Lexus has just released a new teaser image of its upcoming MPV, confirming that it will be called the Lexus LM. From the image, it appears as though the Lexus LM has been inspired by parent company Toyota’s Alphard. The image does not reveal a whole lot, though it does show a large, boxy silhouette typical of the breed, which is very similar to the Alphard MPV’s. As the previous teaser showed, the LM is expected to feature some Lexus design cues on the outside, like a redesigned grille as well as new headlights and tail-lights. Lexus is expected to reveal the LM at the upcoming 2019 Auto Shanghai on April 16, 2019.
Last year, the Japanese luxury brand had filed trademark applications for the ‘LM350’ and ‘LM300h’ names, which indicates that the LM will be available with a petrol engine and a petrol-electric hybrid motor; the latter is likely to be the same 218hp, 2.5-litre petrol-electric unit found under the hood of the Lexus ES 300h.
As Lexus is Toyota’s luxury arm, the LM luxury people carrier is expected to be more luxurious than the Alphard, which is already a premium model. Production of the LM at Lexus’ production facility in Inabe, Japan (the same facility where the Alphard is produced) is likely to begin by 2020; it will primarily be sold in Asian markets, especially China, and will rival the Mercedes V-class.
In India, Lexus currently offers the LS and ES luxury sedans as well as the LX, NX and RX SUVs.
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