Lexus Australia has shared further details on its upcoming LM people mover, one of three new models the luxury Japanese brand plans to launch ove the next 18 months Down Under.
The LM people mover is an interesting move for the brand, launching into a largely unexplored section of the market, currently best served by grey imports like its Toyota relation, the Alphard.
At the launch of its first ground-up electric SUV, the RZ, Lexus Australia boss John Pappas confirmed launch timing and variants for the LM.
The range will be split into two hybrid-only grades, the base LM350h which will arrive before the end of this year, and a top-spec LM500h which is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2024.
For a hint at what might power the LM350h? It’s only fair to look at the Toyota Alphard, which is currently powered by a 2.5-litre (A25A-FXS) petrol four-cylinder hybrid, which can send a combined 184kW to the wheels.
As for the 500h? Perhaps the newer 2.4-litre turbo hybrid unit used elsewhere in the Lexus range, capable of producing a combined 273kW.
We can at very least rule out the older 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 which remains available in the Alphard range.
Pappas said the LM will help the brand “cater to the diverse lifestyles” of its customers, and that since the announcement, Lexus dealers have been “inundated” with expressions of interest for the model.
“We’re really excited about it,” he continued. “It will set a new standard for luxury in this class. We think it’s going to give us a look at some new buyers, while expanding on that loyal customer, as well. It gives them a look at something – an area we don’t play in at the moment.
“It’s going to be market-leading.”
Pappas said the unusual decision to expand its range beyond SUVs and sedans was to do with an overarching Lexus brand position to be “diversified – with all our technologies, but also our model range”.
The LM’s Toyota relation, the Alphard, is by far and away one of the most popular grey imports to Australia, combining with Lexus’ claims of strong interest for a potential warm welcome for a luxury hybrid people mover complete with a factory backed warranty and Lexus’ signature Encore ownership benefits program.
Stay tuned for more accurate pricing and specs for the Lexus LM due soon. As it is, buyers are forking out between $75 – $130,000 for late model, low kilometre examples of the Alphard, so it will be curious to see how Lexus can price its locally delivered version of the car.
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