Suttie’s seven days… with a Lexus LM hybrid luxury MPV
Lexus charged into the luxury MPV sector last year with the UK debut of its LM ‘Luxury Mover’ but can it unsettle the current chauffeuring A-listers? By Al Suttie.
Lexus LM350h Takumi Four-seater
List price (BiK): £112,305 (37%) CO2: 163g/km Economy: 39.2mpg Test efficiency: 36.6mpg
Monday
As the Lexus LM glides up, I’m not sure whether to sit in the front or the back. As a car aimed squarely at delivering the utmost luxury to those sitting in the rear, this is where much of the focus is, though whoever is in the driver’s seat is just as likely to be the one funding this ultimate MPV as the lucky occupants of the rear airline-style pews. Incidentally, this is the four-seat Takumi model rather than the seven-seater version.
Tuesday
Who cares if I look a bit mad or sad, I’m enjoying having a spell in the back of the LM even though there’s nobody in the driver’s seat and I’m not going anywhere. The leather-lined seat is sumptuous and supportive, and it can be reclined for added comfort. There’s also an array of massage functions, fold-out trays, fridge, and that vast 48-inch widescreen television to distract from any strange looks from passers-by.
Wednesday
Taking a turn up in flight deck, er, I mean driver’s seat of the LM, it’s still a pretty opulent experience. Rather than being treated as a second-class citizen, the driver gets the same leather upholstery and all the gadgets you’d associate with Lexus upper-end models. All this and there’s a superb raised seating position that gives an excellent view ahead. Thankfully, there’s a 360-degree monitor to help with parking.
Thursday
On some rural Scottish roads this morning, you would not expect the LM to be the most engaging car to drive. So it proves, but it doesn’t turn into a wobbly dynamic mess either. While clearly prioritising comfort over outright handling, the LM keeps body lean in check and offers decent grip. Crucially, its 19-inch alloy wheels glide over the ruts, ridges and depressions in the road so that it feels like a high-end SUV such as a Range Rover.
Friday
As with many of Lexus’ models, the LM350h is a hybrid but without the ability to plug-in for a charge top-up. A greater all-electric range would be ideal for city use where the near silence would suit the LM’s manners, but the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is generally refined. Only when you ask for some perky acceleration does it take on a harder edge, mostly due to the CVT (continuously variable transmission) causing the engine to rev more than feels necessary.
Saturday
The topic of price for the LM is raised with a friend. With a P11D price of just more than £112,000, this 350h Takumi four-seat model is on a par with some very able luxury saloons, not least the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. For some, the image those cars bestow will be enough to convince them, but as a mobile office the Lexus has the edge for anyone who has to spend great gobs of time on the move.
Sunday
The LM is not going to be the luxury transport choice for some, but as a major upgrade from a Mercedes EQV or V-Class, or a Volkswagen Multivan for chauffeur work it’s an arresting option. The gearbox is the weak link in its chain of otherwise strong abilities, but I suspect those in the back seats will be unfussed by this.
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