Review of the Lexus LM

The Lexus LM is an ultra-luxury MPV that is redefining passenger comfort. Bridging the gap between a limousine and a minibus, the LM comes with jaw-dropping features like a huge touchscreen, artificial leather upholstery, and a 14-inch drop-down rear monitor. 

Rivals to the Lexus LM include the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. 

Our Lexus LM review covers:

• Aerodynamic exterior with huge front grille 
• High-tech interior and superb build quality 
• Boot space is 110 litres in the seven-seater, 752 litres in four-seater 
• 2.5-litre hybrid engine 
• Trim levels

Pros:

• Interior is one of the best around 
• Spacious and practical 
• Build quality is superb 

Cons:

• Very expensive
• The engine doesn't meet the demands of a luxury MPV 
• Ride quality decreases out of town 

The Lexus LM will certainly turn heads with its design, but it might not be for the right reasons. Although its square body is fairly standard for an MPV, the LM's front stands out like a sore thumb. It comes with a huge front grille that spans almost the entire front end. Whether or not you think it looks good, it makes for some serious road presence. 

You don't need to be worried about practicality in the LM. Whatever configuration you opt for, whether the seven-seater or four-seater, has plenty of space inside. All the seats are comfortable, and there's plenty of head and legroom throughout the cabin. You also get a generous amount of storage, such as a large centre cubby and well-sized door bins. 

If practicality is out of the window, the LM in four-seater form is absolutely magnificent. The rear seats are replaced by two huge armchairs that can recline horizontally, and you're surrounded by state-of-the-art technology. It's something that the US President would travel in. 

The four-seater version of the LM has 752 litres of boot space. If you opt for the seven-seater, which I guess many of you will, the space decreases to just 110 litres. However, you can stow away the third row of seats to reveal 1,191 litres of space. 

If you're looking for the definition of a luxury MPV, the LM is the one. The interior is beautifully crafted with a range of premium materials, such as soft-touch plastics, leather seats, and immense build quality. You can rest assured that all your passengers, whether in the front or in the rear, will be comfortable. 

Complementing the smart interior of the LM is its state-of-the-art technology. In the front, there's a pair of twin displays, one for the driver's display and the other for the infotainment system. Go for the four-seater Takumi trim, and everything is taken up a notch. There's a huge screen in the rear for entertainment and even a barrier that separates the passengers. 

Two trims are available for the LM: LM and Takumi. 

LM comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, a 21-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats, a heated wooden steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, and a range of driver assistance systems. 

Takumi takes the LM to another level with a 23-speaker audio system, a 48-inch monitor, fully reclining and massaging armchairs in the rear, a fridge, and wireless charging boxes. 

The LM is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine that returns 247hp. The entry-level version has front-wheel drive, while all others have all-wheel drive. 

With all-wheel drive, you can reach 62mph in just under nine seconds, which is pretty impressive for a car of the LM's size. 

On the road, the LM is a comfortable MPV to drive. But, as expected, it's not too quick or agile. The LM is best suited around town. Its handling is accurate, and although its turning circle is quite large, it's not a tricky car to drive around town. 

The suspension leaves a bit to be desired, and you can feel bumps in the road, but who cares about that when you're surrounded by class-leading technology? 

As you increase up to motorway speed, the LM is more suited for cruising rather than overtaking. You can cruise along very comfortably, but when you accelerate, engine noise becomes a bit intrusive. 

Prices for the new Lexus LM start from £88,479.00 OTR* or to lease from £1,207.07 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Lexus LM? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.