultra HNIs for this category, we forecast a strong demand for such Luxury Movers to continue in the coming years.”

Features of the all-new Lexus LM

Ride Comfort

To ensure a comfortable ride for all passengers, development focused on ride quality worthy of a flagship MPV. By design, an MPV has large aperture sliding doors, and securing body rigidity within this framework was paramount. Following the approach taken with all new generations of Lexus vehicles, work began with improving core strength. Overall, torsional rigidity is 50 per cent higher than that of the current model, an achievement made through elements such as braces on the radiator support and rear underfloor, a straight rocker structure, and quarter pillar reinforcement. The structural adhesive used for the upper body and floor also helps to reduce vibration.

For seat development, passenger body movements were thoroughly analysed to ensure a naturally relaxed state for both body and mind no matter where you are sitting. Special attention was also paid to reducing head movement and stabilising the line of sight. The front seats optimise surface pressure distribution on the seat cushion to hold the body, regardless of the amount of G-force during turning. The goal is to achieve seating comfort that reduces fatigue and an environment that allows the driver to have a dialogue with the car. For the second-row seats, two types of shock-absorbing materials with different characteristics were used to gently envelop and support the passengers, from when the vehicle is standstill to when the vehicle is in motion. In models with third-row seats, thick seat backs and cushions allow adults to sit comfortably.

Quietness

For the new LM, special attention was paid to creating a natural and comfortable sense of quietness. Noise frequency bandwidths and noise sources were analysed, resulting in a 3-step approach to noise reduction: reducing generated noise (source noise), preventing noise from entering the vehicle (sound insulation), and reducing noise inside the vehicle (sound absorption). Source noise reduction focused mainly on road noise and wind noise. In addition to the specific countermeasures for road noise around the tires and for wind noise around the hood and pillars, acoustic glass was used to help reduce high-frequency wind noise. The engine, one of the primary sources of noise and vibration, and the related mounts, which amplify the vibration, received thorough tuning. Also, cabin noise was greatly reduced by placing carefully calculated amounts and thicknesses of sound-absorbing, sound-insulating, and vibration-damping materials in appropriate places throughout the vehicle.

The new LM was designed with the key concept of "Dignified Elegance”, to stand apart as a flagship Lexus MPV by combining a unique and elegant curbside presence with a spacious and comfortable interior.

Exterior Design

The key for the exterior design was to bring to the MPV segment the goal of next-generation Lexus design - to create a unique identity through proportions that reflect functional purity and dynamic performance. The LM's unique form is dynamic, elegant, and graceful. The spacious cabin offers maximum passenger space by providing minimal interruptions in the longitudinal form, while the emphasis on the front and rear wheels evokes excellent driving performance and ride comfort. The front design further evolves the Spindle Body, the identity of Lexus. By applying the exterior colour to the grille, the strong extruded spindle shape is expressed as an integral part of the body. By minimising the gap between the surrounding parts and the body, the new design is more integrated, thereby contributing to aerodynamic performance, cooling performance, and manoeuvrability.

Interior Design

To allow passengers to return to being their true selves, the interior incorporates exquisite craftsmanship based on a human-centered approach. The aim was to create a relaxing, lounge-like environment by taking advantage of the generous interior height of the vehicle and offering an airy, comfortable space with a seamless design characterised by clean horizontal and vertical lines.

In the front seats, a modern and spacious interior incorporates the Lexus Tazuna Cockpit concept, complemented by the simple instrument panel and console that create an environment where the driver can concentrate on driving.

The interior colours conjure up a sophisticated contemporary feel in line with this new expression of luxury. Solis White features copper accents on the surroundings, while Black features grey tone gradations throughout. The clean-cut rectangular door trim is also finished with a subtle pattern.Soni further added, “The luxurious all-new LM as a multi-purpose vehicle also embodies our commitment to delivering exceptional comfort, innovative design, and unparalleled craftsmanship. With its impeccable attention to detail, advanced technologies, and exclusive amenities, we are confident that the majestic Lexus LM will redefine ultra-luxury mobility experience for our discerning customers in India and will surpass their increasingly diverse & luxurious lifestyle desires”.

