Making its debut at the 2019 Shanghai motor show is Lexus’ first-ever MPV – the LM. Soon to be available in China and select Asian markets, the Lexus LM is available in two variants, the LM 350 and the LM 300h.

Lexus’ LM is based on parent company Toyota’s Alphard MPV but is being pegged as the more premium alternative. The new LM has a typical, boxy MPV silhouette, but with distinctive Lexus touches. Up front, it features the brand’s signature spindle grille in chrome, with the LED headlights positioned on either side. The L-shaped fog lamp housings too, are finished in chrome. On the side, the LM gets a chrome strip around the window line and on the side skirts. At the back, the generous use of chrome is carried over to the rear tailgate and the bumper. The LM’s tail-lights are LED units, with the brake lights running across the width of the rear door. Colour options for the Lexus LM include Black And White Pearl Crystal Shine.

The Lexus LM is available in four- and seven-seat configurations, with the former being the more opulent one with individual, reclining and ventilated captain seats at the back separated by a touchscreen control panel in the middle. The panel contains controls for the seats, the climate control and the audio controls. There’s also a large 26-inch display, a refrigerator and an umbrella storage area for the rear passengers. The seven-seater LM is aimed at family buyers and features an additional row of three seats at the back. However, it is expected to do away with the captain seats in favour of two individual bucket seats.    

In terms of engines, the LM 350 will be powered by 3.5-litre petrol engine that will send power to the front wheels, most likely through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The LM 300h meanwhile is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine that works in tandem with an electric motor. The combined power output for the 300h is rated at 218hp, which will be sent to all four wheels via an e-CVT gearbox. 

Lexus is yet to confirm the LM’s India launch, where it will rival the only other luxury MPV on offer – the Mercedes-Benz V-class. Currently, Lexus sells the LS and ES luxury sedans, along with the LX, NX and RX SUVs, in India.