New LM 350h introduced for Europe: luxury truck from Lexus

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Vans are on the decline in Europe. In the late 1980s the segment took off with the Renault Espace and Chrysler Voyager, among others. Station wagon fans moved in droves to practical vans. But the boring image of family cars remained, and so VW Sharan, Kia Carens or Ford Galaxy, among others, have become unpopular candidates in manufacturers’ portfolios over the past decade. If you want to drive a van, with VW ID. Buzz, VW T7 or Mercedes V-Class now mostly travels in minibuses.

The fact that things could be done differently is particularly evident in China, where vans also play a role in the luxury and upper class, and will likely soon make their way to Europe as well. Because Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus dares to bring its 5.13 meter long LM to Europe. LM unofficially stands for Luxury Mover, which is a cross between a van and a luxury sedan. The Lexus LS should offer the same comfort as the luxury cruise liner the Mercedes S-Class or Audi A8 are known for.

Few people, maximum comfort

Unlike family vans, the LM is not about carrying as many people and as much luggage as possible, but rather offering a particularly high level of travel comfort to a small number of passengers. The Lexus LM is available not only as a seven-seater, but also in a premium version that offers only two separate seats with the function of resting behind power sliding doors. In addition to air-conditioned leather seats, mood lighting, separate automatic climate control and full connectivity, the LM at the rear offers a massive 48-inch wideband monitor and Mark Levinson’s 3D audio system.

Hybrid and all-wheel drive

Safely driven by the chauffeur, passengers can lie down on the pull-out tables or sun loungers in the back, almost like in a private jet. The seats are designed to counteract unnecessary head movements and dampen low-frequency vibrations. Strong headrests support not only the neck but also the upper back, adjustable ottomans support the legs and can be placed horizontally like an airplane bed at the touch of a button. Layered foams provide a soft surface and a stable base. The tilt function prevents you from sliding forward when braking.

In Europe, Lexus will be available from autumn as the 2.5-liter hybrid-drive LM 350h, known from the Lexus NX 350h and RX 350h models. Output is 250 hp (184 kW) with a maximum torque of 239 Nm. Top speed is limited to 190 km/h. The Lexus 350h Van comes standard with electronically controlled all-wheel drive that can split torque 100:0 to 20:80 between the axles. An electronic chassis with special tilt control should ensure that even in traffic jams the rear passengers are not disturbed. However, prices are not yet known. It is not yet clear whether other luxury brands will do the same with luxury vans in the future.

Source: Blick