With the many ways to spend time in a car, vehicle use has become even more diversified in recent years. The new LM has been developed with an emphasis on creating a naturally relaxing indoor environment, while meeting the diverse needs of our guests, such as providing a comfortable space that feels like a living room at home, or a space that can be used for business purposes.

For example, indirect lighting accentuates the beauty of the interior shapes and materials and creates a relaxing atmosphere. A total of 64 illumination colours are available, including 14 themed colours and 50 custom colours that can be selected according to preference. Each colour scheme has its own theme, such as “soothing” or “relaxing” and passengers can choose the colour scheme they prefer.

The rear multi-operation panel is a detachable touch-screen controller that can be used to control a variety of rear-seat functions such as” Rear Climate Concierge”, seats, audio, and lighting. Two controllers are located on the console armrests of the second-row seats to allow left and right passengers to set their own individual preferences.

4 Seat Configuration

Available in a 4-seat & a 7-seat configuration, the 4-seat model raises the level of personalisation and privacy, featuring a partition equipped with a striking 48-inch wide-screen display in front of the rear seats. A retractable glass partition above the display separates the front and rear compartments while offering a clear forward view, and assist grips provide easy entry and exit. The speakers, refrigerator, storage compartments, and other functions are integrated into the design elements, while great care has been taken to minimise the panel gaps between components. The side window graphics are also simple rectangles, and every component of the interior has been designed to reduce visual noise, resulting in a relaxing environment for all passengers. Additionally, large independent seats comfortably envelope the body, intending to provide a sense of comfort that frees the body and mind the moment the person sits down.

The 7-seat versions focus on a spacious feel and excellent visibility, with expansive trim and overhead consoles throughout the cabin to create a personal feel for all passengers.

The rear seats feature exclusive independent seats. The extension and retraction range of the ottoman has been increased compared to the previous model, while still maintaining ample distance between the ottoman and the partition. In addition, heated armrests and ottomans are also another Lexus first. A dedicated rear seat "thermal IR matrix sensor" detects passenger and ambient temperature* and is located on the upper center portion of the partition. By dividing the passenger’s body parts (face, chest, thighs, and lower legs) into four categories and estimating their thermal sensitivity (warmth/coldness), the system jointly controls the air-conditioning and seat heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle at all times The retractable table, which fits inside the armrest, is large enough to operate a tablet device or notebook PC, and has a leather-wrapped surface with improved texture and non-slip/non-scratch functionality.

The LM, with its focus on quietness, does not completely shut out sound from the outside, but rather, creates a sense of spaciousness through moderate reflections of sound. Specifically, the layered structure of the roof headlining has been reexamined and intentionally made non-sound-absorbent to achieve a pleasant, quiet environment.

Safety

Lexus continues to develop safety technologies in line with the ultimate goal of a mobility society: "Zero fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents.” Based on the belief in the importance of speedily developing the most advanced safety technologies and promoting their use in as many vehicles as possible, Lexus Safety System + is now available in the new LM, following the RX.

An e-Latch system, incorporating an “easy closer” on the front doors, is another Lexus first. Quiet and smooth operation with enhanced usability supports door closing from a partially open state. Both the front and sliding doors are equipped with Safe Exit Assist (with Door Open Control), which detects vehicles and bicycles approaching from behind, providing a warning notification and preventing the doors from opening.

On the business front, Lexus is looking to expand its customer base in India. With 24 touchpoints across 17 markets, Lexus India aims to enhance sales infrastructure as part of its strategy to grow sustainably in the country. Lexus India currently offers a range of hybrid electric vehicles including the LC 500h, LS 500h, NX 350h, ES 300h & the newly launched Lexus RX 500h & 350h.